Keep reading to learn everything you should probably know about henna tattoos.
Meet the Experts
What Is Henna?
“There’s a saying that the darker the mehndi is, the stronger the marriage will be.”
Stocksy
Henna
Henna paste is made from a powder derived from the henna plant.
The temporary dye hasand still ismost popularly used to adorn women and men as part of their marriage celebrations.
The darker it is, the longer it will last."
@hennabydivya/ Instagram
She also explains how the placement of the henna will also play a role in how long it lasts.
“Placement on the back or upper arm have potential to last an additional week or two.”
Also, the physical feeling of getting a henna tattoo plays a role.
@hennabybianchi/ Instagram
She adds that one would usually get the darkest color on the warmer parts of the bodyespecially the palms.
Aside from the hands, the feet are also a spiritual place to get henna.
And, using religious symbols and designs on the feet may be disrespectful to the culture or religion.
Below, Savla describes 14 different henna tattoo designsalong with their meaningsthat you could’t go wrong with.
Below are some care instructions for your henna.
Henna Tattoo Removal
Ready toremove your henna?
Exfoliation is the name of the game here.
Try buffing the remnants away with a pumice stone or loofah and a good body scrub.
For an alternate approach, Dr. Shokeen suggests a more acidic route.
“Be gentle to avoid irritation!”
Henna can cost as little as five dollars at fairs and craft shows.
Savla also notes that the experience and skill of the henna artist plays a role as well.
“But, if there’s a specific design requestedas in a symbolit could cost about $20.”
“Henna products may contain additives or chemicals that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Opt for natural, pure henna to minimize this risk,” echoes Dr. Shokeen.
Skin irritation is another possible side effect, usually resulting from user error in removal attempts.
“Avoid leaving henna on for too long and choose gentle removal methods.”
How to Learn to Henna
Interested in learning how to do henna yourself?
If so, the best way to master it is simply to practice, practice, practice.
As always, it’s best to do a small patch test before committing to a larger design.
de Groot AC.Side-effects of henna and semi-permanent ‘black henna’ tattoos: a full review.Contact Dermatitis.
2013;69(1):1-25. doi:10.1111/cod.12074
