Henna tattoos are a fun and beautiful way to express yourself and show off your creative side. The art of henna has been around for centuries, arising in different parts of the world from Southeast Asia to Northern Africa. As these cultures explored further into body art, each developed a unique style of henna that still represents the region today. Along with traditional styles, henna is also used today for more modern designs. Experience henna artists can create just about any work of art you can imagine.
So how do you choose what henna tattoos to wear with so many options? Should you go with the geometric Morroccan style? What about floral Indian henna? Who can resist a little heart? Or maybe you’re more the skull and crossbones type? Don’t fret! The best part about henna tattoos is that they are meant to express what is meaningful to you personally. You don’t have to pick just one option. You can mix and match your henna designs to create a tattoo that’s uniquely you!
- Old Meets New
You can tastefully combine a traditional style with a little splash of your own modern look. Bring a bit of your personality into the design by including an element just for you. Show off your love for daisies or even explore your dark side by incorporating something new amongst the traditional stylings. Everyone deserves to express their uniqueness! Henna is a great way to do just that.
- Two is Better than One
The only thing better than one henna tattoo is two! Why limit yourself to one traditional henna design when you have so much skin to decorate? Don’t pick between two styles and just wear both. Place them in different areas so you can choose to cover one or the other or show both. Whatever your mood, you’ll have the perfect accessory. Henna goes with every outfit!
- Location, Location, Location
If you love traditional henna tattoos but want to wear them in a more interesting way, try a new placement. Your whole body creates a beautiful canvas that you can decorate however you like. Go with a mandala on your shoulder or your hip. A simple change of location can make a traditional style fun and sexy! Make sure to plan your wardrobe accordingly. A day at the beach will be much more fun when you are sporting henna.
- Minimalism
Any of your favorite stars can you tell you, having individual, mini tattoos is so in right now. It seems like everyone’s got one or five! If you’re not ready to commit to the ink, select an element from any modern or traditional design and use henna to create just that one piece. So trendy and cute – you’ll feel like a celebrity! Watch out for the paparazzi.
How to Apply Henna
Once you have your reinvented style picked out, it’s time to apply! Make sure you prep your skin first so that your henna tattoos will last longer and look lovelier. Wash and exfoliate the area to remove any lotions or dead skin. Thoroughly dry to remove all water.
Select an organic henna paste that uses all-natural ingredients with no added chemicals. It’s your skin for life – protect it. Use a henna cone to give you control over the amount of henna that goes on. If you’re not comfortable freehanding your designs, you can use a stencil to give you exactly the henna tattoo you want. You don’t have to be a master artist to look gorgeous.
Allow the henna to dry for at least 2 hours, but the more time you can leave it on your skin, the darker your tattoo will be and the longer it will last. When you are ready to remove the dried henna paste, avoid water for about 5 hours but do apply a moisturizer, like coconut oil, to protect the tattoo as it continues to set.
After 24 hours, your henna tattoo will have darkened to a nice earthy shade of brown. If you continue to take good care of it, your tat may last up to 2 or 3 weeks. That should give you plenty of time to show off your unique style of mix and match henna designs.
If you decide this look isn’t really what you were going for, you can start fresh by removing your current henna tattoos. Combine salt or sugar with vegetable oil to create your own emulsifying exfoliant. Scrub over the top of the tattoo take off the layers of skin that have been stained with henna. It may take a few times of exfoliating in order to remove everything.
Once you have smooth, fresh skin again, you can try another henna tattoo!
Written by: Shalina Jaffer. She is the owner and founder of Mihenna LLC – the home for all your DIY henna supplies. She also loves to travel – exploring new places and meeting new people around the world.
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