* Make sure you use gloves and wear old clothes to avoid staining.
* Paint the design carefully on to clean skin. Avoid using any skin creams or body lotions prior to application and clean the skin with rubbing alcohol and cotton balls for the best results.
* Follow the instructions you are given for the length of time you will need to leave the henna on your skin. If you want a darker color for your temporary tattoo, leave the mixture on for a little longer.
* Use a soft brush to get rid of the dried henna and you will be able to see your henna tattoo immediately.
* Over the next few days the pattern will become a little darker and your new body decorations should last for a few weeks.
* Henna mixes are available at some pharmacies, oriental stores or organic produce stores, but it is a good idea to learn the different names for henna tattooing. Ask for mehndi, mehandi and/or mendhi.
* Henna that is 100% pure is green and will color your skin red, brown or orange. In general, the more pure the mixture is the healthier it is for your skin and there will be less chance of irritation. Some companies add chemicals to the mixtures to provide a range of colors, so ask your supplier about this before you buy.
Once you have completed the process you are ready to show off your new temporary tattoo. Choose an outfit like a midriff shirt or hipster pants to reveal your decorated belly or back or wear an ultra-short skirt to show off a thigh tattoo. If you are going to be on the beach wear a pair of sandals that shows off your painted feet to their best advantage or wear a low cut, backless dress to reveal a shoulder tattoo.
A temporary tattoo is used in fun and celebration as well as to mark special occasions, so use them often and try to incorporate them into the seasons of your daily life. The ancients wore them as outward statements of mood and attitude. Use your choice of temporary tattoo in this way and you will understand their true and deep significance and get the deepest satisfaction and reward from your body decorating.
