How to Apply Hand Henna

Many parts of the world rely on henna to decorate women's bodies. The most popular and traditional place to apply and wear henna is the hands. Applying henna is an easy process that a woman can do to herself. Tattoos can be simple and small or large and complex.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Henna paste
• Applicator

1. Wash and exfoliate your hands before beginning so that the henna can set better. Because of tasks like housework, the hands are one of the driest places of the body.
2. Sit in a chair in front of a comfortable place to rest your hands and elbows. Do this whether you are applying the henna to yourself or someone else. You may rest your hands on a table top, an old pillow or a pile of books stacked to the right height.
3. Begin the design on the tops of your hands. Because the skin is thin on this part of the body, the henna does not stain as easily or deeply here. You may need more than one application for a dark color.
4. Start at the wrist, and then move toward the tips of the fingers. Draw the basic outline. Then add details as you go. The design can be anything you desire. Move onto the palms of the hands once the tops are dry.
5. Keep your hand very still and horizontal until the stain is completely dry. A smudged henna stain cannot be removed or fixed, and it can be very tempting to try and use your hands while they are drying.