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Henna
tattoos
How
to get a great looking, temporary tattoo for special moments
By Lindisima
Team
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Madonna, the trendsetter singer, was one of the first ones to popularize them, when she used
henna
(also referred to as menhdi or mehndi) tattoos in a MTV show a few years ago. The
henna tattoos are easy to do and are really fun. They look good to add something different to a beach outfit or just to any dress. You can have tattoos anywhere on your body, but they look great on the hands, shoulders, legs and tummy depending on what you are wearing.
While traditionally henna tattoos have been used by women,
but many men in the west are increasingly using them as
well. So if you can't find anyone to apply it on you,
ask your partner. (Related:
Ivy Supersonic with 23 tattoos) |
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 The henna tattoos are not a long life commitment; they last a couple of weeks only. You can do a henna tattoo yourself or go to a
henna
artist. But if you are the DIY type, we are going to tell you how to do your own henna designs.
Types of designs for henna tattoos
There are three main types of designs: African, Arabic and Indian.
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African designs: These are bold, big designs with thick lines. They usually have geometric patterns inspired by African themes. In Africa some people use
black
henna; this type of henna is not considered safe because it may cause allergies to some people.
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Arabic Designs: These are also large designs and nature-inspired. The most common ones are floral patterns. The lines are thick, but smaller than the African ones. In the Middle East and North Africa they use natural henna.
(Related article:
Beauty secrets of Arabian women)
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Indian henna: These are the most elaborate and delicate types of designs; the patters look almost like lace. The lines are fine and the design uses the typical Indian patterns.
 A design for you
You can create your own design, or copy someone else’s, either from a book or from some
free designs on the
Net. You can either follow the design and try to draw it on your hand or copy it on you hand using a transparent paper and a pencil and then apply henna on top. Another alternative is to purchase a
henna pattern or a stencil or a complete
henna
kit. This last alternative is the best option for first time since they usually have all you need for a henna tattoo.
To apply henna is easy, but ideally someone else should do it for you. So have a henna party; invite some friends and apply henna to each other, and express your creativity with original designs.
(Related:
How
to organize a party)
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 How to make a henna tattoo
Time
An experienced henna artist applies most small to medium designs in about 10 minutes. For a beginner, plan on 30 minutes for tattoo. You will need to leave the henna on the hands for about 5 hours. During this time you can watch TV or do other activities that will not affect the henna. If you have henna on the hands you have obviously less choices. After the henna is wiped off you need not wash the part where the tattoo is placed for about 10 to 14 hours. If you do not leave the henna for enough time or if you wash the tattoo area the tattoo will not last for a long time.
Next article: Materials
you will need and how to apply henna
Related article: Why
do women tattoo their bodies?
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