Frequently asked questions

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, and that while its 100% natural! In the past years Jagua has gained popularity and Jagua is now used as temporary body art product next to traditional henna, by many henna artists worldwide.

Read our blog article about what jagua is.

2. Where does Jagua come from?

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 to leave 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 come back and reach its most intense colour within 12-24 hours. Jagua Henna tattoos will gradually fade as your skin regenerates.

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 to leave 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 come back and 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. Traditional henna has been used for centuries 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 advice not to use 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 in frozen conditions.

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 choose for jagua powder or juice. To create a paste from jagua powder, you have to add water, xanthan gum and essential oil. Jagua juice has a watery consistency and only xanthan gum and essential oil have to be added. Jagua powder and juice can also be mixed with henna to create a so called ‘hengua’ paste.

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

• How to make Jagua gel from Powder
• How to make Jagua gel from Juice
• How to make hengua paste