TATTOO KITS

 How to Create a Henna Tattoo

By Shirley Philbrick,

create a henna tattoo create a henna tattoo

Rate: (8 Ratings)

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

Things You’ll Need:

* henna kit

* stencils or tattoo design

Step1

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.

Step2

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.

Step3

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

Step4

clean and dry the area 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.

Step5

apply stencil or drawing 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.

Step6

apply henna 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.

Step7

Drying henna tattoo 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.)

Step8

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.