Thinking of getting a temporary tattoo? For centuries people in India have used temporary henna tattoos to decorate their hands, feet and faces in celebration, mourning or to increase their beauty and allure. If you have always admired these beautiful, body decorations, and aren’t really very eager to have a permanent tattoo that you may regret later, a temporary tattoo may be just the solution for you.

Henna temporary tattoos are a great way to make an alluring personal statement about who you are and what you want to bring to the world and the people you meet. Before you get started it is a great idea to discover the importance and cultural significance of the tattooing practice.

Visit your local library or venture online to find out what temporary henna tattoo designs mean to the people who traditionally use them and try to copy them or adapt those that have a special meaning in your life too. Have some fun with it too, and incorporate designs that say ‘This is me!” This will make it a more rewarding and personal experience.

These days getting a temporary tattoo isn’t difficult. Many tattoo parlors now offer them as well as the more conventional forms but if you want to try your hand at doing your own henna designs or asking a friend to help you out then a few useful tips will come in handy:

* Make sure you find out exactly what is contained in the henna mixture before your use it-this will ensure that you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients.

* Be cautious and perform a skin test before using the dye on your skin. Take a small amount of the mixture and place it on an inconspicuous area. Wait the normal length of time you would for the actual tattoo and watch your skin for any signs of irritation for the next two days. If none are apparent, you are ready for action. (Using lemon or sugar in the mixture may aid in reducing skin irritation).

* Decide on a pattern or design for your temporary tattoo . You may want to invent one of your own or consult books detailing traditional designs. Be sure that you are completely happy with the design as you are going to be stuck with it for a while.

* 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.