What is Henna?
Henna does NOT hurt and it is NOT permanent!
Henna is a form of temporary "tattoo" that stains the top layer of skin cells. The dye comes from the powdered leaves of the henna plant, Lawsonia Inermis, and the powder is typically mixed with lemon juice, sugar, and essential oils (other henna artists' recipe may vary!) The paste is applied to the skin and left on for several hours. When it is taken off, an orange stain is apparent, and will darken over the next 24-48 hours.

How long does it last?
The stain will last anywhere from 1 week to 4 weeks – depending on where on the body the henna is located, how fresh the henna was, and other factors such as exposure to chlorine water in pools. Henna will be darkest where skin is thickest, on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet, and gets lighter as you move towards the torso. Keeping the paste on overnight and avoiding water for 24 hours will give you a darker, longer-lasting stain. Henna fades as your skin naturally exfoliates, and the rate of exfoliation varies from person to person and on different parts of the body.

What colors does henna come in?
NATURAL henna provides shades of red, orange and brown. There is NO such thing as “black” henna or any other color. In fact these products contain chemicals that can cause severe allergic reactions! NEVER get a henna tattoo if it appears black, or if the artist refuses to tell you the ingredients! 

What do I do after you apply the henna?

1. Leave paste on as long as possible – the longer it’s on, the darker the stain! Minimum 3-4 hours, overnight is ideal! (Cover henna to protect sheets and clothes.) Do not touch or pick at it. Stay warm – heat helps promote a dark stain!

2. Scrape paste off, without using water. Use lemon juice or olive oil if necessary. Do this over a garbage can, the paste can stain clothing and furniture.

3. Your henna will darken over the next 24-48 hours. To prolong the life of the henna, avoid water as much as possible, especially during the first day. Before swimming or showering, apply waterproof sunscreen, cooking oil, cocoa butter, or some other moisturizer to the design. If you have henna on your hands, wear rubber gloves when washing dishes.

How can I learn more about henna?

I am available for lessons, private parties, public events and more.

Email – samantharamos@earthlink.net 

Or Click on one of these links:

www.hennapage.com

http://beauty.expertvillage.com/interviews/henna.htm

http://www.uniteddivas.com/mahina/mahinahennavideo.html