Mehendi or temporary henna tattoo: features and benefits
About one of the methods of applying temporary tattoos

What is henna tattooing, what are the features and principles of this technique - we will consider in the article
Henna tattooing is one of the methods of applying temporary tattoos, which is based on the principle of using compounds based on natural dyes, in this case henna. Such painting on the body does not last long on the skin and completely disappears, leaving no blurry spots and contours. Henna tattoos are positioned as a relatively safe, but allowing you to get a bright and lasting pattern. A significant advantage of temporary painting is also the absence of contraindications and age restrictions - almost everyone can afford such a drawing. What is henna tattoo, what are the features and principles of this technique - we will consider further.
Mehendi or temporary tattoo is one of the many body painting options that can last on the skin for two to three weeks. Drawings are made with special dyes, the composition of which includes natural henna, as well as with brushes or comfortable sticks. Let's try to consider in detail what a henna tattoo is and what are the pros and cons of such tattoos.
History of temporary tattoos
The tradition of applying temporary drawings with compositions based on natural henna originated in India several thousand years ago. Then, masters with unique knowledge could apply drawings to the skin of beauties that retained a bright color for two months or more. Unfortunately, now the technique of making permanent dyes is completely lost.
Modern masters use various compositions for applying temporary tattoos, where natural henna acts as the main component. In some cases, to obtain saturated colors, chemical dyes are used, which reduce the durability of the pattern to a minimum, but make it more saturated. Speaking about how harmful henna tattoos are, it is worth noting exactly this factor - substances of chemical origin can provoke allergic reactions, cause burns and irritations.
Paints, the composition of which includes only natural henna, have maximum resistance to external negative factors, but have a very limited palette of shades. Such compositions allow only the colors of the orange and brown spectrum to be obtained.
The main advantage of temporary tattoos is their almost complete safety and the absence of painful sensations, also among the advantages include:
- minimum cost;
- the opportunity to “try on” the drawing before applying a classic tattoo;
- the ability to change patterns in accordance with the mood or style of clothing.
When contacting a qualified master, the risk of complications and side effects when applying a temporary tattoo is almost completely excluded.
How long does a temporary tattoo last
It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question of how long henna tattoos last. The length of time that the pattern will stand out on the skin depends on a wide range of factors:
- Season. As a rule, in winter, the tattoo lasts much longer, due to the absence of the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation and the slowing down of metabolic processes in the tissues.
- Pattern density. Fine lines stay on the skin for no more than one to two weeks, while dense drawings can remain bright for a month.
- Compliance with the technique of applying a tattoo. If the skin has been properly prepared, the pattern will last long enough.
- The composition and quality of the dye. Pigments of low quality stay on the skin for no more than five days, in addition, they can be potentially dangerous to the body.
Often, people planning to apply a temporary drawing are interested in the question of what remains after a henna tattoo. Subject to the master's technique, the painting gradually loses its brightness, changing color from rich brown to orange, after which it completely disappears. The risk of blurred spots and pigmented areas in this case is excluded.
Dyes for temporary tattoos
How henna tattoos are made depends on the specifics of the work of the master. But, as the name implies, the main component is natural henna. The following components can be used as additional components:
- strong brewed tea;
- red natural wine;
- black coffee;
- freshly squeezed lemon juice;
- vegetable oils.
Masters often use dyes made in industrial conditions, due to the convenience of their use and the brightness of the resulting patterns.
Tattoo preparation and technique
In order for the drawing to last as long as possible and retain the brightness of the colors, it is necessary to follow a number of rules. First of all, you need to carefully prepare the skin. For this you need:
- The day before the proposed procedure, it is not recommended to expose the skin to sunlight.
- Before applying the dye, thoroughly wash the treated area with a cleansing cosmetic. Additionally, it is recommended to use an antiseptic .
- It is important to remove hairs from the treated area in advance. Natural henna lasts much longer on the hair than on the skin, respectively, after the pattern has completely disappeared, the colored hairs will become as noticeable as possible.