How to Apply Henna to Feet

Henna tattoos are an ancient method of body art that has been used by various Eastern Indian cultures throughout time. Henna is not permanent, so it is a wonderful way to become accustomed to a tattoo without the permanence. Traditional henna is applied on the hands and feet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Henna paste
• Application cone
• Lemon juice
• Sugar

1. Create the henna paste using dry henna leaves and tea or coffee until it is a mud-like texture. Allow it to cool for 48 hours before applying, or buy ready made henna mixture from an online source or various beauty supply stores.

2. Look for various henna stencils at tattoo shops, Indian market stores or websites that can help with application; this is especially important if you are not accustomed to drawing intricate designs freehand. Try creating your own henna design by drawing it on a piece of paper, and forming a stencil shape from your own imagination if you'd prefer an original piece.

3. Clean the foot thoroughly, removing all dead skin and ensuring it is free of oil and lotion before beginning to apply the tattoo. Place the stencil over the foot in the exact position you wish the henna to be placed.

4. Carefully apply the henna mixture over the stencil marks paying special attention to areas of the feet that have many folds such as the ankle and heel areas. Work meticulously and slowly to ensure proper application of the henna using a home made cone or a cone purchased online or at a beauty supply store. The cone must have a very fine keyhole at the end (much like a pastry bag) in order to achieve optimal application.

5. Apply a mixture of sugar and lemon to the foot after you apply the henna. This helps darken the design and keep the henna sticky. Allow the henna to dry for 30 to 45 minutes before touching it to any surfaces. Try drying it in the sun to allow for further darkening of the tattoo.

Tips & Warnings

• Construct your own cone by using a freezer bag, cutting a funnel shape, and rolling the bag to mimic a pastry bag with a small hole at the tip for application.
• The henna darkens as it adjusts to the body temperature of your skin, so be aware that it might not be as dark as you imagined upon application.
• Try wrapping your henna design to make it darker than originally applied. This allows the skin to sweat and makes the henna set deeper into the pores.
• Do not let soap or water touch the henna tattoo within 24 hours of application, as it will remove coloration.
• Do not submerge your tattoo in chlorine or other water.