How to Paint with Henna

"Mehndi," a Hindi word that refers to both the plant-based paste and the process of applying henna designs, originated in India. Remarkable for their intricate patterns and rich reddish-brown color, henna tattoos were traditionally applied to the hands and feet of a young bride to mark her passage into womanhood. Today, henna tattooing has grown beyond its traditional origins to include a wide variety of designs and motifs drawn from all over the world. While each henna artist ultimately develops her own unique style, these basic instructions will help you get started in the art of henna painting.

Things You'll Need

• Latex gloves
• Henna powder
• Fine mesh strainer
• Ceramic or plastic bowl
• Plastic spoon
• Sugar
• Tea tree oil
• Lemon juice
• Black tea
• Plastic wrap
• 12-by-12-inch sheet of Mylar or cellophane
• Tape
• Scissors
• Toothpicks
• Cotton balls
• Olive oil

Instructions

Choose Your Design

1. Note that traditional Indian henna motifs include flowers, such as lotuses and roses, fruits, such as mangoes and animals such as peacocks, scorpions and fish. Vines make an elegant visual statement, while mandalas make a good choice for beginning henna painters because these intricate designs are based on a simple series of circles.

2. Learn Arabic henna traditions. The Arabic world has its own henna traditions, which include repeating geometric patterns. Common motifs include diamonds, triangles and the hand-shaped khamsa, all of which are said to offer protection from the evil eye.

3. Consider other henna design options. Other, non-traditional options include tribal designs, Chinese characters, names and animal totems.

Prepare the Henna Paste

1. Put on a pair of latex gloves. Sift the henna powder through the fine mesh strainer into the ceramic or plastic bowl using your fingers or the back of the plastic spoon. This process removes larger bits of bark and breaks up clumps, which helps the henna paste go on smoothly.

2. Add sugar to the sifted henna powder, and stir to mix thoroughly.

3. Add 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil and enough strongly brewed black tea and lemon juice to create a paste with a consistency similar to cake frosting.

4. Stir the mixture thoroughly, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to sit for at room temperature for 30 minutes to one hour.

Make and Fill the Henna Cone

1. Cut the 12-by-12-inch square of Mylar or cellophane along the diagonal, creating two triangles. Place one of these triangles in front of you so that the longer, flat side is vertical.

2. Place your index finger on the tip of the triangle opposite the longer, flat side and, using your opposite hand, roll the triangle up from the bottom. Secure the seam of the cone with a strip of tape.

3. Fill the cone with the henna paste using the plastic spoon. Once the cone is filled, fold over the opening and secure it closed with another strip of tape.

4. Snip the tip of the cone with your scissors. The smaller the opening, the finer the designs you can create.

Apply the Henna Tattoo

1. Clean your skin with soap and water to remove any oils that may be on your skin. Dry thoroughly.

2. Squeeze the top of the cone to extrude the henna paste onto your skin in the desired design. Apply the paste slowly, and use the toothpicks to scrape away mistakes.

3. Allow the paste to dry completely once the design has been applied. If desired, the dried paste can be refreshed by dabbing it with lemon juice and sugar, which will darken the design. Leave the dried henna paste on your skin for as long as possible, or for at least six hours.

4. Remove the rest of the dried paste using a cotton ball soaked in olive oil.

5. Refrain from washing the design in water for at least 12 hours. The design will darken to its deepest hue in one day.

Tips & Warnings

• You can buy henna powder at most natural foods stores or through online henna shops.

• Henna tattoos are temporary and can last anywhere from a few days to three weeks.

• Practice your designs on a piece of paper before trying them on skin in order to get a feel for the application process.

• Henna designs can be applied in the same manner described here to unfinished wood pieces as well as drum skins. These designs will be permanent and can add a personal touch to anything from a craft box to a set of bongos.

• Perform an allergy test by applying a small amount of prepared paste to the skin in an inconspicuous area. If the area becomes itchy, painful, red or swollen, immediately wash the henna off and do not continue use.

• Henna paste can permanently stain your clothes, so you may want to wear an old shirt while painting.

• Do not use a metal spoon or bowl while preparing your henna paste. The paste can react with the metal and reduce its dye strength.

References

• "Mehndi: The Timeless Art of Henna Painting"; Loretta Roome; 1998
• "Marriage Customs of the World: From Henna to Honeymoons"; George P. Monger; 2004
• "Henna: An Enduring Tradition"; Marilyn Cvitanic

Resources

• Elements of Henna Patterns