Henna stencil is a sheet, as of plastic or cardboard, in which a desired lettering or design has been cut so that henna paste can be applied to reproduce the pattern on the surface beneath. The pattern is cut out of the plate, which is then laid flat on the surface to be designed and the henna paste is brushed over it. Henna tattoo stencils are generally rubber or plastic made, washable and reusable for application with henna paste.

There are some great henna tattoo stencils that are ideal as a central focus to a design that can be then elaborate on. Some of the large ones serve this purpose well for upper back, lower back and chest designs. A large selection of round, celestial, celtic, band and traditional stencils are available. There are very nice smaller tattoo stencils that can be used for the central focus of a hand design, bracelet, cuff anklet and arm band.

The stencils are very easy to use. Clean the skin area where they will be applied. Then apply the stencil, making sure that it adheres to the skin tightly. Any pockets that are not sticking to the skin are going to mess up the design. Then apply the henna paste to the open areas where the skin is exposed within the boundaries of the stencil. Once the paste is dry, remove the stencil.