I began doing henna designs about 15 years ago, after a yoga conference in Florida. There were a couple thousand people there for continued education, yoga and an expo for shopping yoga accessories and books … and There was a wonderful Henna design artist, too.
I had a lovely paisley design with various vines on my arm and wrist and loved the design. Sorry, no photos. I may not have had a phone back then. EEK!!
When returning to work, several women saw my arm and started inviting me to do henna at their baby shower coming up in two weeks. I kept telling them I did not do this to myself, but as they insisted, I broke down and agreed to learn how and I would be the henna artist at the shower.
I watched YouTube videos and used wash off markers to practice on my skin. 😆 I got several books and kept the designs simple… With the exception of the mother. I planned to apply a design of a lotus flower with large petals and vines underneath. She was 8 1/2 months pregnant and due soon. The presence of henna when during the birth is meant to bring good luck. It is a blessing. The baby played with me as I spent time on her moms belly. A few kicks but mostly playing, like I was tickling her. I used liquid bandage and put a few little pink rhinestones on the design and it was beautiful. When she delivered, the lotus appeared to close and her belly was nicely decorated. I do feel bad not to have pics, as it was so long ago, but I have done some parties recently and have pics of those to share. 👌🏼
This is the Chinese symbol for Happiness. I applied the henna thickly to make a dark design on this one.
That next few pictures are from a private party at a gym and spa where I teach yoga and barre. These two were on employees before the party.
The five dots in each design are a symbol of protection. The designs can have meaning, or they do not have to, maybe it is just a design you like. Some of the girls liked this next design so I did several of the same. The “S”curls are for good luck. We were in a studio with aerial silks and red overhead lighting, is why the photos look so red and cool.
This foot design is similar to one I had on my foot that day, so my friend asked for the same. I usually do a flower and will let it fade off and then do a new one. I like it.
This is what the design looks like after the henna has dried and fallen off, and it will last 7 to 10 days in most areas. My foot tends to fade quicker since I am barefooted most of the time – teaching yoga or barre, a ballet fitness class and in my athletic shoes.
This is the Chinese symbol for Double Happiness. 🈺🈺 My neighbor let me do this.
You can see that the ink is raised and wet, and then dries as the skin absorbs the color. It gets flaky and will fall off, so be careful not to let it get stuck to the floor or on your nice carpeting or clothing. Cover dry henna with a sock or plastic wrap and tape to hold in place. Leaving the henna for up to 10 hours without washing will help ensure a nice even color on your design.
Sometimes I go back over a design after a few days with more henna to even out the color or just to make it darker and last longer. Most cones come with a small pin to hold the air out, but are most effective when first used.
I have mostly gone to an Indian grocery store to buy the henna cones, but also get them on Amazon. I also ordered and refer back to several books from Amazon. It was really fun to learn to do the designs and it is calming to sit quietly to do them, and to let them dry without moving too much, hopefully.
Henna does come in other colors and after experimenting a bit, I love the traditional color the best. The others look great at first and then as they begin to fade, look a little like I colored on myself with magic marker. The color is a deep brownish red and looks nice on all skin colors. It fades to lighter as it goes away.
I will put a few of the books here for you if you are feeling interested. Reach out to me if you have any questions about henna! I haven’t ever used it to color my hair, have you??
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you have a fabulous day!! xoxo, Michelle
Here is a pack of tattoos, I love the designs!… INKED by dani here
A book with thousands of henna designs to choose from and practice!! here
This is another book I got and love!! here and bonus It is a Coloring book with so many lovely design ideas!
Awesome Henna kit with a book, henna, patterns and projects, and stencil stickers. here
Henna cones ready to use pack of 3 here
Henna cones ready to use pack of 6 here
Did you see my post on warm/hot yoga??
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I haven’t had any henna tattoos in a very long time! When I was younger my friends mum used to do them for us, and I was always so thrilled with the result. I might have to look into it again!
This is so sweet your friend’s mum did them for you! You should get some henna and do it yourself! I love it!! Thanks for reading!! xoxo