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Frequently asked questions

Answers to most common questions about Jagua, application and aftercare, orders, shipments, and payments. Do you have other questions? Contact us, we're happy to help!

Shipping and returns

1. What are the shipping costs?

Shipping costs vary per country and order value. View all shipping costs or use the calculator on our cart page to view your shipping costs.

2. When will my order be shipped?

We ship orders every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Orders placed early in the morning on one of these shipping days will usually go out that same day, except during busy periods. Please note that shipping time is calculated from the moment your order is fulfilled by our team.

3. How long will shipping take?

We work exclusively with DHL to ensure fast and reliable shipping. Delivery times vary by country and by chosen shipping method (Economy or Express). Visit our shipping page for an estimated delivery time.

4. Do you provide express shipping?

Yes, we offer express shipping. Customers within Europe can choose between DHL Economy or Express, while customers outside of Europe are automatically shipped via DHL Express. If you're in a hurry to receive your parcel, we recommend selecting the Express option at checkout.

5. Do you ship globally?

Yes, we provide worldwide shipping.

6. Can I track my order?

Yes, you will receive a tracking link by email as well as an SMS from DHL as soon as your order has shipped. All shipments also include on-demand delivery, giving you flexibility over how you receive your order.

7. What is the return policy?

Jagua is 100% natural and fresh, making it prone to deterioration. Because of this, all sales are final, and we are unable to accept returns or offer refunds. However, if you experience any issues with the product, we are always here to help. If you have an urgent request before your order is shipped, please contact us via email at info@jaguahenna.com. While we strive to accommodate requests, we cannot guarantee changes or cancellations.

8. What happens if my parcel is returned to sender?

If your parcel is returned, the next steps depend on whether it was due to customer actions or circumstances beyond your control.

1. When the return is due to customer actions:

  • Track your shipment: Use the tracking link we provide via email. Ensure someone is available at the delivery address. If a delivery attempt is missed and the parcel is taken to a pickup point, it must be collected within the specified timeframe.
  • If the return is due to these actions: The customer will be responsible for any additional shipping fees for reshipping if these steps weren’t followed.

2. When the return is beyond customer control:

  • Unexpected issues: If the parcel is returned due to an issue outside of the customer’s control, we will fully reimburse your order or send a new package at no extra cost.

9. Which products are eligible for reshipment after a return?

  • Powder and accessories: These can be reshipped as they remain stable.
  • Gel and juice products: You may choose to have these reshipped, but we do not recommend it as their quality may degrade over time.

10. Who can I contact if I have more questions?

For any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service team at info@jaguahenna.com.

Tax and customs information

1. When do I have to pay tax (VAT 21%)?

No additional costs apply within the European Union's free trade area, and we automatically deduct 21% VAT for orders shipped outside the EU. If you're a business, please add your VAT number at checkout to have VAT deducted.

2. Do I need to pay customs fees?

For customers outside of the European Union, customs charges may apply when importing a product from another country. We recommend checking your country's customs regulations in advance to avoid any unforeseen delays or costs. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any issues or costs arising from importing and customs processing. If you're unsure or would like some help, feel free to contact our team.

3. What are my responsibilities regarding import taxes and customs duties?

As a customer, you are responsible for handling the import of your product, including any associated customs duties, taxes, and additional fees. These charges are determined by your country's customs policies and regulations, and may vary depending on the item's value and country of origin. We advise familiarizing yourself with your country's import regulations in advance to avoid any unexpected costs upon delivery. If you have any questions or concerns regarding import duties or customs procedures, feel free to contact our customer service team for assistance.

About Jagua

1. What is Jagua?

Jagua is a natural dye derived from the fruit of the Genipa Americana tree, which grows in the rainforests of Central and South America. The fruit contains a compound called genipin, which stains the skin to create temporary tattoos that last up to two weeks — all while being natural. In recent years, Jagua has gained popularity and is now used as a temporary body art alongside traditional henna by many henna artists worldwide.

Read our blog article 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 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

The biggest difference between the two is color. Jagua dyes the skin a dark blue-black tone, while traditional henna dyes the skin red-brown. Beyond color, there are a few other differences worth knowing:

Jagua

  • Used for centuries by indigenous tribes in Central and South America for body art, ceremonial purposes, and skin protection
  • Has a smooth, gel-like texture
  • Jagua only needs to stay on the skin for about 2.5 hours to get an intense stain.

Henna

  • Used for centuries throughout the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa for body art and celebratory occasions such as weddings
  • Has a thicker, paste-like texture
  • Henna typically need to stay on the skin for longer, about 6-8 hours, to get an intense stain.

Read our blog article for more on the differences between Jagua and henna.

5. Why Jagua is not the same as black henna

Jagua is not black henna, and it's important to understand the difference. Black henna products are made by mixing traditional henna with a chemical substance called Paraphenylenediamine (PPD). PPD can be harmful to the skin and may cause blisters and scarring. We strongly advise against using these products for temporary tattoos.

Jagua offers a natural alternative that gives you a dark blue-black temporary tattoo without the use of PPD or similar harmful chemicals. As with any natural product, allergic reactions are possible in rare cases, so we always recommend doing a small patch test before full application. Our Jagua products are carefully researched, developed, and produced, backed by all the necessary product documentation.

Read our blog article on black henna.

6. What colour will jagua appear as on my skin?

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

Stain intensity also depends on the area of the body. Jagua tends to develop darker on areas such as the hands, while the stain may appear lighter on other areas, such as the upper arms or thighs.

7. How do I store Jagua products correctly?

Jagua Henna products can be used for up to 1.5 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°C for optimal preservation.
  • For short-term use within 30 days, freezing is recommended but not mandatory — you can instead store the product in the refrigerator.
  • Before storing, squeeze out any excess air and seal the product tightly to prevent oxidation, which activates the gel.
  • Improper storage and exposure to oxygen can diminish Jagua's staining properties.

Thawing Process

  • You can freeze and thaw Jagua Henna as many times as needed with minimal deterioration, as long as you freeze it again immediately after each use to maintain potency.
  • Consider repackaging large bottles into smaller containers to minimize unnecessary thawing.
  • Thawing time depends on the product size — a 10ml tube typically takes about 30 minutes, while a 1-liter package may take 3-4 hours.

Read more about how to store Jagua products.

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

All three products are made from the Genipa Americana fruit. Jagua gel is a ready-to-use cosmetic product with the right consistency to be applied directly onto the skin — no need to mix a paste yourself.

If you'd prefer to create a paste to your own preference, you can choose Jagua powder or juice instead. To make a paste from Jagua powder, you'll need to add water, xanthan gum, and essential oil. Jagua juice has a more watery consistency, so only xanthan gum and essential oil need to be added. Jagua powder and juice can also be mixed with henna to create a so-called "hengua" paste.

Whether you use the gel directly or create one from the powder or juice, the result is the same: a beautiful dark blue-to-black stain. It simply comes down to finding the method that suits you best.

View instructional videos for the various products below:

Application and aftercare

1. What is the process of creating a Jagua tattoo?

General instructions:

  • Choose your preferred product: Jagua gel allows for immediate design creation, while Jagua powder or juice require paste preparation following the instructions provided.
  • Transfer the paste into a dispensing bottle or empty henna cone.
  • Ensure your skin is clean and free from oils.
  • Draw your design freehand or use transfer paper (click here for instructions).
  • A thick layer of Jagua will give dark results whereas a thin layer gives a lighter effect.
  • Once applied, leave the tattoo on your skin for at least 2.5 hours; longer durations enhance the result.
  • Optionally, secure the gel with Mefix tape for better adherence (click here for instructions).
  • When its time to remove the gel, ensure thorough washing with water to prevent further staining, especially during sleep.
  • The tattoo may not be immediately visible, as it requires time to develop. Allow 12-24 hours for your tattoo to reach its peak colour.
  • Your tattoo will last for up to two weeks!

Read our guide on how to create a temporary tattoo from Jagua for more a more detailed explanation.

2. I have made a mistake! What do I do?

Remove the gel as soon as possible using toilet-paper, disinfectant and a q-tip. Make sure to completely clean the skin. Jagua is extremely potent and even a small ammount can dye the skin

3. Can I mix Jagua and Henna together?

Yes, mixing Jagua and Henna allows for the creation of different colors and staining effects, commonly referred to as Hengua. The proportion of Jagua to Henna determines the darkness of the resulting Hengua paste.

For experienced henna artists, you can use your standard henna paste recipe and experiment by replacing a part of the henna powder with jagua powder, or by replacing water with jagua juice. We recommend starting with a 50% jagua and 50% henna formula and adjusting the proportions to achieve desired staining effects.

Please refer to the following example recipe for creating Hengua paste:

4. How to care for your Jagua tattoo?

By taking the right precautions you can enjoy your tattoo for two weeks:

  • Avoid friction and scrubbing
  • While showering and swimming be careful with washing the tattooed area and gently pat it dry
  • Moisturize regularly
  • Avoid using exfoliating products or tools on your tattoo
  • Protect against the sun by applying sun lotion
  • Avoid dehydration of the skin by drinking enough water

Learn more about how to care for your jagua tattoo.

5. How do I remove my Jagua tattoo?

Removing a Jagua Henna tattoo is possible but will take a few days. The most effective way is to gently scrub the tattoo with an exfoliate. Your tattoo will fade after a few sessions. Stop scrubbing if you experience any discomfort.

Read more about how to remove a jagua tatoo.

Health and safety

1. Is Jagua safe to use?

Absolutely. Jagua Henna products are safe cosmetic products and can be applied directly on the skin. Our products comply with European Cosmetic Regulations 1223/2009.

You can read all details in our health & safety statement.

2. Can anyone use Jagua?

Similar to a fruit or nut allergy, reactions to Jagua can also occur. We do not recommend the use of Jagua gel to those with fruit-allergies, eczema, extremely sensitive skin and/or G6PD.

To prevent allergic reactions or irritations, test Jagua on a small patch of skin before applying the tattoo. The tattoo can be drawn without a problem if you’re not experiencing any irritation within 15 – 120 minutes.

3. What are the ingredients of Jagua products?

The main components of our Jagua products is the fruit juice of the Genipa Americana.

Jagua powder and juice are made only from the Genipa Americana fruit. Jagua Gel contains an oil derivative (Squalane), two thickeners (Xanthan Gum and Acacia Senegal Gum) and two preservatives (Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin). All these ingredients are 100% natural and also used in food products. All ingredients can be found on the product page and product packaging

Jagua Henna products do NOT contain Alcohol, PPD or any other toxic substances.

4. Can I view official product documentation?

Enjoy worry-free Jagua that complies to all European cosmetic legislation (ec1223/2009). Useful to show to customers or Government officials.

You can access all product documentation in our health & safety statement.

Discounts, reselling and collaborations

1. Does Jagua Henna offer any discounts?

Absolutely. You can enjoy bulk discounts when ordering more Jagua products. Check out the quantity list of individual Jagua products in our shop or download our bulk discount list here.

2. Are you interested in collaborating with Jagua Henna?

Great! Jagua Henna is also interested in collaborations and we would love to discuss the possibilities. Just share your portfolio and ideas (e.g. links to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, website etc.) with us via email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime register for free to get listed on our Henna Artist overview.

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Do you have other questions?

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