Frequently Asked Questions
What is Henna?
Henna is a red or brown dye that comes from the dried leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis). Since the 4th century henna has been used in wedding ceremonies across Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures.
It's been used for thousands of years to dye skin, hair and nails. Some believe that henna originated in the Indian deserts, where people covered their hands and feet with the paste to feel cooler. Ancient practices show many cultures making use of henna. Egyptian mummies have been found with henna stained fingers. In India they used a thin sticks to drape designs while in Morocco they used syringes to apply the paste.
Over time, people began to create more intricate designs with the paste, and brides began to incorporate elaborate henna designs into their wedding rituals. Other cultural names for henna art are Fessi style, mehndi, African tape resist, anella, fudden, or lalle.
Now days Henna has a vibrant, modern life. Ranging from festival goers, baby belly blessings, ceremonies, bridal traditions, to pure body art expression. Henna art is here to stay!
What is Jagua?
Jagua is a temporary tattoo product that comes from the condensed juice of the unripe fruit of the Genipa Americana tree, which is native to the rainforests of Central and South America.
The fruit is about the size of an orange and has a thick rind. The juice is squeezed to extract a blue-black dye that is used to color the skin. The stain starts out light gray and develops into a deeper shade over 1–3 days, and can last for 1–3 weeks with proper care. The color can vary depending on body chemistry, temperature, aftercare and the darkest stains are usually on the palms of the hands and feet. Indigenous people in the Amazon have used jagua for centuries for body ornamentation and medicinal purposes. Some tribes, like the Matses Indians of Peru, would even insert the juice under the skin to create permanent markings.
Jagua is also a bug repellant and rubbing the fresh fruit on the skin can keep away insects whilst turning your skin blue. It also has medicinal properties like treating bronchitis when taken internally.. but maybe don't try that at home!
Jagua has become very popular in tourist destinations like Hawaii as a temporary vacation activity. Unlike henna Jagua has a deep blue black stain that can show up on a wide range of skin tones.