Henna has been used for centuries for body decoration. The application of henna to the body is neither painful nor poisonous. When used in body decoration, henna can be thought of as an organically-derived temporary tattooing. Henna simply a method of drawing various designs on the skin and as the skin absorbs and reacts with the henna powder, it gets stained for a period of up to four weeks.

From beauty salons and boutiques to bookstore-cafes and yoga centers, these temporary "tattoos" are being offered as fun fashion. While it's ceremonial in many senses, henna can be seen as an everyday fashion adornment, regarded much like jewelry or makeup. Traditional Indian enhancement is based on pretty and voluptuous painted swirls on hands and feet.

Design & Patterns
Designs can be original or chosen from a book of ancient patterns. Traditionally henna was applied to the hair, hands and feet, but modern henna body painting can be done on any non-bending area of the skin surface Young people seem to have an affinity for the old designs, but they are wearing them in untraditional ways.

Henna are painted on stomachs, backs, circlets around the neck, arm or ankle and even full scalp designs on shaved heads. Application can take as little as minutes for a small anklet pattern or up to hours for the full works on palms and feet.