Paste consistency varies between store-bought brands. Also, you can’t tell how old store-bought paste is. The paste gets thicker and more difficult to use as it ages. Premade paste is great for beginners and anyone practicing designs on paper, but make sure you get a quality product made without chemicals.

Henna powder is available online and at many pharmacies. Look for it in general stores and drug stores. The correct consistency for henna paste is something slightly runnier than toothpaste. Add more henna powder to thicken it, or add more liquid to thin it out.

The amount of time the paste needs to cure depends on the kind of powder you get. Read the label to find the manufacturer’s resting time. Keep in mind that paste sets faster in warmer weather. To cure the paste more quickly, avoid placing it in cold areas of your home, such as in the basement or garage.

Applicator bottles are often available in the beauty aisle at general stores. Carrot bags can be found in the kitchen supply section. Both are also available online. If you’re good with crafts, try making your own applicators. Cut a stiff plastic sheet into a 5. 5 to 7 in (14 to 18 cm) rectangle. Roll it up into a cone and tape it shut. You can make your own piping bag at home with a Ziploc bag. [7] X Expert Source Moushami IyerHenna Artist Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.

If you pack the applicator correctly, it will let out a steady stream of paste when you squeeze it gently.

For example, if you’re using a cone, widen the opening to let out more paste. Mix in some water if the paste looks too thick. Applying the henna to paper first is also a great way to practice. [9] X Expert Source Moushami IyerHenna Artist Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.

You can try painting other areas of your body, such as your neck and chest. These areas are a little thin and often difficult for beginners, but many people make beautiful art on them.

Pat your skin dry with a microfiber cloth before attempting to put any paste on it. Moisture prevents stains from forming properly.

When you hold the applicator correctly, it puts out thick lines of paste that cure into a dark tattoo.

For example, you could make a lattice or vines on the back of your hand, then draw flowers over your fingers. Flowers or patterns are a great way to cover up your knuckles. Consider the amount of skin you wish to cover. Spread your design out to make it look like a single, continuous image.

For example, if you’re making a flower, start with a small circle in the center. Make a larger circle for the flower’s outer edge, then add petals and other details outside it.

If you clear away mistakes right away, they won’t show up in the final tattoo. Treat mistakes as soon as possible to prevent them from staining.

Coat the tattoo as soon as the paste begins to crack or else it may fall off. Henna paste dries quickly. Expect it to begin cracking not long after you finish making your design. Some people use wax, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil to protect mehndi art.

Henna paste stains clothing and sheets. Wear the wrapping to prevent extensive mehndi designs from turning into a big smear of paste.

Avoid using warm water to wash off the paste. [17] X Expert Source Moushami IyerHenna Artist Expert Interview. 12 July 2021. While you can use water, it fades the stain. Chlorine and other chemicals in pools also fade stains.

Use your designs for practice. Try applying paste over the paper to improve your skills.

Another option is to buy a henna stencil online. Put the stencil over your skin, then spread paste over it. It is a quick way to create a tattoo, but it uses a lot of extra paste.

For example, create a vine by making a simple line. Add leaves to it if you wish. Alternatively, draw a bunch of half-moons to create a bunch of flowers.

You aren’t limited to flowers or other common designs. Some people draw faces or even shapes. The most important part is making balanced, detailed images with precise lines.

Look for mehndi design books. These books are uncommon, but they often show you how to get started with basic, traditional designs. You may also be able to find some mehndi classes online. Although classes aren’t necessary, taking one can help you get started as a practitioner.

For the best result, work on palms. Palms absorb the most paste. Sometimes henna paste doesn’t show up well on darker skin, but drawing on a palm usually solves this problem.