Henna Tattoos

I have to admit, I didn’t know much about Henna when I passed the booth at the Craft & Hobby Association Show in Anaheim on Saturday. I’ve heard about it but never experienced it for myself so when I was asked if I wanted a Henna Tattoo done, I said, “Why not?”

Henna is actually a plant, primarily found in Northern Africa. The leaves themselves don’t stain the skin unless they are broken and the molecules inside are released. While it is difficult to use crushed up leaves to do the intricate Henna designs you typically see, a powder is usually made from the leaves. The powder is then mixed with some type of acidic liquid to make the stain. Of course, the stain isn’t actually permanent. Henna on the skin will typically last about 2 weeks. 

Henna is traditionally done for good luck. The more decorative and intricate the pattern, the better the luck. Bridal Henna in some cultures takes days to complete.

At first, the Henna goes on as a dark brown. It’s raised and thick (like my hand shows above). This was a simple pattern that didn’t take long at all to do. There are tons of patterns that you can get detailed instructions on if you Google “Henna”. The dark brown will eventually start to dry up and then eventually flake off your skin. Once completely dry, you’ll want to scrub the crusty part off. Underneath, you’ll find the actually Henna stain.  

I have to say that for my first time, I was pretty pleased with the results. It’s such a fun way of trying out a tattoo. Pretty sure I won’t be permanently staining my skin, but I would definitely do a Henna again.

Have you ever had a Henna Tattoo? Would you do it? I’m seriously thinking I’d like to get it done on my feet. I started a Pinterest Board for all the amazing designs I’m finding. Check it out.