Henna & Jagua
Discover henna and jagua – their colours,
character and possibilities.
Henna and jagua both temporarily stain the upper layers of the skin, but the results are distinctly different. Henna develops into warm reddish-brown tones, while jagua creates a deep blue to indigo stain with a more contemporary, tattoo-like appearance. Both develop gradually after application and fade naturally as the skin renews.
not sure which one is right for you?
I’ll be happy to help you choose based on your design, placement and the effect you would like to achieve.
HENNA
An ancient tradition in warm, earthy tones.
Henna is made from the dried and finely ground leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. The powder is mixed into a smooth paste and applied directly to the skin using a fine-tipped cone.
Once the paste is removed, the initial stain is usually a light orange. Over the following hours, the colour gradually deepens, typically reaching its mature reddish-brown to chestnut tone within 24–48 hours.
Colour varies across the body.
Henna does not develop to the same depth of colour everywhere.
The richest, darkest stains are usually achieved on the palms and soles, while areas such as the arms, shoulders and back generally develop lighter tones.
The final result is also influenced by individual skin characteristics, body temperature, aftercare and how long the paste remains on the skin.
The henna I use
I prepare my henna paste fresh from carefully selected ingredients, so I know exactly what I am working with and what is being applied to your skin.
I do not use so-called “black henna” or pre-mixed henna pastes of unknown composition. Natural henna does not stain the skin black.
JAGUA
Deep indigo body art with a tattoo-like effect.
Deep indigo body art with a tattoo-like effect
Jagua is a naturally derived skin stain made from the fruit of Genipa americana, a tree native to Central and South America.
Unlike conventional paint, jagua does not reveal its final colour immediately.
Once the product is removed, the design may initially appear extremely faint – sometimes almost invisible.
Over the following hours, the stain gradually develops, usually reaching its characteristic blue to deep indigo colour within 24–48 hours.
What makes jagua different?
Jagua can develop a strong colour across many areas of the body, making it particularly versatile for designs beyond the hands and feet.
Its cool, dark tone creates a completely different visual effect from henna.
It can feel graphic, contemporary and remarkably similar to a permanent tattoo.
Jagua is not black henna
Jagua and so-called “black henna” are entirely different products.
Jagua comes from a different plant source and naturally develops into blue and indigo tones. It is not a form of henna, nor is it used to make natural henna black.
HENNA or JAGUA?
Which one suits you?
There is no universally “better” choice. It depends on the design, placement and overall effect you are looking for.
HENNA
✓ warm reddish-brown tones
✓ beautiful for traditional mehndi
✓ develops particularly rich colour on hands and feet
✓ soft, organic appearance
✓ ideal for intricate, detailed designs
JAGUA
✓ deep blue to indigo tones
✓ contemporary, tattoo-like appearance
✓ develops beautifully across many areas of the body
✓ works particularly well with graphic and modern designs
✓ suitable for larger designs created for the body
Still not sure?You do not need to decide before getting in touch. Tell me about the design and effect you have in mind, and I can help you choose the technique that will work best.
HENNA + JAGUA
When you don't have to choose
Henna and jagua can also be combined within the same design.
The warm reddish-brown of henna and the cool indigo of jagua create a striking contrast, allowing colour itself to become part of the composition.
The two tones can be used to emphasise different motifs, create layers and focal points, or simply play with the very different characters of the two materials.
I particularly enjoy using this approach for bespoke pieces where the relationship between the colours becomes an integral part of the design.
Two materials. Two tones. One design.
Good to know
The colour needs time to develop
Neither henna nor jagua shows its final colour immediately.
Both stains continue to develop after the material has been removed, typically reaching their mature colour within 24–48 hours.
So if your design looks very different immediately after your appointment, there is usually no reason to worry – you are simply seeing an early stage of the process.
Every skin is different
Colour intensity and longevity vary from person to person.
Placement, individual skin characteristics, aftercare, exposure to water and the natural rate at which your skin renews can all influence the final result.
This also means that the same material may develop slightly differently on two different people.
How long does it last?
Both henna and jagua stain the upper layers of the skin and gradually fade as those layers naturally renew.
Designs are typically visible for around one to two weeks, although longevity varies between individuals and different areas of the body.
Aftercare makes a difference
Good aftercare can help the colour develop beautifully and keep your design looking its best for longer.
I will always explain how to care for your design after your appointment, and you can also find the full instructions online.
Safety & Materials
It matters what goes on your skin
For me, body art is not only about the finished design. The quality and provenance of the
materials I use matter just as much.
My henna paste is freshly prepared from carefully selected ingredients, and I do not use so-called “black henna” or pre-mixed henna pastes of unknown composition.
For jagua, I use products specifically formulated for body art and sourced from trusted suppliers.
Naturally derived does not mean allergy-free
As with other plant-derived and cosmetic products, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions can occur with both henna and jagua.
If you have sensitive skin, known allergies or have previously experienced an unusual reaction to body art, hair dye or cosmetic products, please let me know before your appointment.
If you are unsure about anything, ask. It is always better to discuss it beforehand.
Have more questions?
You’ll find more information about preparation, colour development, longevity, aftercare, appointments, events and workshops in the FAQ.
