Mehndi, the art of applying henna paste to the skin to produce a stain, is hot in the United States right now.  You see it being done at amusement parks, beaches, and even shopping malls.  You don't have to pay a professional to give you a temporary henna tattoo.  It's fun and easy to do yourself!

Caution:  As with all cosmetics and body care products, test on an inconspicuous area of skin for allergic reaction.  Allergies can develop at anytime, so re-test before every application.  NEVER use henna that contains chemicals.

Follow these steps for quick and easy henna tattoo application:

1. Gather henna, paper towels, a damp wash cloth (to remove mistakes), a straigt pin (to remove any clogs in your cone or nozzle), and mehndi oil (optional).
2. Wash area well. Do not use a lotion based soap. A swipe of rubbing alcohol helps.
3. Mix henna thoroughly.  Carefully knead cone or tube for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Make a VERY small cut at the tip of the cone or remove cap from henna tube.
5. For cones, squeeze out about 1/4 inch of paste.  For tubes, apply desired applicator tip.
6. Hold tip close to skin (or touch skin lightly) and slowly squeeze henna from cone, creating designs. Experiment with techniques. The thicker your lines, the darker the color. If you make a mistake, quickly wipe off henna with a damp cloth or paper towel.
7. Wipe end of cone or tube.  For tubes, replace cap and wash applicator tip. Refrigerate to keep henna fresh longer.
8. Allow henna dry for at least 1 hour. Leave henna on longer to deepen color.  You can also apply a henna sealer after the henna is set, but before it is dry.  This will allow you to keep your henna on for hours (even overnight) to produce a much darker color.
9. Gently scrape off dried henna with your fingernail.
10. Optional-To deepen color and help design last longer, apply a thin layer of mehndi oil over design.

Your design will last about 5-7 days without henna oil, depending on your skin tone.  With care, it can last 2-3 weeks.

To make your design last longer...

• Wear gloves when your hands come in contact with chemicals (when cleaning especially)
• Use gentle soap when washing hands (stay away from any type of exfoliating soaps)  
• Wear rubber gloves when washing your hair
• Apply henna oil over your design before showering

If you are brand new to the art of henna, look for a starter henna kit that includes a variety of applications for you to experiment with.

Professionl applicator bottles are great for both professional henna artists and beginners.  Henna transfer paper is a great help  for the artistically challenged henna artist.  It's also wonderful if you need to do many designs in a sitting.

I hope you found my guide helpful.  If you have any suggestions for improving this guide, please contact me.

Other helpful henna guides...

New to Henna? What Kind of Henna is Best for you?
Henna Trouble Shooting Guide

Jody Rogers
Beachcombers! Bazaar
Beachcombers! ME Page

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