Frequently Asked Questions About Henna
Do you travel to Brisbane and the Gold Coast only?
What is henna?
How is henna applied?
Does it stay black?
What colour is it?
How long does it take?
How long does the paste take to dry?
Do you wash it off?
How long does it last?
Where can henna designs be placed?
I'm allergic to henna.
Is it safe/is it natural?
Is it safe in pregnancy?
Do you do custom designs?
Can little kids have henna?
Is henna a religious thing? Can anyone get it?
Do you take private appointments/parties/functions?
How much does it cost?
Do you travel to Brisbane and the Gold Coast only?
Henna Oasis is available to travel throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Tweed Coast. Travel costs may apply. Other areas are possible on negotiation please ask.
What is henna?
Henna is made from the dried and ground leaves of a plant. It is made into a paste and contains essential oil. Henna Oasis uses cajeput essential oil which is related to tea tree and has a less medicinal scent. It is often used by henna artists for pregant clients, however there is not enough research to confirm its safety. We also use lavender essential oil, which is the most commonly recommended oil for expectant mothers. .
How is henna applied?
The henna paste is applied using a tool called a cone. This is a soft malleable cone-shaped tube with the tip cut to size. The paste is applied to the skin in much the same way that icing is applied to a cake. The paste appears dark brown or black when it dries. Some artists choose to use a soft plastic bottle with metal tips with variable sizes.
Does it stay black?
No, the paste falls off in a couple of hours and it leaves a stain on the skin. The colour is orange at first, but darkens over a few days.
What colour is it?
The stain starts off an orange colour, then changes to chocolate or burgundy over a 2-3 days.
How long does it take?
The time a design takes depends on many factors, including the size, detail and location. It can be anything from under two minutes to over two hours for a single design. Extensive bridal work often takes 5-6 hours.
How long does the paste take to dry?
Henna paste takes around 10 - 20 mins to dry depending on the ambient temperature and humidity.
Do you wash it off?
No, brush the paste off after a couple of hours. Don't get it wet for the first 24 hours and cover the henna stain with paw paw ointment, a wax based lip balm or something similar when you shower, go swimming, or any other water contact. Anything thick, greasy, and water repellent will do the trick. Keeping the design dry and moisturising the area after the first 24 hours will help it to last longer. The henna design will not wash off, but protecting it from water will enable the colour to reach its peak and to last longer.
How long does it last?
Most people will get around 1-2 weeks from their henna, depending on their skin chemistry, the location of the design and how well the preparation and aftercare instructions are followed. A few people will get less, some longer.
Where can henna designs be placed?
Henna stains darkest on the lower arms/hands and lower legs/feet. Faces, necks and upper backs do not stain well at all. Everywhere else will stain moderately, but not as well as hands and feet will.
I'm allergic to henna.
People are very rarely truly allergic to henna.
If you have had a bad skin reaction in the past, then it was probably not natural henna at all and most likely contained chemicals such as hair dye or harsh solvents. This is especially likely if the stain was black and the reaction occurred up to two weeks after the design was applied.
People with a known G6PD deficiency should not have extensive applications of henna, and children under 6 with the condition should not have any to eliminate any risk. This condition is very very rare, and twice as prevalent in males than in females. People with G6PD deficiency may also be allergic to mothballs (camphor), broad beans, and some legumes and tend to come from a mediterranian background.
Is it safe/ is it natural?
Yes, natural henna is probably the safest thing you can put on your skin, safer even than many cosmetics. Henna Oasis only uses 100% natural henna and aromatherapy grade essential oils.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
Yes, if it is natural henna and is made with lavender essential oil. Cajeput *may* be safe but there is not enough reserach to give a definitive answer, so it is in the maybe category and generally not recommended widely. Henna has been used for centuries as a blessing and protection over pregnant mothers.
Do you do custom designs?
Yes.
Can little kids have henna?
Children under 5 are likely to smudge their henna and the money is wasted. However it is the parent/guardian's decision and their judgement of the child will be honoured.
Is henna a religious thing? Can anyone get it?
Although henna is used by a lot of cultures in their religious observations, it is not a 'religious thing' any more than a bride carrying a bouquet is. It is simply a part of a culture. It is ok for anyone, male/female, young/old, white/brown/yellow/red/black to have henna.
Do you take private appointments/ parties/ functions etc?
Yes, Henna Oasis is available for all types of bookings, large or small. Travel fees and a minimum booking may apply depending on the distance. Some suggestions for henna are: hen's nights, Bollywood and Indian themed events and parties, baby showers, festivals, Arabian themed events, pregnancy henna / belly blessings, birthday parties, corporate events, promotional events, private appointments, fetes... The list is endless!
How much does it cost?
Please see the rates page.
Henna Oasis offers packages for bridal mehndi. The schedule can be downloaded on the rates page.