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Mehndi Tattoos

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What are mehndi henna tattoos?

Henna tattoos (mehndi) are temporary tattoos that became popular in the west in the 1990s. They are typically applied to the hands and feet of women preparing themselves for weddings or special ceremonies. In some parts of the world, getting a mehndi is as common as getting a manicure or pedicure in the US.

Mehndi designs tend to be very intricate, focusing on floral patterns, geometric themes and other varieties.

Men are even starting to have henna tattoos applied now however. They are completely natural, temporary and, best of all, painless!

Henna

Mehndi is the Indian word for henna.

Some Mehndi images I found on Flickr.com

mehndi_light_bridal_lola by Henna by Heather - Mehndi in Boston / Providence M
Design of Mehndi for your Beautifull body by Rizwan Sagar 03458650886
Mehndi_Mandala_on_Melissa by Henna by Heather - Mehndi in Boston / Providence M
henna_mehndi_arabic_indian_fusion_style_riffat_inspired by Henna by Heather - Mehndi in Boston / Providence M
Design of Mehndi for your Beautifull body by Rizwan Sagar 03458650886
Design of Mehndi for your Beautifull body by Rizwan Sagar 03458650886
Design of Mehndi for your Beautifull body by Rizwan Sagar 03458650886
Mehndi by InfoMofo
Array by christyscherrer
Bride's hands by ann-dabney
Deepal on Heather by Henna by Heather - Mehndi in Boston / Providence M
curated content from Flickr

Famous mehndi

Western stars who've sported mehndi tattoos

Madonna Mehndi TattoosMost people saw Madonna sporting mehndi henna tattoos. What other celebrities get this decoration applied? Sting and his wife Trudy. Prince (the artist formerly known as), Gwen Stefani, Mira Sorvino, Elijah Wood, Justine Bateman, Pink, Liv Tyler, Yasmine Bleeth, Kassim Ouma (professional boxer), Michael Katsidis (professional boxer), Erika Badu, Nicole Eggert..

Natural Expression's website published this pictorial of celebrities adorned with henna body art.

The Indian website mehendi additionally lists Demi Moore, Drew Barrymore, Darryl Hannah, Angela Bassett, Laura Dern, Kathleen Robertson and Naomi Campbell.

Blogging about Mehndi

The latest word on henna tattoos

Barnes and Noble Coupon Valentines Day GiftsWho's been spotted wearing mendhi designs? What is the latest in the mendhi designs themselves? Have any new mendhi parlors opened up? Check out the latest news about mehndi tattoos in the latest blogs.
Daler Mehndi seeks to unite through music!
Daler Mehndi who has been singing and composing music since he was six years old, recently performed at Acharya Mahashraman Amrit Mahotsav in Jodhpur. He also met the Jain Guru 'Aacharya Shri Mahashraman Ji Muni', and they both had prolific discussions ...
Saif, Kareena all set for October 16 wedding?
Sources have confirmed that the marriage which has been under heavy speculation for long now is likely to be fixed for October 16 while the mehndi and sangeet will take place on October 15. The two day festivities will be hosted by mother and ...
UP's James Bond-style plan to foil cheating in pre-medical test
Those conducting the exam have been asked to note body marks and birth signs of the examinees for matching them later. A special type of ink has been brought to ensure that the fingerprints last longer than usual, said AA Mehndi, a CSMMU professor.
Jump the Broom and Say, "Mazel Tov!": How Interracial Couples Can Create ...
Sehnita Joshua-Mattison, whose family hails from Pakistan, explained to her fiance, Aaron Mattison, who is white, how important is was to her that he participate in the traditional pre-wedding ceremonies like the mehndi, an ancient Indian custom in ...
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What is the process?

How are mehndi tattoos applied?

The Method Of Application

Mehndi tattoos are temporary skin decorations made by applying a paste of mehndi plant-based henna dye. The paste leaves a brown to red marking on the skin that will fade within 1 to 4 weeks depending on the type of application used.

Some mehndi artists apply their work freehand, whilst others will use stencils or guides. The application consists simply of painting the henna paste onto the skin. Nothing is applied beneath the skin's surface (as with tattoos), thus the temporary nature of this skin decoration.

Watch Mehndi Tattoos Being Created

This intricate design is applied freehand

Watch as a mendhi artist paints their design freehand on the inner forearm, wrist and palm of a bride.
mehndi by riffat
by sabrina91 | video info

399 ratings | 1,093,834 views
curated content from YouTube

Salons

Where can I get my own mehndi tattoo?

Places where you can get a mehndi tattoo

Types of salons that usually apply mehndi tattoos and a few links to mehndi salons.

Professional mehndi artists will offer their services in Indian salons. Increasingly, traditional tattoo parlors are also offering mendhi applications.

If you're ambitious, you can try to apply your own mendhi. "Mehndi tattoo kits" consist of a pre-mixed tube of henna, stencils for applying the henna and other needed utensils. These are sold in a variety of locations, even on eBay!

Cost

How much will a mehndi tattoo set me back?

The Complexity Of Your Design and Skill of Your Artists Will Determine This.

The cost can vary greatly.

Philosophy Free Shipping Coupon

The amount of money spent on a mehndi henna tatto varies about as much as that of real tattoos (or even hair cuts or dye jobs) does. It will depend on a variety of factors: the complexity of your design; the exclusivity of the salon; the skill of your artist; the size of your design..

At home henna kits usually run between $10 to $20.

Buy Mehndi Stencils on Amazon.com

Get intricate designs even if you have zero artistic skill

Use mehndi stencils to create intricate looking hand-painted mehndi designs yourself. Here is an entire kit available for sale on amazon.com, including the henna paste, tools and stencils.
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Instant Mehndi Henna Tattoos

Do it at home by yourself!

Can't make it to a salon to get this done? Maybe you don't have a salon close to you that performs mehndi tatttoos. That's OK, order these instant mehndi tattoos online from eBay!
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Avoid "blue" or "black" hennas

The dyes used have a tar base to them and can be dangerous when absorbed through the skin.

Great Mehndi Tattoo Body Art Books

Traditional Mehndi Designs and More.

If you're interested in Mehndi, you may want to get a few books illustrating the traditional Mehndi Designs and telling you a little more about this Indian art form. Here are some books available on Amazon.com.
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Removal

How do I get rid of temporary mehndi tattoos?

They fade naturally.

Usually within 1 to 4 weeks.

A good indication of how long the mehndi will last is how well the color takes initially. If the color is a nice, rich and deep color, the mehndi will last longer. If the mehndi didn't take that well, it also won't last a long time.

There is a saying that when a bride's henna comes out darker on her hands, her husband will love her more.

If you want to get of a mehndi tattoo you've had applied before it fades, you can try the following methods:

  • swimming in a highly-chlorinated pool for at least an hour

  • spending time in a jacuzzi or "hot tub"

  • swimming in the ocean

  • applying ReNu contact lens solution to the offending design

  • applying Crest ultra-white, ultra-brightening toothpaste and let it stay on for 20 minutes, then scrub..

  • scrubbing alot

Mehndi Design T-Shirts

About as permanent a mehndi as you can get

Wear your mehndi design permanently with one of these t-shirts available on cafe-press.

From:

Price: $ Buy Now

Henna Mandala Women's T-Shirt

Henna Mandala Women's T-Shirt

From: Henna Mandala

Price: $18.99 Buy Now

India 4 Organic Cotton Tee

India 4 Organic Cotton Tee

From: Circle B Designs

Price: $26.49 Buy Now

Jr. Jersey T-Shirt

Jr. Jersey T-Shirt

From: Dragonfly Mehndi

Price: $22.99 Buy Now

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Check Out HennaBaby's Shop on Etsy.com for Cute, Mehndi-Inspired Onesies

Get your little ones in on the act

The designs used in henna mehndi tattoos are beautiful and complex.

Henna Baby's shop on etsy recreates this designs on infant onesies using 100% cotton, non-toxic AZO dyes and non-toxic fabric paint.

Organic Medika III Onesie --- hand painted one of a kind. FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING. | Price: $0

Welcome!

Henna is the ancient ceremonial art form of body painting dating back at least 5,000 years with its origins in the Indian Subcontinent, t... (full description)

Organic Mong Tay Onesie --- hand painted one of a kind. FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING. | Price: $0

Welcome!

Henna is the ancient ceremonial art form of body painting dating back at least 5,000 years with its origins in the Indian Subcontinent, t... (full description)

| Price: $0

(full description)

Organic Maritondo Onesie --- hand painted one of a kind. FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING. | Price: $0

Welcome!

Henna is the ancient ceremonial art form of body painting dating back at least 5,000 years with its origins in the Indian Subcontinent, t... (full description)

Organic Yoranna II Onesie --- hand painted one of a kind. FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING. | Price: $0

Welcome!

Henna is the ancient ceremonial art form of body painting dating back at least 5,000 years with its origins in the Indian Subcontinent, t... (full description)

More Mehndi Information

Other squidoo lenses on henna tattoos

Squidoo has its share of experts and experts on mehndi henna tattoos is no exception. Check out these other lenses on temporary henna tattoos.
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Contact this page's author or leave a comment here

Your views on mehndi

Have you ever had a mehndi tattoo? Why did you get one? Was it for a wedding, other special day or maybe just to be cool? Do you have a real tattoo of a mehndi design? Did you just find out about this? Leave your comments here.

Contact Laura Schofield

*If you would like to suggest any links or have your own photos and / or stories published, please send me an email. I can be contacted through my personal homepage, laura-schofield.com. If you enjoy the work I've done here, I do offer professional copy writing, photo restoration / manipulation, search engine optimization and web design services. I can again be contacted for any of these services through my website.

  • Snehalata Nov 17, 2011 @ 12:46 am | delete
    Great InforMATION REGARDING MEHNDI TATOO
  • dawngibson Jul 18, 2011 @ 2:29 pm | delete
    Thanks for the warning about questionable hennas. My cousins and I plan to do henna at our next gathering.
  • miaponzo Mar 6, 2011 @ 2:12 am | delete
    Thanks for this great lens! I love henna designs!
  • TylaMac Feb 6, 2011 @ 11:24 pm | delete
    I think Mehndi tattoos are beautiful. I could never get a permanent tattoo but I would like to try a henna one. I think it might look good with my coloring. And if I don't like it will be gone soon enough.

    *Blessed by a SquidAngel.*
  • LauraSchofield Feb 8, 2011 @ 5:19 pm | delete
    Thanks for the blessing. You know, I've got a permanent tattoo, but never had a henna one :/ I think I'm going to give it a try this summer!
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LauraSchofield

Laura Schofield is a web developer, computer programmer, freelance journalist and mother to four children. She writes on a wide variety of subjects, from... more »

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