Jagua, what?
Jagua first off is NOT black henna! Jagua is 100% natural and is a fruit-based “ink” it gives the look of a real tattoo- so if you don’t want a real one or you want to test out a temporary one before you permanently ink your body! It can also just be a fun way to change things up instead of using traditional henna, though there are some things you do need to know – since they are not the same product!
Where does Jagua come from?
Jagua is a tattoo product that is obtained from the juice that is extracted from the Genipa Americana fruit. The Genipa Americana fruit tree actually grows in South America and has served several South Americans native groups as a natural decorating tool that also helps prevent bites from mosquitos. The Genipa Americana belongs to the Genipa species which can be found in the Caribbean, northern South America, and southern Mexico. It grows in rainforests and is commonly known as Huito. Did you know that the Jagua fruit has a high nutritional value with several essential vitamins such as phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin B? Also, the indigenous people of the rainforest use the Jagua fruit as a medicine because it is believed to contain antibiotic properties. Despite the various uses of the fruit, Jagua is mainly harvested for its dyeing properties. The stains from a Jagua tattoo has a deep blue-black color which is similar to the tattoos done with a needle and ink.
During the preparation of Jagua, the fruit is picked when it’s unripe (the color is green), then it’s peeled and the juice is extracted from it. Info sourced from Fresh Jagua.
Jagua Aftercare
- Wash the jagua with warm water and soap.
- You will see that there is no design, DO NOT PANIC! ( Jagua take 12-48 hours from when it begins to stain until it peaks it stain)
- DO NOT SLEEP WITH JAGUA ON! ( it re-prints very easy)
Jagua Tips and Tricks
- You can use a skin-safe or non- toxic pen to draw out a design before “inking” it
- Jagua has a gel-like consistency and is different from henna
- When you make a mistake, even if you wipe it right away – it usually still stains.
- If you are done your design and accidentally smear it – it’s better to wash it off earlier than the 3-hour time frame.
- Jagua dries on the skin and will turn a slightly darker color when it dries.
- Try to avoid picking at the dried Jagua, as it will most likely stain the fingers that you used to pick at it with
I learnt a lot of these things the hard way like – by waking up with Jagua on my face! If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out!
And don’t worry, it’s temporary – also a good prank! Just saying… have fun and be sure to tag us in your doodles! @the.henna.doodler
