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What protocols do you have in place to protect against COVID-19?
We are taking the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and have the following measures in place:
I don't want to wear a mask. Can I still book an appointment?
No.
What if I need to reschedule my wedding because of the pandemic?
As long as the booking has been confirmed, bridal henna appointments can be rescheduled for any other date within a year of the original appointment. If the appointment is rescheduled for more than a year after the original date, an additional fee may apply to update the total cost to match our current prices at that time. Additionally, if the notice to reschedule is given within 2 weeks of the appointment, a $50 rescheduling fee will apply.
While we will do our best to accommodate, many weddings are being postponed for 2021/2022 and we cannot guarantee that your new date will be available. If you are thinking of rescheduling, please give us as much notice as possible so we can book you in! If we are not available for your new date, you will be given a full refund minus the booking fee.
Where is your studio?
We do not have a studio location. The artist goes to clients' homes and applies the henna there, so clients do not need to worry about travelling with henna on. Please let us know if this is not something you are comfortable with and an alternate location can be arranged (additional fees may apply).
Can I book an appointment if I'm not in London?
Yes! We do take bookings from outside of London for an additional travel fee. Please let us know your location when you book your appointment and we will be happy to discuss the details with you.
Do I need to pay the full amount upfront?
Booking fees are required to hold your requested date and confirm your appointment. The cost of the booking fee is subtracted from the total amount, and depends on the service booked:
For bridal bookings, 50% of the total cost (minus the booking fee) is due 2 weeks before the appointment. For all appointments, the remaining cost is due on the day of the appointment. Please see below for our cancellation and refund policies.
Can I update my booking?
Yes! Updates can be made up to 2 weeks before the appointment. Any additional services will require a payment, and any services cancelled will be refunded in accordance with the policy above. While we will do our very best to accommodate, any changes made within 2 weeks of the appointment are not eligible for a refund.
Can I cancel my booking?
Of course! Life happens, we get it. If the cancellation is made up to 2 weeks before the appointment, you will receive a full refund for any payments made minus the booking fee. Cancellations made within 2 weeks are not eligible for a refund.
Is there anyone who can't get henna done?
While henna is a natural product, there are some rare cases where people can have allergic reactions. It is also best to avoid henna tattoos on children under the age of 6. Pregnant women can receive henna tattoos if they are past the first trimester, but the ingredients of the paste should be adjusted. Please let us know if you are pregnant so we can account for this!
NOTE: this is in regards to natural henna only, which is always used by Empress Henna. Black Henna is NOT natural henna, and is NOT safe to be used on anyone.
How long should I leave my henna on?
It is recommended that you leave your henna on for a minimum of 6-8 hours, however it's up to you - the longer the henna stays on, the darker the stain! Bridal henna packages include wrapping the henna so it can be left on overnight, to help make it as dark as possible!
How do I take my henna off?
When you want to remove the henna, scrape it off with something that has a sharp edge (like a credit card) - don't wash it. Your henna will be a light orange color after you scrape off the paste, and will darken to a deep brown over the next 48 hours.
What should I do after I take the henna off?
To improve the quality of the stain and prolong the life of your henna, the following aftercare is recommended:
How long will my henna last?
This is dependant on how long the henna was left on initially, and how well the aftercare instructions were followed. On average a henna tattoo lasts 1-2 weeks.
When should I book my bridal henna for?
2-3 days before your wedding is ideal. Henna takes up to 48 hours to fully darken, so booking your appointment a couple days before will ensure it's at its darkest for your wedding day! Please note that bridal henna application can take several hours depending on the design, so we advise that you do not book anything for after your henna appointment - especially if you plan on sleeping with your henna on!
Do I have to get my both sides of my hands done at the same time?
Nope! While most brides get the insides and outsides of their hands done at the same time, it does prevent the bride from doing anything once the henna is applied, and makes for a very long day. To make things easier, the insides and outsides of your hand can be done on consecutive days.
Does my bridal henna need to be done during the mehndi night?
When the bridal henna happens is up to you! We recommend keeping the mehndi night separate from the bridal henna. This way the mehndi night can be for the guests to get their henna done, and you can get your henna done before or after. While this is not the tradition, it allows you to socialize with guests during the party and not worry about having to sit still the entire night. Remember: the more you move, the harder it is to keep the henna neat!
How can I best prepare for my bridal henna?
Since you won't be able to do much once your henna is applied, it is best to be as prepared as you can! This is not always possible, but we recommend the following if you're able:
Before the appointment:
The day of: