How to Get a Henna Tattoo

Depending on where you live, you may be able to find a henna tattoo artist who specializes in applying these natural and temporary body decorations. If you have the flair and flexibility or are unable to find a nearby henna tattoo specialist, you might want to try your hand at applying the natural products on your own hands or other body parts.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cotton Swabs
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Henna Tattoo/ Piercing Locations

1. Learn the different names for henna tattooing, some of which are mehndi, mehandi and mendhi.

2. Find out exactly what ingredients are in the henna mixture before you put it (or let someone else put it) on your skin.

3. Conduct a skin test with the exact henna mixture that will be used for your tattoo, leaving it on as long as you would an actual tattoo.

4. Wait a couple of days to observe your skin's reaction to the mixture before decorating your body with henna.

5. Paint patterns on your body with the mixture unless it was irritated by the test.

6. Leave the mixture on longer for darker patterns.

7. Brush off the dried henna. The pattern will darken over the next few days and last for a couple of weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Using pure henna powder and other natural products, such as lemon and sugar, in the tattoo mixture may prevent or limit skin irritation.

• Use rubbing alcohol and cotton balls to cleanse your skin of any natural oil-based products like lotion. The henna will not adhere to oily skin.

• Pure henna powder is green, and a pure henna mixture will color the skin shades of red, brown and orange.

• Studying the history of mehndi can help you appreciate the beauty and significance of this body art form and inspire you to adorn yourself with safe products and sensual designs.

• Avoid getting henna on your clothes or other items that you do not want to stain.

• Harsh chemicals, which may burn your skin, are sometimes added to a henna mixture or applied directly to the skin to create different colors or make the tattoo last longer.