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Henna is a fairly new concept for western countries. Many are excited to give it a try while many are still apprehensive about using it. Add to that the stigma around tattooing, and people still shy away from henna. Here are some questions that I regularly get asked. If you would like to add any question to this list, feel free to contact me here
Q.First and foremost, what is henna?
Henna is a flowering plant whose leaves are dried, crushed, and mixed with water to make henna paste that is used to dye skin, hair and fingernails. Since it is a tree, it is completely natural.
Q.So, what else goes in the henna cone besides the henna powder?
To make henna paste, we mix henna powder with water (main ingredient), sugar and lemon. Many henna cones also use essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus.
Q.But how do you know what is in the henna cone that you are using? Do you make the cones and paste yourself?
Always! We source the henna supplies from certified dealers in Canada. The henna paste is always made in-house at our studio and we make sure that we use the best quality products to deliver the best quality services.
Q.Now that we know what is in that henna cone, tell us about the procedure of getting henna tattoo.
Henna application is similar to piping a cake. We first clean the surface where the henna design would be applied. It is better if the surface is oil-free. Then the henna is applied in the desired pattern. Once the henna is dried, it becomes flaky and starts to fall off. The henna flakes can be removed using a blunt knife or just by brushing the surface with your hand or paper towel. When you remove the henna, the stain will be somewhat orange. It will turn deep red/brown with time.
Q.That sounds simple! Can I just wash my hand to remove the henna?
Absolutely not! Consider water as an enemy to the henna stain, which is kind of surprising because water is the main ingredient of making the henna paste. It is advised to not put water on the henna design for at least 12 to 24 hours after you remove the henna flakes. The more the surface is exposed to water, the faster it fades away. You can apply natural oils like coconut or olive oil on the stain before exposing the stain to water, to make your henna design last longer.
Q.Is there anything else I can do for the after-care of my henna?
Many henna artists advise their clients to apply a lemon and sugar sealant on the henna patterns to make the paste stick longer on their body. Since we already add lemon and sugar to our henna paste, our clients do not need to worry about that. If you still want to do it for a darker color, take one part each of lemon and sugar, mix well, dip cotton in this sealant and lightly dab on the henna paste. Repeat it a couple of times for best results.
Q.Which parts of my body can I get henna done on?
Where you get your henna design is completely up to you. But yes, henna develops more with heat so areas like the palm of your hand will give you the darkest stain compared to other areas of your body. Other parts people prefer are back of the hand, arm, feet, and legs. Now that people are becoming more and more comfortable with henna, they are getting designs on their necks, backs and upper thighs. However, we do not do henna on faces.
Q.Why would I get henna when I can get a permanent tattoo or a sticker tattoo from any store?
Henna tattoos lie somewhere between the permanent and stick-on tattoos. Henna is temporary but it stays for at least 7-10 days, sometimes more if the area is not often exposed to water. Compared to permanent tattoos, it is completely painless and natural. So you won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals, unsanitary needles, and hour-long procedures. Henna tattoos are great for those who want to look different and experiment with something new every time.
Ever wondered what if the design you want for a permanent tattoo doesn’t look good once it goes on you or you get tired of it? Get a temporary henna tattoo of the same design first to check out the look and your commitment!
Q.Is this henna black? Can I get henna in any color other than the usual green?
Natural henna is never black. Henna is a plant and that’s why the leaves are green, which give us a green paste. Black henna is nothing but chemicals made into a paste to look like henna. To read more about black henna, go to my blog here. If you want henna in different colors, you can try glitter henna which stays on until the next time you wash the area.
Q.I absolutely love henna. Do you make anything with henna patterns other than the body tattoos?
We sure do! We take orders for making henna cakes and cookies, ideal for gifts, weddings or any other party favors, or just to relish by yourself. We are doing a lot of henna paintings, some of which have been displayed at art shows and galleries. Don’t forget to bring home some henna skulls and pumpkins for your Halloween decorations, or tree hanging to celebrate Christmas. You can shop at our store here. Keep checking back to stay up-to-date with our newest store products.
Q.Can I only get henna for a wedding or religious ceremony?
You can get henna for no reason and purpose. It is a form of body art, just like makeup or that cute accessory you just bought. You can get henna to celebrate an occasion or just to celebrate yourself.
Q.What sort of events do people call you for?
Anything and everything! I have done birthday parties for kids and teens, bridal and baby showers, wedding henna, girls’ nights, pre-natal henna, and henna for cancer patients. We also participate in fairs like Halifax Buskers, Hal-con, Maritime Tattoo Festival and Cole Harbor Harvest Festival, as well as charity events like CIBC Relay for Life.
Q.Is henna really safe for my kids?
Henna is just a plant so it is absolutely safe for kids and everyone else. To minimize the possibility of any kind of reaction, we only use water to make our henna paste whenever we do henna on kids. Just let us know whenever you are making an appointment or booking a party that it will be for kids.
Q.How safe is pre-natal henna and henna for cancer patients?
Henna is completely safe for pregnant women, and those who are undergoing or have undergone cancer treatments. When making henna paste for such clients, we only mix henna powder and water to ensure there is no adverse effect. Just let us know when you are making an appointment that it is for a pre-natal henna or henna crown.
Q.I got henna done from you at an event and enjoyed it so much! How can I get more henna done from you?
You can book an individual appointment with us through phone, email, website or social media. Our studio is located in Dartmouth and is easily accessible by public transit. For more details, visit our contact us page.
Q.How do I stay in touch with you to find out about your upcoming events and promotions?
We are everywhere! Follow @halifaxhenna on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. We regularly post our upcoming events, promotions and deals on our social media pages.
Q.Let’s talk shop. How much do you charge for henna?
Our prices vary according to the appointment and design. Henna patterns start at $10 and go up depending on the size and intricacy of the pattern. We do special packages for various events such as kids’ parties and bridal showers. You can find our party packages on our services page. You can also give us a call or send an email to discuss your specific needs and we will be happy to design a package that will work best for you.
Q.I purchased henna cones from you, how do I use it?
Our henna cones are made using natural & certified ingredients from North American suppliers. These are free of chemicals, so please store the cones in the freezer. Thaw it at room temperature for 20-30 min prior to use and refreeze the remaining paste immediately. The cones will last 3-5 months if stored properly. When ready to use, cut the tip of the cone using scissors, and make the hole bigger if required by cutting further. Enjoy and have fun!
Henna is a flowering plant whose leaves are dried, crushed, and mixed with water to make henna paste that is used to dye skin, hair and fingernails. Since it is a tree, it is completely natural.
Q.So, what else goes in the henna cone besides the henna powder?
To make henna paste, we mix henna powder with water (main ingredient), sugar and lemon. Many henna cones also use essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus.
Q.But how do you know what is in the henna cone that you are using? Do you make the cones and paste yourself?
Always! We source the henna supplies from certified dealers in Canada. The henna paste is always made in-house at our studio and we make sure that we use the best quality products to deliver the best quality services.
Q.Now that we know what is in that henna cone, tell us about the procedure of getting henna tattoo.
Henna application is similar to piping a cake. We first clean the surface where the henna design would be applied. It is better if the surface is oil-free. Then the henna is applied in the desired pattern. Once the henna is dried, it becomes flaky and starts to fall off. The henna flakes can be removed using a blunt knife or just by brushing the surface with your hand or paper towel. When you remove the henna, the stain will be somewhat orange. It will turn deep red/brown with time.
Q.That sounds simple! Can I just wash my hand to remove the henna?
Absolutely not! Consider water as an enemy to the henna stain, which is kind of surprising because water is the main ingredient of making the henna paste. It is advised to not put water on the henna design for at least 12 to 24 hours after you remove the henna flakes. The more the surface is exposed to water, the faster it fades away. You can apply natural oils like coconut or olive oil on the stain before exposing the stain to water, to make your henna design last longer.
Q.Is there anything else I can do for the after-care of my henna?
Many henna artists advise their clients to apply a lemon and sugar sealant on the henna patterns to make the paste stick longer on their body. Since we already add lemon and sugar to our henna paste, our clients do not need to worry about that. If you still want to do it for a darker color, take one part each of lemon and sugar, mix well, dip cotton in this sealant and lightly dab on the henna paste. Repeat it a couple of times for best results.
Q.Which parts of my body can I get henna done on?
Where you get your henna design is completely up to you. But yes, henna develops more with heat so areas like the palm of your hand will give you the darkest stain compared to other areas of your body. Other parts people prefer are back of the hand, arm, feet, and legs. Now that people are becoming more and more comfortable with henna, they are getting designs on their necks, backs and upper thighs. However, we do not do henna on faces.
Q.Why would I get henna when I can get a permanent tattoo or a sticker tattoo from any store?
Henna tattoos lie somewhere between the permanent and stick-on tattoos. Henna is temporary but it stays for at least 7-10 days, sometimes more if the area is not often exposed to water. Compared to permanent tattoos, it is completely painless and natural. So you won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals, unsanitary needles, and hour-long procedures. Henna tattoos are great for those who want to look different and experiment with something new every time.
Ever wondered what if the design you want for a permanent tattoo doesn’t look good once it goes on you or you get tired of it? Get a temporary henna tattoo of the same design first to check out the look and your commitment!
Q.Is this henna black? Can I get henna in any color other than the usual green?
Natural henna is never black. Henna is a plant and that’s why the leaves are green, which give us a green paste. Black henna is nothing but chemicals made into a paste to look like henna. To read more about black henna, go to my blog here. If you want henna in different colors, you can try glitter henna which stays on until the next time you wash the area.
Q.I absolutely love henna. Do you make anything with henna patterns other than the body tattoos?
We sure do! We take orders for making henna cakes and cookies, ideal for gifts, weddings or any other party favors, or just to relish by yourself. We are doing a lot of henna paintings, some of which have been displayed at art shows and galleries. Don’t forget to bring home some henna skulls and pumpkins for your Halloween decorations, or tree hanging to celebrate Christmas. You can shop at our store here. Keep checking back to stay up-to-date with our newest store products.
Q.Can I only get henna for a wedding or religious ceremony?
You can get henna for no reason and purpose. It is a form of body art, just like makeup or that cute accessory you just bought. You can get henna to celebrate an occasion or just to celebrate yourself.
Q.What sort of events do people call you for?
Anything and everything! I have done birthday parties for kids and teens, bridal and baby showers, wedding henna, girls’ nights, pre-natal henna, and henna for cancer patients. We also participate in fairs like Halifax Buskers, Hal-con, Maritime Tattoo Festival and Cole Harbor Harvest Festival, as well as charity events like CIBC Relay for Life.
Q.Is henna really safe for my kids?
Henna is just a plant so it is absolutely safe for kids and everyone else. To minimize the possibility of any kind of reaction, we only use water to make our henna paste whenever we do henna on kids. Just let us know whenever you are making an appointment or booking a party that it will be for kids.
Q.How safe is pre-natal henna and henna for cancer patients?
Henna is completely safe for pregnant women, and those who are undergoing or have undergone cancer treatments. When making henna paste for such clients, we only mix henna powder and water to ensure there is no adverse effect. Just let us know when you are making an appointment that it is for a pre-natal henna or henna crown.
Q.I got henna done from you at an event and enjoyed it so much! How can I get more henna done from you?
You can book an individual appointment with us through phone, email, website or social media. Our studio is located in Dartmouth and is easily accessible by public transit. For more details, visit our contact us page.
Q.How do I stay in touch with you to find out about your upcoming events and promotions?
We are everywhere! Follow @halifaxhenna on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. We regularly post our upcoming events, promotions and deals on our social media pages.
Q.Let’s talk shop. How much do you charge for henna?
Our prices vary according to the appointment and design. Henna patterns start at $10 and go up depending on the size and intricacy of the pattern. We do special packages for various events such as kids’ parties and bridal showers. You can find our party packages on our services page. You can also give us a call or send an email to discuss your specific needs and we will be happy to design a package that will work best for you.
Q.I purchased henna cones from you, how do I use it?
Our henna cones are made using natural & certified ingredients from North American suppliers. These are free of chemicals, so please store the cones in the freezer. Thaw it at room temperature for 20-30 min prior to use and refreeze the remaining paste immediately. The cones will last 3-5 months if stored properly. When ready to use, cut the tip of the cone using scissors, and make the hole bigger if required by cutting further. Enjoy and have fun!