HH Facts…..

(all answers are based on HH’s ethos and own henna product used)

What is Henna?
Henna derives from a plant named Lawsonia Inermis.  The plant grows in hot desert like climates and produces a reddish brown dye from its leaves that in turn, stains.  The leaves are ground to a fine powder and mixed with organic eucalyptus oils. It has been used for thousands of years from Egypt through to Asia for adornment and medicinal purposes.  It is commonly referred to as ‘Mehndi’ in the West.  HH paste is an all natural, soothing and aromatic mixture that conditions the skin.

How is it applied?
The henna paste is cleanly secure inside a piping like cone and is applied directly to the top of the skin through the nozzle.  It does not hurt like real tattoos and many people enjoy the coolness of the paste as it is creatively painted on.  HH is quite fast drying so once applied, it will dry in 30 minutes to an hour max, then naturally crumble off. The design is now imprinted.

How long does it last?
Following application, the depth of the stain will gradually increase over the first 2 days and darken.  How you care for your henna design from the time it is applied, will help in aiding how long it lasts.  Generally it will stay with you for up to 1 – 2 weeks then gradually fade.  We always offer after care advice and information which is best followed to preserve your design.

What is the colour of the henna stain?
Natural henna is always a dark reddish brown.  Essentially, using henna is chemistry.  The depth of colour gained from the henna staining is down to our own body part temperature.  The oils and properties of henna are drawn into the skin with our body heat, thereby drying out the paste so it falls off.  Traditionally for centuries, designs are placed on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet as they act as our energy in and outputs generating the most heat.

How long does it take to do?
The length of sitting time ranges from 5 to 15 minutes for a simple design and up to an hour or possibly more for a large commissioned piece or intricate wedding henna.

What about black henna?
There is no such thing as black henna.  Natural henna alone does not produce a black stain.  Formulas to create a dark dye will possibly contain PPD chemicals and be harmful to your skin. We advise and warn customers away from such products to avoid irritation, rashes, burning or even scarring.

Why do so many photographs of henna look black?
These photos were taken with the natural henna paste freshly applied or still wet on the skin.  When the paste is removed, the coloured stain will initially be an orange red and will darken over the next couple of days to a rich red-brown.