GENERAL QUESTIONS:

• What is henna? 

Henna is a flowering shrub, botanical name (lawsonia inermis)  it is mostly found in tropical and sub-tropical climates. The flowers are used to make perfume, while the leaves are dried, crushed and made in to a paste for skin and hair as a natural and safe plant based dye.

• What color is natural henna?

Henna looks green or brown and gets dark when it is drying, after the dried paste is removed the starting stain ranges from orange to reddish brown which darkens over the next 48 hours to a burgundy brown.

• Do we use black henna?

No, we do not use and do not recommend getting black henna done.There have been many reports of severe allergic reactions and skin scarring due to black henna or PPD used in henna.
WE ONLY USE 100% NATURAL HENNA.

• Does henna application hurt?

Henna application does not hurt because it is applied like icing on a cake..no piercing is involved.

• What are the ingredients used in our henna  paste?

We use natural henna powder, lemon juice,tea brew, coffee, essential oils like eucalyptus, lavendar and cajeput and fructose.  (Please let us know if you are allergic to any ingredients prior to application).

• How does henna stain the skin? 

The dye molecules from the henna plant  paste permeate the top most layers of the skin to help stain the skin with a rich reddish brown or dark brown stain which darkens over a period of 48 hours after paste removal. 

• Can pregnant women get henna done?

Women in countries like India and Egypt get henna on their hands and feet. In the West there is this growing trend of  getting a belly blessing which means decorating bellies in the third trimester with henna to celebrate and welcome the new baby. Henna is believed to protect the baby and mommy and bring good fortune, like a blessing. But, before you decide to get henna ask your midwife or OB-GYN  and make sure the pregnancy is not considered high risk.  We use only 100% Natural Henna.. NO PPD !!! And we make Henna with only Lavender essential oil for pregnant bellies.
External Source: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/pregbirth/index.html 

• Can anyone get henna done?

Yes, anyone can get henna, except for infants and people with chronic blood disorders, chronic immune system disorders or people with G6DP DEFICIENCY- Glucose -6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency.
External Source: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/medical/g6pd.html

• Can I get henna on any part of my body?

Yes, henna can be applied to any part of the body except the stain varies in darkness in different areas. Hands and feet achieve the darkest stain.

• Why do we apply lemon/sugar liquid to your recently dried henna?

Lemon/sugar solution is used as a sealant for preventing the recently dried henna paste from flaking off from the area where it was applied.

• How many days advance notice is needed  for an appointment or event?

If you are a bride call us as early as a year in advance, we may not know the specifics but we can get a date booking contract, and add the specifics later. For other clients please email me at least  1 week prior to the event. Availability will be conveyed.

• Any more questions ?

If you have any more questions email me at bhavnashenna@gmail.com  

AFTERCARE QUESTIONS:
 

• How long does the paste take to dry?

Henna paste takes about 15 to 20 mins to dry after which a lemon/sugar solution is patted or sprayed on as a sealant to prevent the henna from falling off.

• How long shall the paste be kept on the skin?

To achieve a dark stain henna shall be kept on for 4 hours minimum. Ideally 8 hours. After which it should be scraped off and not allowed to get wet for another 8 hours.

• How is the dried paste removed?

The dried paste can be easily scraped off with floss. Any kind of oil or an aftercare henna balm (made by Bhavna) can be applied to remove the stickiness of the lemon/sugar solution and remove some stubborn pieces of henna paste from the skin.

• Is there a way to make the stain darker?

Heat is the way to get a darker stain. After paste removal, heat arms and hands over steam or heated pan (8 inches above pan),Sit by a space heater, sip some hot tea. Keep away from water as long as you can.(hint: till the wedding day)

• How long does the stain last?

Henna stain lasts 7-10 days, this depends on the stain achieved, which depends on aftercare and body temperature and location of henna on the body. Thicker skin gets darker stain.

• Can I get rid of the stain earlier ?

Using exfoliants, whitening toothpaste and frequent use of soaps will help fade the stain faster.

• How to make my stain last longer?

Avoid skin exfoliating products, swimming pool and frequent washing.
Apply Bhavna's aftercare balm everyday after henna is applied, this deters water and if you go swimming protects from chlorine. (Balm sold separately)