If you would like to learn more about Henna – keep reading……

I have been experimenting and researching Henna for years. Mainly to develop the best, darkest stain that lasts as long as possible, so people don’t have to take risks with chemical ready-made henna cones. I have discovered that the only guaranteed way to ensure a dark stain is by keeping the design on for as long as possible – at least 4-5 hours; the longer the better.

I only add natural ingredients, including sugar to retain moisture, and pure essential oils to create the best smelling and smoothest paste to stick to the skin for as long as possible. It won’t flake like ready-made cones.

I have been making my own henna for 12 years, and never had a reaction from anyone, even the most sensitive skin tested on.

There is no legislation stopping readymade cones unfortunately, so some even say it’s ‘natural’ on the cone. It cannot be so. Why?…. because:

Natural Henna is made from ground henna leaves, oils and lemon juice. Some add tea, coffee, amla, etc, (but I’ve found it doesn’t make a big difference to the stain itself just makes the paste darker) – – as would any food, it must be kept in a fridge or freezer.the point is that these are all organic ingredients with a shelf life of 3 days, then it spoils

So anything that’s been sitting in a cone that’s not even air-tight, for months, cannot be natural henna. It’s just common sense.

Chemical cones were made because they develop dark very quickly, for today’s fast lifestyles.

Natural henna can complement darker skin tones beautifully. You just have to leave it on longer and be prepared to wait for it to develop naturally. I cater for these ladies.

Natural henna paste must be kept on for 4-6 hours on the skin, or overnight (like traditional Asian brides) for the stain to be very dark and last weeks.

Many don’t realise this, or don’t want to wait, and expect a dark stain immediately that lasts for weeks – real henna doesn’t do that, only cheap chemical dyes can.

The only way for natural henna to be very dark and last weeks, is it must be kept on for 4 hours plus, the longer the better. Best is overnight, especially if your skin is a dark tone or you are over 40-years, when your skin gets thinner.
If you are young (under 25) when your skin is thicker, you can get away with 2 hours and still have a good stain. But it will last longer if it’s in contact with your skin for longer.

Basically, it’s an excuse to be a princess for the day 😁 if you are prepared to wait, it is worth it.
 
Black henna and cheap cones gives true ethical henna artists a bad name. People tell me they are allergic to henna, because they had a bad reaction. But it’s the chemicals in readymade cones they reacted to, not natural henna. 
 
Sisters, please don’t use black henna. You don’t know what is in it, or what chemicals can build up in your system over time. Research shows that you can develop allergies to simple cosmetics in later life because the chemicals have desensitised you.