Research the ingredients of henna to ensure your child does not have an allergic reaction. Henna is a paste created by mixing henna plant powder, a mild acid, colorants, and adhesive. Purchase pure henna from an ethnic food store, henna supplier, bridal shop or hobby shop. Avoid purchasing henna from street vendors or online agents that you are unfamiliar with. Lemon and lime juice are examples of acids that act as a solvent releasing the chemicals latent within the henna powder. Colorants and mordants, like tamarind and clay, intensify the dying properties of the henna. Adhesives are sticky substances, such as honey, sugar or sap, that bind the ingredients of the paste to the skin. Henna paste sometimes contains oils and essences that enhance the properties of the henna or add fragrance.
Henna application can be a lengthy procedure depending on the size of the tattoo and the strength of the henna. Ensure your child has the patience to sit still while receiving a tattoo and waiting for it to set. Henna application begins with the preparation of the paste, which is prepared in a small batch right before application. Wash the skin with the tattoo recipient seated. Draw the design, and allow the paste to dry on the skin. If a light tattoo is desired, remove excess paste as soon as two hours after application. If a more durable tattoo is desired, leave the paste on until it flakes off. Doing henna at home on a rainy day is a good idea, when the rest of the afternoon will be filled with sedentary activities.
Henna tattoos can last for as little as a day or as long as four weeks. The longevity of a henna tattoo depends on maintenance, cure time and the strength of the henna. Do not wash the tattoo to remove henna paste. Keep the area dry and free of lotions and perfumes. Moisturize and seal the area with a specialized henna balm or natural oil such as olive oil.
Some kids experience skin irritation after henna application. For this reason, always test a small innocuous area of skin before completing a full design. Place a small drop of henna on the upper arm, foot or thigh, allow it to cure, and wait a full 48 hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs. Never buy products sold as "colored henna." Natural henna only stains orange, red or brown. "Blue henna" or "black henna" may contain unsafe dye chemicals such as p-phenylenediamine, which causes itching, bleeding, peeling, burns and scars.