Jagua Starter Kits

1. What is Jagua?

Jagua is a natural dye derived from the fruits of the Genipa Americana tree that grows in the rainforests of Central and South America. The substance in the fruit has the ability to stain the skin to create temporary tattoos that lasts for up to two weeks, even while being 100% natural! Recently Jagua has gained popularity and is now used as temporary body art product next to traditional henna, by many henna artists worldwide.

Read our blog article to learn more about what jagua is.

2. Where does Jagua come from?

The Jagua story begins with the Genipa Americana tree. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, this tree often reaches up to 20 meters in height. These trees can live for several decades, with some even reaching the ripe age of a hundred years or more. The tree has a preference for humid, rain-soaked environments, making the Amazon basin its primary home. However, the cultivation and knowledge of Jagua have gradually extended beyond its native regions. Now, Jagua trees can be found in parts of Central America and even some areas of the Caribbean.

3. How does Jagua work?

Jagua Henna products create a dark blue to black temporary tattoo that lasts up to two weeks. The substance Genipa Americana oxidizes when exposed to air, this oxidation process is the reason that your skin can gradually darken. Once the tattoo is applied, we advise leaving the gel on the skin for at least 2-5 hours. When the gel is removed you will only see a slight stain, but don’t worry, the stain will reach its most intense colour within 12-24 hours. Jagua Henna tattoos will gradually fade as your skin regenerates.

Read our blog article on how to create a Jagua tattoo.

4. Differences between Jagua and traditional Henna

Jagua will dye the skin dark blue/black while traditional henna will dye the skin red/brown.
Jagua has been used for centuries by local tribes in Central and South America. while traditional henna has been used for throughout the Middle East, Asia and North Africa.
Jagua has a different texture compared to henna. Jagua feels more as a gel while henna feels like a paste.

Read our blog article for more differences between jagua and henna.

5. Why Jagua is NOT black henna

Jagua Henna is NOT black henna. Please be aware of black Henna products! These products are made of traditional henna mixed with the chemical substance ParaPhenyleneDiamine (PPD). PPD can be harmful to the skin and can cause blisters and scars. We advise against using these products to make temporary tattoos.

Jagua is the ONLY safe product that gives you a dark blue/black temporary tattoo. Our products do not contain these chemical substances. Our Jagua products are carefully researched, developed and produced. Because of this, always ask Jagua artists whether they can show appropriate Jagua Henna documentation.

Read our blog article on black henna.

6. What colour does Jagua give on my skin?

Whether your skin tone is dark or light, Jagua will produce a uniquely beautiful temporary tattoo. Typically, the stain appears black on dark skin and dark blue on light skin.

7. How do I store Jagua products correctly?

Jagua Henna products can be used for up to two years if stored frozen.

To maintain the potency of your Jagua products, follow these storage guidelines.

Freezing Instructions:

Freeze Jagua products at -20 degrees Celsius for optimal preservation.
For short-term use within 30 days, freezing is recommended but not mandatory.
Before storing the products, ensure to squeeze out excessive air, and seal them tightly to prevent oxidation, which activates the gel.
Improper storage conditions and exposure to oxygen can diminish Jagua staining properties.

Thawing Process:

You can freeze and thaw Jagua Henna as many times as you want with minimal deterioration as long as you freeze it immediately after use to maintain potency.
Consider repackaging large bottles into smaller containers to minimize unnecessary thawing.
Thawing time depends on the product; a 10ml tube typically takes about 30 minutes.

Read more about how to store jagua products.

8. What is the difference between Jagua gel, powder and juice?

Jagua gel is a ready to use cosmetic product which has the right consistency to be applied directly onto the skin. You don’t need to mix a paste yourself.

If you are interested in making a paste to your own preferences you can opt for jagua powder or juice. To create a paste from jagua powder, add water, xanthan gum and essential oil. Jagua juice has a watery consistency and only xanthan gum and essential oil needs to be added. Jagua powder and juice can also be mixed with henna to create a "hengua" paste.

Ready to use gel and gel created from the powder or juice will all result in a beautiful dark blue to black stain. It's a matter of finding your own preference. View instruction videos on the various products here:

Jagua Gel

Jagua Powder

Jagua Juice