Jagua Pre-appointment & Aftercare Instructions

Before Your Appointment:

• We do recommend shaving or waxing any part of the body you plan to have decorated. Even very light, fine hairs can interfere with the way the gel lies on the skin.
• Shave or wax at least 1 day before your session to give any micro-abrasions time to heal.
• If you plan to use self-tanner or get a spray tan, have it done at least 1 day before.
• Get your manicure and pedicure done before your session. Same day is okay.
• Remember that it takes up to 24 hours for a jagua stain to fully develop. The ideal day to get your jagua done is one day before your wedding or special event.
• If you have booked a long session (such as a bridal), have a friend on hand to help you with drinks, snacks, etc. Their responsibility is to keep you from smudging your gel! If you are driving to our store or another location for your session, consider getting a friend to do the driving.

During Your Appointment

• Take one last bathroom break before we start. 
• Relax! Enjoy yourself. Feel free to bring along a book to read, a movie to watch, music to listen to, etc.
• Be prepared to be still. Even turning your head to talk to someone can shift your body enough to disturb the design.
• Please speak up if you are at all uncomfortable or need a break.

If We're at Your Home

• Please make sure pets and small children won't be in danger of bumping or jostling you.
• Let your family and friends know this is not the time to give you hugs!

After Your Appointment

• The first 30-40 minutes after the gel is applied is the "danger zone." The gel will still be soft and prone to smudging, and it's incredibly important to avoid touching the gel.
• Eventually, some of the moisture in the gel will evaporate, and the gel will take on a flexible, almost plastic texture. At this point, you don't have to worry so much about smudging.
• Leave the gel on for two hours. Leaving it on longer will not improve the stain.
• When it's time to remove the gel, wash it off THOROUGHLY with lukewarm water and soap. (Please note this is different than henna paste removal.) Be sure to wash every bit of gel off the skin.
• Use a paper towel or paper napkin to clean the gel off your skin. The gel will stain a bare hand or washcloth. Gently blot the skin dry.
• The design may be nearly invisible or a very light gray at first. This is normal.
• Avoid baths or showers for at least 8 hours after you take off the gel. If you need to wash your hands, use gentle soap and cool water.
• Apply oil or vegetable butter to your design before and after bathing or showering to help your design last longer.
• Allow 12-24 hours for your color to fully develop. The final color will be deep blue.

Based on our experience, we also recommend the following:

• Wear latex or nitrile gloves while showering and washing hair. Better yet, get someone else to wash your hair for you.
• Keep your feet bare as much as possible after the gel is removed. Sandal straps can wear a "hole" in your design by sloughing off skin cells. If your feet are cold, apply oil or cream and soft socks.
• Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis and long bathtub soaks.
• Avoid handling anything containing bleach or harsh detergents. No housecleaning!