Henna hands.
Henna tattoos are popular in Indian cultures, where they are used for special occasions such as marriages. However, they are becoming increasingly popular in North America as a short-term alternative to permanent tattoos. Henna tattoos usually last two weeks when cared for properly. If you want to make a henna tattoo on your own, gather the equipment and a design before you begin.
Instructions
1. Purchase henna powder. You can get it at specialty stores, craft stores or Indian stores. It comes in powder form in a cone-shaped plastic bag with a sticker on the end.
2. Read the directions that come with your henna powder. There should be the powder and a package of henna catalyst with it. Boil a cup of water, and pour it into a mug. Place the unopened sachet into the mug of hot water for 2 minutes.
3. Remove the sachet, and turn it over in your hands a few times to mix it. Cut the sachet open, pour it into the henna cone and allow it to make contact with the henna powder.
4. Mix the henna with the catalyst by kneading the outside of the bag gently. You should see color begin to form in a deep red-brown hue. Continue to knead until there is no dry powder left in the cone.
5. Remove the sticker on the tip of the cone and give it one final mix. Leave it to sit for 4 to 6 hours. You can leave it for up to three days in the refrigerator, after which its potency will decrease.
6. Choose a design while waiting for the henna to set. You can choose a simple tribal design, a traditional and intricate Indian design, lettering or a character. Sketch it on a piece of paper. Clean your skin with rubbing alcohol to make sure it is clean and dry, without any oils that could disrupt the henna's absorption into the skin.
7. Snip the tip of the henna cone when the 4 to 6 hours are up. Remember that the smaller the cut you make, the more intricate your designs can be.
8. Apply an even coating of mehlabiya oil on the skin. It makes your skin easier to work on and sets the color better.
9. Follow the design that you've sketched to fill in your tattoo. Remember that traditional henna tattoos are only a series of designs that are done randomly. For an authentic look, fill in an area of your body with swirls, dots and other designs.
10. Leave the henna paste on the skin for at least 2 hours. It should be dried by the time you are ready to remove it.
11. Refrain from letting your tattoo come in contact with water for at least 12 hours. The henna color will develop over a few hours, leaving you with a richly colored temporary tattoo.
