How should I go about using Henna?

Question

I like the look of a good, clean classic tatoo but I'd never want to permanatly mark my body like that so I am considering using Henna. I've already called all the tat parlors here in my city and none of them use Henna. Their advice is to buy some on the internet and apply it myself. Frankly I don't trust myself that much on my own. Have you used it? Tips from experience? Thanks

Answer 1

Yes.
I have used henna by filling my bathtub and breathing through a straw. I become the most amazing looking shade of burnt umber for two whole weeks!
Otherwise, I'm just a fair caucasian guy.

Answer 2

Go to your local Indian grocery store (as in South Asian). They will usually have henna and can tell you how to use it. If not, they can tell you where to go for great henna artists. These artists might charge quite a bit depending on location, popularity of the artist, etc.

Some people don't react well to Henna though (don't like the smell, are allergic, etc.). If you have never tried Henna, wait for a free sample by:

1) going to a "mehndi" or "sangeet" of an Indian wedding. It is sort of the pre-wedding party. Usually the host pays for all the mehndi/henna done to all the invited ladies. P.S. this shall only be applied to your hand. And it helps if you know someone involved in the wedding!

2) Go to a South Asian festival/expo/parade in your area. Knowledgeable artists set up a booth at these places sometimes. They will give great advice and might even tattoo you there.

As far as actually using it for tatooing purposes, a ready-to-use cone should available at yout local Indian grocery store with directions. Check the ingredients because some add some chemicals and dye's for richer color. This takes away from the "all-natural" element.

If you can't find a cone, get some henna powder, mix with lemon juice, water and oil till you get a pasty substance. Make a paper cone with a pointed edge on the bottom. Insert paste into cone. Decorate yourself by squeezing the cone so that henna comes from the pointed end (like putting icing on a cake) and let the henna dry. Oh, an alternative to creating your own messy cone would be to get an empty bottle of liquid glue/spicy sauce/any bottle that comes in with a close/open narrow twisty cap. That allows for a gel like liquid to come out.

Try not to ruin the decoration by touching it. The pasty stuff will start coming off when it dries and you'll have a nice brown tatoo if it worked right.

Answer 3

Hi. I have been a professional henna artist for over 10 years, so perhaps I can help.
Henna is a plant that grows in the middle east, africa and India. THe leaves are picked and dried and then ground into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with different oils and teas to produce a thickish paste- alot like mud and this stains your skin a dark reddish brown for up to a month.
There are many many kits available out there and some are very good and some suck. It is hard to determine the quality of henna when purchasing it at a middle eastern store because often times- the henna has been sitting there for a long time and has lost most of its color. Its also important to assure the henna you are buying is meant for skin coloring and not for hair. (hair henna is a lesser quality)
The VERY BEST henna kit on the market for new comers is the EarthHenna kit. It is simple, easy to use, very dark staining, comes with the worlds best applicator and has super easy to use stencils that are really lovely and cool. It is really inexpensive and has enough henna to do many different designs. I would not suggest wasting your time or money on anytrhing else.
If you have any problems you may check out my site and ask any questions you have- I will respond quickly! (beware "black" henna- its not henna but EVIL PPD crap that is likely to scar you!)
good luck and have fun!!!

Answer 4

Whenever I go to Six Flags I get a Henna tattoo. It's right by the Batman ride, near Gotham City. I've seen stands everywhere like in swap meets in Rosarito and sometimes even at the fair or just carnivals in town. They can last pretty long if you take care of them. I was told to put sunscreen on my tattoo before I got in the shower and that would protect it from the water, or even baby oil. You can always get someone you know who draws well trace something on your skin and then place the Henna there. Be careful with it though: it will stain your clothes! Don't touch anything until it's completely dry, and don't poke at it either. Good luck!

Answer 5

Yes, they have kits online. Henna has a very rediish tone, so you won't get a dark deep effect unless the henna is dyed.

Try going to an indian store in your city if you have one and ask them if they know of anyone who applies henna. Indian weddings, they have people they pay who specialize in applying henna on hands and feet. Some do well, but they do a lot of designs rather than images, myabe they can help.

Answer 6

yes . it will only last about one to two months depending how many times you shower each month. the best advice i could give you is to go to any east indian shop and ask if there is a place to get someone to apply it for you. on the internet you can get the stensil with it ... henna is a powder that you only mix with water so it looks like mud ... it comes in an orange color or brown sometimes black .... good luck

Answer 7

i got a henna when i went to fl. i came out looking real and it lasted for about 10 days. i found a henna set at Dillard's and jc penny. they are spray on, so have a friend do it. i think you will be satisfied with the results.

Answer 8

hennas are usually done but unsanitary street vendors, and ive never heard of self apply hennas watev. but they look kind of cool. try to find a santary and nice henna shop by asking on answers if there is any good henna shops near ur area!!! good luck!! have a nice day : )

Answer 9

i have used it. i am an indian and we apply hanna on our hands when it is a family mambers anniversary or a big celebration. i have done it a lot of times. u can get it done a little india village in artesia or go to california adventures, i saw a lady doing henna over there. it is by the big white ride. u have to keep it on for a long time. i sqeeze lemon on it and keep it over night. that way it comes out dark.

Answer 10

Do not buy black henna, this can scar you. Look for mystics so to speak, many religions use henna regularly and have people who apply it professionally.