While applying henna dye to the skin to create a temporary tattoo, there are a variety of tattoo designs which can be used. There are a variety of types and styles of tattoos and therefore it is important to use a stencil or an outline to have a general idea of the shape and size of the tattoo, in the case that you are an inexperienced artist. This can help to reduce the mistakes which are made while the tattoo is applied, as henna will stain the skin instantly and therefore cause the ink to appear on various parts of the skin.
Have the design chosen before the individual is having the henna tattoo applied to the skin, this can help to also reduce the mistakes that are made. Remember, the henna tattoo should be applied as a paste and will dry to the skin, leaving the impact of the ink on the skin. Therefore, the ink should be left to dry until it has set into the skin and will last an average of two to four weeks before coming off of the skin.
While designing the henna tattoo, there are many people that make use of freehand tattoos with the use of brush that can be used to apply the henna. These types of tattoos are often applied in a ritualistic manner, such as before a special event such as a birth or a wedding and are applied by members of the family in certain cultures. These members of the family have more than likely been applying henna for longer than they can remember and therefore are aware of how to use henna as well as the designs which are commonly used.