Where is Henna by Alpa based?

I’m based in North London, but am always happy to travel for bookings, please get in touch via the contact page regarding specific requirements.

How much does it cost to get a henna tattoo?

Prices vary - please get in touch via the contact page with your requirements and a quote will be sent to you as soon as possible.

What is henna? 

Henna, also known as 'Mehndi' is a flowering shrub native to Northern Africa, Western & Southern Asia and Northern Australasia. Its leaves are dried, milled and refined to produce henna powder which is then mixed with lemon juice, strong tea or other natural mildly acidic liquids to make a paste. This paste is then applied to skin to achieve a dark reddish-brown temporary stain.

Does henna come in different colours? What is black henna? 

Henna is natural, and therefore doesn't come in different colours. Just after application, once the paste as dried and is removed, you'll notice the stain is often initially a bright orange colour. As it develops, over 48 hours, the stain will change to a dark reddish-brown shade. 

Often, to liven up a henna application (once almost dry), glitter is applied using a cone similar to that used for henna. The glitter is a skin-safe gel which comes in various colours - but does not stain the skin at all. It is there purely for decorative purposes and comes off when the henna is removed. It looks great in photographs, and can also be used on its own, without henna, usually remaining on the skin for a few hours if care is taken.

'Black henna' is not really henna at all, and is not recommended for use on skin. It is made with a host of potentially harmful chemicals including p-phenylenediamine (PPD). You can tell 'black henna' apart from natural henna as it will have a strong odour of chemicals, while natural henna has a distinctly earthy fragrance.

What is the significance of henna?

There is no religious significance or meaning to henna. Personal meaning can be given by whatever design/symbol/pattern you choose - or it can simply be considered a beautiful method of adorning the skin.

When can henna be applied?

Henna can be applied at any time and for any occasion at all. it is not limited to special occasions & weddings - it is essentially an ancient skin adorning ritual and can be applied whenever one feels like it!

What kind of designs can be created?

Anything at all. From traditional indian, arabic or celtic patterns to words, names, poetry, pictures of animals, logos, symbols… absolutely anything! The wonderful fact that henna is temporary means you can have anything you like, in the knowledge that it will fade away.

How long does it take to have henna applied?

This largely depends upon the chosen design - something very intricate will take significantly longer than a simple design. Heavy bridal henna can sometimes take up to a few hours to apply, whereas a simple arm band henna may take around 20 minutes.

How long does it take for henna to dry?

The length of time it'll take to dry depends upon the thickness of the henna design. When it is fine, it can dry within 20-30 minutes, thicker applications can take up to an hour.

Is Henna safe?

Not only is henna safe, but it also has therapeutic properties. It is made with only natural ingredients. The only people who need to be wary of getting henna applied are those who are sensitive to naphthoquinone or a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Is henna safe for children?

Henna is safe for children above the age of 6-8 months. Before this age, their skin isn't able to balance the mild natural acids within henna paste. Older children are often fascinated by henna and love having it applied, it is perfectly safe to do so - the only problem that can sometimes occur is they are unable to stay still long enough for the paste to dry and their henna stain can get spoilt as a result.

Can henna be applied if I'm pregnant?

Henna is perfectly safe during pregnancy and is often regarded as auspicious.

How do I prepare for my henna session?

It's best to make sure you are wearing clothing that allows access to the area the henna will be applied to. Make sure your skin is clean and dry and free from moisturisers or oils.

How dark can I expect the henna stain to be?

The darkness of your stain will depend on many factors. Skin type, body temperature & more significantly, placement. When henna is applied to an area where there are more layers of skin - for examples palms & soles, the stain will be far darker than an area where there are fewer layers or where the skin is thinner. Generally you can expect the stain to turn from a bright orange shade to a pretty dark red/brown stain which will develop over the first 48 hours, peak and then gradually fade.

What should I do after the henna has been applied?

It is important to let your henna dry fully - this can take (depending on the design) between 20 minutes to over an hour. Once dry, a lemon & sugar glaze can be applied to prevent the henna from flaking and falling off - this is optional. The longer the henna remains on the skin, the better - it is advised to try and keep it on for at least a few hours. When you decide to remove the dried henna, rub or scrape it away - avoid washing it off. Avoid contact with water for around 6-12 hours if possible. This will help achieve the darkest possible stain.

How do I take care of my henna stain?

If possible, avoid excessive contact with water & detergents such as chlorine. Keep the skin moisturised.

How long does henna last?

If possible, avoid excessive contact with water & detergents such as chlorine. Keep the skin moisturised.

How can I remove my henna stain?

It is impossible to remove the henna stain instantly, but you can help it to fade faster by frequently washing and gently exfoliating the area.

How is henna affected by the sun or swimming?

Occasionally, where henna stains are subjected to strong sunlight - you may find the area/pattern where the stain is doesn't tan as much as the areas not covered by the stain. There is nothing harmful occurring, the pigment in the stain is simply acting as a sunblock - and this is only really noticeable on rare occasions when the skin is very pale. Swimming in chlorinated water can cause a henna stain to fade sooner than usual.