How to Apply a Henna Tattoo

Henna tattoos are used to celebrate many occasions around the world, but now they are creeping into regular life as well. You can use traditional designs or your own creation for a temporary work of body art.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Inspect the skin to make sure its free from lotions, makeup or oils that could prevent the henna from penetrating the skin. If products are present, wash thoroughly with soap and water before applying your henna tattoo.

2. Mix your henna cone or tube. Even prepackaged henna often requires mixing by kneading the tube for a minute or two before use. Using your own henna mix will require you strain the mixture before you apply it.

3. Prepare your henna applicator. Most premixed tubes of henna paste contain all the necessary ingredients, so just unscrew the lid and pierce the end to open the tube. Depending on the brand, you may have to attach a nozzle or cut a hole with scissors.

4. Squeeze a small line into the skin or a piece of paper to check its thickness and consistency.

5. Draw your henna tattoo design onto the skin using the henna tube. If you make a mistake during the application, it is possible to remove henna with alcohol and a cotton ball, but you must act quickly.

6. Spray the henna tattoo with a mixture of sugar and lemon juice to keep it moist. Remember, henna is only absorbed by the skin when the design is wet, so its important to keep it wet for as long as possible.

7. Let the henna flake off naturally or wait at least 5 hours and remove your henna tattoo with a cotton swab and essential oil.