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Your Wellness
YOUR WELLNESS IS IMPORTANT TO US!
- I never use "black henna" or chemical dyes because of their dangerous side effects.
- I never use Jagua because of a slight possible allergic reaction and it's similar in appearance to black henna.
- Those with blood deficiency G6PD (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) know to avoid fava beans, tonic water, moth balls, aspirin and other drugs. They also need to avoid henna.
ISLAND GIRL'S HENNA PASTE INGREDIENTS:
Countless hours have gone into finding reputable sources for these organic ingredients to ensure only the finest quality goes into my henna paste. I hand blend my paste in small batches right here at Island Girl. The ingredients are:
Henna¹ (Lawsonia inermis), Distilled Water, Pure Fructose², Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils of Lavender¹, Frankincense¹ and Cardamom¹.
¹Certified organic, ²Non-GMO.
A minimalist blend of just henna and distilled water is available for appointments with advance notice. The stain will darken, just not as dark as with my signature blend.
Your Safety
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE...
Not all henna paste is created equal. Not all paste even contains henna! I care about you and what I'm putting on your skin.
THREE GREAT QUESTIONS TO ASK ANYONE DOING HENNA:
"What's in your henna paste?" A reputable artist makes their own paste and will happily share the ingredient list.
"Can I smell your henna paste?" Real henna paste has an earthy floral scent. Fake paste has a toxic chemical smell.
"Do you have henna insurance?" Reputable artists have a registered business and carry liability insurance and will show you proof of insurance upon request.
Not sure if someone is a legitimate henna artist? Send me a photo of their business card or a photo of their work and I'll try to help you out ASAP. Need a henna artist recommendation near you? I can help with that too!
RECOGNIZE THE DANGEROUS STUFF!
A sample of chemical pastes that are dangerous for the skin: Afrin, Alia, Al-Maaz, Arzoo, Bansuri, Dulhan, Golecha, Hemani, Inaya, Jannat, Kajal, Kashmir, Kaveri, Malika, Mehak, Mumtaz, Naaz, Nadra, Nazma, Neha, Rani, Real, Rivvai, Ruhani, Satrang, Sehnaaz, Shama, Shankar, Singh, Versha, Wama. There are many more to avoid.
Cones like the ones above usually don't even contain henna. The chemicals in these cones are dangerous and can cause sensitivity, allergic reactions, blistering, scarring and anaphylactic shock. Reactions may or may not happen the first time it's used but when it does you'll always be hypersensitive to those and other chemicals.
A common additive to stain dark quickly is Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) aka permanent hair dye. This is what's known as "Black Henna". PPD is illegal to use on the skin in the United States.
Wherever you get henna, always ask the artist what's in their paste. If they can't tell you or say, "Don't worry, it's safe," walk away. If the paste has a chemical or kerosene smell... don't get it. You'll literally save your skin! Take a moment and search Google Images for "dangers of black henna".
Never buy henna: at a store or online if it's not frozen; is shelf-stable; that has no ingredient list or is cryptic (there's no telling what's really in it); labeled along the lines of Emergency Henna, Fast Acting or Quick Staining.
The term "Natural": It's use on products (including food) is not regulated. Any manufacturer can use "Natural" regardless of ingredients.
RECOGNIZE THE GOOD STUFF!
Henna is a plant and, just like fruits and veggies, will spoil in a short amount of time.
SAFE HENNA is made with ingredients that are easily recognized.
SAFE HENNA expires in 1-2 days at room temperature so it's kept refrigerated or frozen. Professional artists/ suppliers of safe henna will tell you what ingredients they use. Want to smell the paste? Just ask - we don't mind! Expect an earthy, floral scent that's pleasing.
SAFE HENNA paste will ship frozen so it doesn't demise before you receive it. This is the only way to buy safe paste.
SAFE HENNA powder is also available if you want to mix your own. You'll need other ingredients (distilled water or lemon juice, sugar and specific essential oils).
The Certified Organic henna powder I use is from Rajasthan, India. It's imported by fellow artist and business owner, Jody at Beachcombers Bazaar in Orlando, Florida. Check out Jody's website for supplies, ready to mix henna kits, how-to's, classes and other cool stuff.
You can learn how to henna on YouTube or at a henna conference. There are several in the U.S. with world-renown instructors. It's a great way to learn, find suppliers and connect with other artists in our community.
You're welcome to contact me if you have any questions.
Best wishes and have fun,
Jeanette :)
P.S. I don't sell my henna paste or receive any compensation for the recommendations given.