Henna FAQ

Jagua is a 100% natural gel made from the juice of the jagua fruit (Genipa americana) — it gives a cool blue-black stain instead of henna's reddish-brown. Our jagua gel is plant-based with no PPD or other harsh synthetic dyes, the same ingredient that makes so-called "black henna" risky. As with any natural product, let us know about any known sensitivities when you book so we can plan accordingly.

Because it's plant-based, natural henna is one of the gentler forms of body art and true allergic reactions are rare. One exception worth knowing: henna can occasionally cause a reaction in people with G6PD deficiency or certain types of anemia, so please check with your pediatrician first if that applies to your child. As with any natural product, let us know about any known sensitivities when you book so we can plan accordingly.

A natural henna or jagua stain typically lasts one to three weeks, gradually fading as skin exfoliates. How dark it develops and how long it lasts depends on skin type, placement, and aftercare.

Henna stains darkest wherever the skin is thickest — think palms, the backs of hands, and the tops of feet. Thinner skin, like forearms, will still take a beautiful stain, just a shade lighter. It's part of why bridal henna traditionally focuses on hands and feet — it's not just tradition, it's also where the color pays off best.

• Dry: let the paste dry for 20–30 minutes.
• Wear: leave it on for 4–6 hours — the longer it stays on, the darker the stain.
• Removal: scrape or brush off the dried paste — do not use water.
• Protect: avoid water for 24 hours and skip lotions/oils while the stain is still darkening.
• Color: starts orange and darkens to a deep brown over 2–3 days.

• Dry: let the gel dry completely, about 30–45 minutes.
• Wear: leave it on the skin for 3–5 hours.
• Remove: wash off thoroughly with warm water and soap.
• Protect: sleep carefully the first night and cover the design to avoid transferring the stain.
• Color: appears invisible or faint at first, then darkens to a deep blue-black over 24–48 hours.

Bridal henna is billed at $125/hour and ranges from $250 for a Minimalist look up to $937+ for a Bespoke Grand Luxe design, depending on coverage and detail. Visit the Bridal Henna page for the full breakdown of each package.

Guest and Mehndi party henna is $125/hour (a two-hour minimum applies), discounted to $100/hour when booked alongside a Bridal Package. In an hour, we can typically complete 10–12 simple designs or 5–6 medium designs for your guests. See Mehndi Parties for details.

Henna gives the traditional reddish-brown stain, made from henna powder, sugar, molasses, lemon juice, and a touch of cajeput and lavender oil. Jagua (pronounced "ha-GWA," also spelled Hagua) is a completely different plant — pure gel from the jagua fruit — that gives a cool blue-black stain instead, closer to the look of a black tattoo. Both are 100% natural with no synthetic dyes. See our full Henna & Jagua color guide for details.

If you're not hosting a party, private sessions are booked in 30-minute increments starting around $45–$60 for 30 minutes, rather than the hourly party rate. See our private appointment pricing guide for the full breakdown.

Yes — a non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date and is applied toward your total balance. Standard mileage applies for travel outside our base area, and bridal consultations/trials are billed at $125/hour. Head to the Book / Contact page to check availability and get started.