JAGUA

Jagua, derived from the Genipa Americana tree, is a natural dye native to South and Central America. The fruit's juice is extracted to create a gel for intricate skin designs, resulting in a dark blue-black stain. After 4-8 hours, the gel is washed off, and the color develops over 48 hours. Popular in the United States, Jagua serves as a safe alternative to synthetic temporary tattoo products, lacking harmful chemicals.

The Jagua fruit, also known as Genipa americana, is harvested for its juice, which is used to create the skin-friendly gel. This fruit has been used for centuries, not only for body adornment but also for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. Its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties contribute to its medicinal reputation.

Jagua has gained popularity in the United States, with many individuals using it for intricate body designs before attending events like beaches, parties, and other gatherings. The appeal lies in its natural origin, safety, and the striking dark blue-black color it imparts to the skin, making it a preferred choice for temporary tattoos.

A Jagua temporary tattoo, like a henna tempory tattoo, undergoes several stages after application:

  1. Drying: Once the Jagua gel is applied, it needs to dry for about 45 minutes and must remain on for several hours to allow the dye to penetrate the skin. The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the gel, the temperature, and the humidity level.

  2. Peeling: After the Jagua gel has dried, it will start to peel off and must be washed to be completely removed.

  3. Initial Stain: Once the gel is removed, the skin will be stained with a very faint color. The intensity of the stain can vary depending on the quality of the Jagua gel, the length of time it was left on the skin, and the individual's skin chemistry.

  4. Darkening: Over the next 24-48 hours, the Jagua tattoo will continue to darken as the dye reacts with the skin. The design will become more defined, and the color will deepen to a dark blue-black shade.

  5. Longevity: The Jagua tattoo will maintain its color for several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the quality of the Jagua gel and how well the design was cared for. It will gradually fade as the skin naturally exfoliates.


    Check out our Instagram highlights page to watch instructional videos about the stages and care of the mehndi process.