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What is Henna?
TRADITIONAL BODY ART
There is no arguing that henna tattoos are beautiful. But what is henna exactly, and where did it come from? We found out everything you need to know.
What is henna?
Henna is a small flowering shrub that has many uses. The fragrant flowers are used to create perfume, and the leaves are dried and then turned into a fine powder that’s used for dying clothes, hair and temporarily dying the skin — hence henna tattooing. The plant has even been known to treat skin conditions.
Where did henna tattooing come from?
The exact origins of henna tattooing aren’t clear, however the tradition dates back as far as Ancient Egypt. It was said that Cleopatra used henna to adorn her body and Egyptians used the dye to paint the nails of mummies before they were buried.
How is it used today?
The art of applying henna to the hands and feet is known as Mehndi, and is traditionally used for celebrations and rites of passage. Every culture and region of the world uses henna tattoos in its own unique way. For Hindu weddings, henna is painted on the bride to symbolize joy, beauty, spiritual awakening and offering, while Moroccans often paint doors with henna to bring prosperity and chase away evil. Depending on where you get henna tattoos, they will look different. Indian tattoos feature fine lines and floral patterns, while Arabic henna designs tend to be larger in scale and African henna patterns are more bold and geometric.
How long does a henna tattoo last?
This depends on a few factors like skin type, lifestyle and body part, but generally speaking, the stain will last somewhere between one and three weeks.
Article from Huffpost-
Henna Aftercare
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HENNA BEFORE & AFTERCARE: TIPS & TRICKS
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Henna works best on clean, dry skin. It is best to avoid oils/lotions on the day of your appointment. It is also helpful to remove any hair from the area where your design is to be applied. Designs last longest and stain darkest on the hands and feet, where the skin is thicker, and can last up to two weeks with proper care.
The longer you leave the paste on, the darker the stain. It is recommended you keep the paste on 4-8 hours after it has been sealed.
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When it is time to remove the henna paste, use a plastic butter knife, or edge of a credit card to scrape off. Do not wash off with water!
•The henna design will be light to bright orange at first and then darken over the next 24-48 hours to a shade of reddish-brown. Keep your henna design away from water for the first 24 hours or so after you remove the paste. Early exposure to water can interrupt the darkening process and leave you with a lighter stain that will not last as long.
•If you have henna paste that is difficult to remove from your skin, use a cotton ball dipped in olive oil or Bella Henna Aftercare balm. (coconut and any kind of vegetable based oil will also work).
Henna likes heat, so staying warm while your henna design is on, and while the color is developing is ideal.
Jagua Gel Aftercare
• Allow 30 minutes to an hour to allow the jagua gel to fully dry. Once it is dry it will take on the consistency of a thin film.
• Leave the Jagua on your skin for roughly 3-6 hours. Relax during this time. Avoid any kind of activity that will cause you to sweat. Sweating with the gel on your skin can cause the lines to blur.
• Remove the jagua gel after 2-4 hours by washing and rinsing away with warm running water and soap. Do not scrub the area or use anything that will cause exfoliation. This will shorten the lifespan of your design. Be sure to remove all of the gel from your skin. Any jagua gel left remaining on your skin will continue to stain and can disrupt your design.
• Your Jagua Tattoo will be very faint at first. DON’T PANIC. The design takes anywhere from 24 – 48 hours to develop on your skin. The results of the stain will vary depending on placement on your body as well as skin type. The stain will be darkest on the hands and feet and gradually lighter towards the back and torso.
• Going to sleep with the Jagua gel on your skin is not recommended. Any movement during your sleep may cause the gel to shift. It will stain anything that it touches including your bedding or other parts of your skin and may disrupt your original Jagua design.
• After you have removed the Gel, applying a good lotion such as one containing shea or cocoa butter will slow the exfoliation process of your skin and help extend the life of your Jagua Tattoo. You can also apply a little olive or coconut oil to your design anytime just before showering to prevent any heavy exposure to water.
• WHAT NOT TO DO:
AVOID Scrubbing the tattoo area with a loofah or brush or anything that exfoliates your skin. Your Jagua design will fade away as quickly as your skin exfoliates. So any precautions you can take to prolong this will help your Jagua stain to last a little longer.
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