Thursday, October 29, 2009
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Apply an even coating of mehlabiya oil on the skin. It makes your skin easier to work on and sets the color better.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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