Hengua is the ultimate fusion of two natural body art traditions: henna, which leaves a warm reddish-brown stain, and jagua, which stains a deep blue-black. When blended, they create rich hybrid colors ranging from burgundy and chocolate brown to near black tones.
Artists love Hengua because it offers flexibility, but there’s often confusion about how to make it and how long it lasts. This guide covers the different ways to prepare Hengua and the shelf life of each version.
1. Henna Powder + Jagua Juice
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Mix your henna powder as usual.
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Replace some (or all) of the liquid with jagua juice.
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Add essential oils like lavender or tea tree for best results.
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Ratios can vary: 50% water + 50% jagua juice or even 100% jagua juice for a darker stain.
👉 The more jagua juice you add, the cooler and darker your stain will be.
2. Henna Paste + Jagua Gel
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First, prepare henna paste and let it reach dye release.
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Blend it with jagua gel for a smooth hybrid paste.
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This method makes it easier to mix evenly and gives predictable results.
👉 Many professional artists recommend this method.
3. Henna Powder + Jagua Powder
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Combine henna powder with jagua powder.
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Add water and essential oils.
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A common mix is 70% henna : 30% jagua powder, or up to 50:50 for darker stains.
👉 If using Fresh Jagua Pre-Mix Powder, no need to add sugar—it already contains xanthan gum and sugar for smooth application.
4. Pre-Mix Lyophilized Hengua Powder (Fresh Jagua’s Exclusive Product)
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This is the easiest and most reliable method.
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The ratios are already balanced for you—just add water and essential oils.
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Stain quality is consistent and long-lasting, making it perfect for professional artists.
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Shelf life:
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In the refrigerator: up to 30 days.
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In the freezer: 3 to 6 months, and sometimes even up to 1 year if stored properly without repeated thawing.
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👉 This product has been a game-changer for artists worldwide, offering convenience and powerful stain results.
What Color Results to Expect
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Henna alone: warm orange → reddish brown.
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Jagua alone: deep bluish black.
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Hengua: blends of burgundy, deep chocolate, or near black, depending on ratio and timing.
If applied immediately, jagua tends to dominate. If used after henna’s peak dye release, the stain becomes a rich burgundy-brown.
Shelf Life of Hengua
Because Hengua is a natural blend, its storage method determines how long it lasts:
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Room temperature: Less than 48 hours (not recommended).
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Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
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Freezer:
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Henna + Jagua juice/gel: 3–6 months (freeze immediately for best stain).
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Fresh Jagua Hengua Pre-Mix Powder: Up to 30 days in the fridge, and 3–6 months in the freezer. Some artists report good stains even after a year if kept sealed and frozen.
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👉 Always store in airtight cones or containers and thaw only what you need. Avoid re-freezing repeatedly.
Final Thoughts
Hengua offers the best of both worlds: the warmth of henna and the depth of jagua. Whether you mix with juice, gel, or powder, experiment with ratios until you find the perfect stain for your art.
And remember — cold storage is the secret to keeping Hengua fresh and vibrant.
