The differences between henna and jagua

Jagua vs. Henna: The Temporary Tattoo Showdown!

If you're a fan of temporary tattoos, you’ve surely heard of jagua and henna. But do you really know what sets them apart? At Inka Paris, we're here to explain it all! Let the battle of the natural inks begin.

Jagua: The Ink of the Amazon Rainforest

Origin: Jagua comes from the fruit of the Genipa Americana, a tree that grows in South America and the Amazon region, used traditionally by indigenous peoples.

Color: The magic of jagua lies in its intense blue-black color, very similar to a permanent tattoo. If you’re looking for a rock-and-roll and realistic look, this is the one!

Application: For a jagua tattoo, simply apply the gel to the skin and let it sit for at least 90 minutes. At first, it’s almost invisible, but be patient! Within 24 to 36 hours, it develops its deep, dark shade.

Duration: Your jagua tattoo can last up to two weeks. And a little secret between us, a trip to the sauna can accelerate the process and intensify the color. Turning up the heat!

Risks and allergies: Jagua is generally safe and natural, but it is recommended to do an allergy test before full application. Opt for a natural, dye-free formula like our Inka Paris natural ink, made with a French laboratory and verified and tested by an independent body according to EU standards.

Henna: The Millennial Tradition

Origin: Henna is derived from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis shrub, native to India, Africa, and the Middle East. It has been used for millennia for its coloring and cosmetic properties.

Color: Expect shades ranging from reddish-brown to burgundy, perfect for a warm, traditional look. We love it for weddings and festivals!

Application: The henna paste needs to stay on the skin for between 5 and 8 hours. The longer, the better! Afterwards, you should avoid water for 24 hours for the best results.

Duration: Just like jagua, henna can last up to two weeks. Take good care of your design so it stays vibrant for as long as possible.

Risks and allergies: Careful, we can never repeat this enough: black henna does not exist! Products sold under this name often contain PPD (para-phenylenediamine), a chemical substance that can cause severe irritation and scarring. At Inka Paris, we advocate for natural and safe products!

Which Tattoo Should You Choose?

So, jagua or henna? It all depends on what you're looking for!

• For a realistic look: Opt for jagua. Its dark color really resembles a permanent tattoo.
• For a warm and traditional style: Henna is made for you. Its red and brown tones add an exotic and festive touch.

Why not try both and see what you like best? After all, the benefit of temporary tattoos is being able to change your style as often as you like!

At Inka Paris, we offer unique compositions for two-week natural tattoos. So, ready to test it out? Let your creativity shine and let us know your preferences.

Summary of Henna / Jagua Differences