How To Get An Amazing Stain
1) Prep Your Skin
Our #1 most essential prep tip: make sure your skin is clean! Wash with soap & water, or wipe the skin down with rubbing alcohol or witch hazel before applying henna/jagua.
More prep tips:
If you exfoliate regularly, STOP exfoliating about 3 days before your appointment.
REMOVE HAIR if you’re comfortable. Even little invisible hairs can prevent the henna/jagua from making full contact with your skin - leading to uneven stains.
ARRANGE FOR HELP if you’re having your palms or feet done. You might need someone else to drive for you, help you to the restroom, get food etc.
AVOID LOTIONS/OILS that day. These interfere with the henna stain.
SPRAY TANS should be done at least 24 hrs after the henna/jagua. They don’t play well together and the stain will be lighter either way.
DRESS in clothes that let you leave your skin uncovered for 6-12 hours. For example, if you want a shoulder piece wear a sleeveless/strapless top.
If you’re coming for an appointment with me:
I love to take photos of the finished work, so keep that in mind if it helps you decide what to wear / nails done etc.
Bring an umbrella for getting back to your car, just in case!
2) Aftercare
#1 TIP - Apply Finishing Spray or cover with Mefix or Aftercare Wrap to hold the design in place for a few hours. The longer it’s on, the darker and longer-lasting the stain will be!
If you come for an appointment with me, I’ll apply finishing spray. Let me know ahead of time if you want to buy Mefix or Aftercare Wrap.
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LEAVE THE GEL on for 2-8 hours, then wash off with soap and warm water.
DON’T shower/bathe while the gel is still on your skin, it can smear or drip.
AVOID direct sun, very hot water (hot tubs, extra hot showers/baths) and harsh chemicals (i.e. cleansers, chlorine) for 24 hrs after removing the gel. Since it’s a tropical fruit, jagua can be a bit irritating and these things can enhance the irritation. Water is OK! Just not super hot.
COVER the area overnight the first 2 nights with a sock, long sleeves or similar. Jagua stains can transfer to other parts of your body, even after washing!! After the first couple of nights, you don’t have to worry about wrapping anymore.
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STAY WARM while the paste is on. Henna loves warm skin and it will really help it darken! In colder months, sit near a space heater or use a heating pad. It really makes a difference!
LEAVE THE DRIED PASTE ON for 6-12 hours. You can sleep with it on overnight, too. If you do, wrap it in something breathable such as Mefix tape, aftercare wrap or even toilet paper with a sock over it.
DON’T use Saran / cling wrap. It's not breathable and can encourage sweating. Sweat = runny henna!
DON’T try to shower/bathe while the paste is still on your skin. It can smear or drip.
AFTER 6-12 HRS, gently pick/scrape off. No water! You can rub a little vegetable oil into it and let sit a few minutes to soften. Then use a dry washcloth to remove.
AVOID WATER on the fresh stain for 24 hours after removing the paste.
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