Henna body art has been around for thousands of years, and it is still one of the most beautiful ways to decorate your skin. The best part? You do not need to be an artist to create gorgeous designs at home. With our henna paste and Jagua, a little patience, and this guide, you will be creating stunning temporary body art in no time.
What is the difference between coloured henna and Jagua?
Before you start, it helps to know what you are working with.
• Coloured henna paste shows its colour immediately once dry. Simply leave it on until the paste is fully dry (time varies with thickness), then wash it off. It lasts 2–5 days on the skin.
• Jagua takes time to develop. Leave the paste on for 2 hours, rinse it off, and the full deep blue‑black stain will develop over 48 hours. It lasts 7–14 days, depending on your skin type and care.
Step 1: Prep your skin
Just like with our tattoo stickers, clean skin is essential. Wash the area with soap and water to remove any oil, lotion or sweat, then pat it completely dry. Do not apply any cream or oil before henna — it will block the stain from taking.
We also recommend doing a small patch test on your inner arm 24 hours before a full design, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Step 2: Plan your design
Beginners, start simple. Small vines, dots, mandala edges and geometric patterns are forgiving and look beautiful even if your hand is not perfectly steady. You can practice on paper first, or use a stencil to guide you.
Step 3: Apply the paste
Hold the cone or bottle at a 45‑degree angle and apply gentle, even pressure. Let the paste sit slightly raised on the skin — a thicker layer gives a deeper stain. Do not spread it too thin. If you make a mistake, use a cotton bud to gently lift the wet paste away before it dries.
Step 4: Let it dry and set
• For coloured henna: leave it on until completely dry, then wash off gently. The colour is visible right away.
• For Jagua: leave it on for exactly 2 hours, then rinse with water. The stain will look faint at first — do not worry, it will darken over the next 48 hours.
Avoid touching water, sweating heavily or rubbing the area during the setting time.
Step 5: Aftercare for a longer‑lasting stain
• Keep the area dry for the first 24 hours
• Avoid exfoliating, scrubbing or using harsh body wash on the design
• Moisturise the surrounding skin daily with a gentle, unscented lotion
• Avoid prolonged soaking in baths or swimming pools
Removing or fading faster
Henna and Jagua fade naturally over time. If you want to speed it up, gently exfoliate with body wash or soak the area in warm water. Never scrub aggressively — let it fade gradually.
Henna is all about creativity and self‑expression. There are no rules — experiment, have fun, and let your skin tell your story.
