Below is a listing of the most frequent questions we receive from both clients, and visitors to our website. We hope this is of help to you.
What is henna?
Henna also known as Lawsonia Inermis is a paste made from the leaves of the ‘henna plant’. The plant is mainly found in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This plant grows best in hot weather with minimum moisture. The leaves contain a red dye called ‘Lawsone’, which is what stains the skin. The leaves are crushed into fine powder; the powder is then sifted multiple times, and then mixed with a variety of ingredients: lemon juice, sugar, essential oils, etc. to create a smooth creamy paste. This paste is then put into an applicator (a henna cone) for the artist to create their piece of art.
Is it safe?
Yes. Natural henna is 100% safe and is free of chemicals. It is painless and a temporary form of body art.
What ingredients are used in the henna paste?
Mixing henna is no big secret. Any genuine, professional henna artist will tell you what is in their paste. Sushma’s Henna For You only uses the freshest henna powder, lemon juice, sugar, and essential oils (Lavender, Eucalyptus, Cajeput, Tea Tree, etc.).
How do I ensure to get a great stain?
There are 4 main factors that ensure a proper henna stain.
Quality of the henna powder and paste: The fresher it is, the more it guarantees a beautiful stain. Good quality paste is never watery or runny. It will always be smooth, creamy and stains well every time. A proper artist will ensure to make their own paste to give clients excellent results. Sushma’s Henna For You freshly mixes and creates the henna paste for each appointment, to ensure clients get the darkest stains possible!
Proper Aftercare: Henna should be applied 2 days before the event date. As it takes 48 hours to reach its darkest results. The henna should be kept on for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight for best results. To remove paste, you need scrape it off and keep away from water as much as possible for the first 24 hours. As the paste is removed, it will be a bright orange first, and slowly stain in tones of cherry, maroon, or deep mahogany.
Your own body chemistry: Henna is activated by heat. The warmer your body is, the darker the stain will be.
Where the design is placed: The henna usually gets the darkest on the thickest layers of the skin. The palms of the hands, get the absolute darkest. The tops of the hand, arms, feet and legs will reach dark shades too. Places such as your back or belly may be lighter brown. Once again, this varies on each person and their body temperature.
Please click here to see the Stain gallery for results.
How long does it last?
In general, the stain should be solid in colour for at least 5 to 7 days before it starts fading. Once again, this depends on proper aftercare. The more your skin is in contact with water or exfoliated with soaps, lotions, shampoo, the sooner the stain may fade. Overall, it may take weeks to a month for the stain to be completely gone.
Where are you located?
In Halifax, Nova Scotia – CANADA.
Do you travel?
Yes I do! For bridal and parties I travel all over Halifax, Dartmouth, Yarmouth Lower Sackville and more.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location. Please contact us for a proper quote at: nawsush@yahoo.com.
Personal appointments are held in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
What is “black henna”?
First of all, henna is “never” black. Natural henna is plant based, and only turns out in shades of orange, red, deep cherry, maroon or mahogany. Black henna is full of chemicals. Mainly a chemical called PPD (para-phenylenediamine), which is found in hair dye, rubber chemicals, polyurethane and benzene (an ingredient found in gasoline). This is what gives you the “black” colour on your skin.
Please click here to see “Black Henna Warning” for more information.
Please note Sushma’s Henna For You DOES NOT use or support the use of “black henna”. We ONLY use 100% natural henna.