How to Create a Henna Tattoo

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By Shirley Philbrick
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create a henna tattoo

A henna tattoo is a fashionable way to have a tattoo that is not permanent. Because it is not dye injected under the skin, you can create body art designs that you can change every few weeks. Here's how to create a henna tattoo.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

henna kit
stencils or tattoo design

Step 1

For beginners; or simply for ease, purchase a henna tattoo kit. You can find these in most natural living or natural food stores. Or, you purchase kits online. See below for henna tattoo resources.
Step 2

Choose your body art design. Most henna tattoo kits come with a small selection of stencils that are applied with water just like a transferable tattoo. To make a henna tattoo, you can also freehand draw a design.
Step 3

henna dye

Mix your henna tattoo dye ingredients according to directions, in the plastic cone provided in the kit. Transfer to the application bottle.
Step 4

clean and dry the area

Wash and dry the area you want to apply your henna tattoo. Wipe with isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry thoroughly.
Step 5

apply stencil or drawing

Apply your henna tattoo stencil, or freehand draw your design lightly with a pen. Any pen marks will fade soon after the henna tattoo is fully dry.
Step 6

apply henna

Using the applicator that came with your henna tattoo kit; slowly work from the inside of your design to the outside. Start from the point furthest away so you don't drag your hand through the fresh henna. Don't let the applicator tip touch skin.
Step 7

Drying henna tattoo

Keep area free from clothing, hair, or other items that can smudge your henna tattoo. Leave the henna on for up to 8-10 hours for maximum dyeing ability. Sometimes it doesn't take this long, other times it will depending on the complexity of the henna tattoo design. Henna will darken as it dries, crust, and eventually flake off, leaving the skin stained in the design you've chosen. (The stained finish is lighter than the dark, drying henna. Many henna tattoos shown on the internet show the dark, drying form, not the finished look.)
Step 8

Care for your new henna tattoo body art by not washing/scrubbing the area, exfoliating the skin, or wearing shoes or clothing items that will cause it to fade more quickly. By following these, you can extend your henna tattoo to 2-4 weeks. See tips below on best areas to apply henna tattoos and those to avoid.

Comments

prettyevil said

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on 8/7/2009 I did these on some of my dorm mates. It took two hours to do one girl's arm. When someone requested their back be done I think I almost died.

ReuseItAll said

on 4/13/2009 I love henna tattoos! I allow my kids to get one done on the boardwalk to enjoy for a long period of time in the summer!! They are all a work of art! I have to tell you I don't think I'm artistic enough to draw one upside down on my own ankle!! Impressive!