Henna drawings on the leg

The beach period and the season of wearing open clothes are an excellent occasion to decorate your body. Henna drawing is a great way to draw attention. The substance is completely safe for the skin. Many who are not ready for real tattoos choose just such drawings. This tradition came to us from eastern countries and is very popular.

Mehendi (mehndi) is a traditional Indian painting on the body using henna paste. Often such drawings are called temporary tattoos, because the image completely disappears from the skin after 2-3 weeks. It is difficult to reliably trace the place of origin of such art. To date, it is generally accepted that mehendi comes from Arab countries. Temporary henna tattoos are also widely used in European countries.

Mehndi appeared 5000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Only noble ladies could afford to decorate their bodies with henna. Body painting is closely intertwined with traditions. Indian women are sure that images attract good luck and protect from trouble. Based on this, there is a tradition of painting the body of the bride before the wedding.

In different eastern countries, mehendi have their own characteristics. So, in the Middle East you will find floral patterns. In India, it is customary to apply lace patterns, symbols of fertility and religious motifs.In Indonesia, they also pay tribute to plants. There is a complete painting of body parts (finger pads, feet, etc.). But in Malaysia, painting is allowed only on the eve of the wedding.

In our country, girls increasingly prefer henna body painting due to its aesthetic appeal. Many are attracted by the fact that the pattern disappears from the skin without a trace. You can apply henna in many ways, many techniques are easy to do at home. For more complex images, you should contact the master.

It depends on many factors. If you have oily skin type, then the drawing will come off faster. Much depends on how often you wet the drawing. Remember that frequent application of pigment accelerates the aging process of the skin.

If the drawing did not work out for you or you need to remove it for some reason, it will be difficult. Henna can't just be washed off, but there are a few tips to help you. To begin with, steam the place of the drawing well and wash it thoroughly with a washcloth. You can use a scrub instead of a sponge. So you can remove the top layer of the epidermis, which contains the pigment.

Henna for mehendi is sold in two forms: powder and paste. Paste is great for beginners, powder is more difficult to work with. To use a dry product, you need to know exactly the dilution rules, the necessary components and their proportions. The pasty product is often sold in cones. To use, just gently cut off the tip and squeeze out the product.

When choosing a material, it is important to understand its composition and origin. There are two types of henna for mehndi:

• natural. Such a natural dye is obtained from the leaves of the cinchona tree. The color of the natural product is brown. If you buy pasta in a cone, then pay attention to its appearance. If you notice that the packaging is deflated or deformed, then there is a poor-quality product inside. In addition, the packaging must be carefully sealed, without holes. This is due to the fact that the product can freeze. The paste itself has a fluid and soft texture.

• Colored henna. Such a product is made using chemical additives. Often sold in tubes or jars. Thanks to chemical dyes, henna can have any color. Carefully study the composition before buying to make sure that there are no allergens. Choose those materials that are dominated by natural ingredients. Drawing such henna resembles a real colored tattoo.

The freshness of henna and the saturation of color are fundamental points. Its ability to stain the skin depends on the freshness of the material. You cannot be sure that the seller complied with the rules for storing the material, but you can definitely check the expiration dates before purchasing.

Natural henna is suitable for 1 year. However, a truly good shade can only be obtained in the first 3 months, subject to the rules of storage, then the color will fade. That is why it is important to ask the seller not the shelf life, but the date of manufacture. If there is an opportunity to examine the box with the goods - use it.

Good quality henna can be distinguished by the following signs:

• The cone is plump, it is impossible to push through with your fingers.
• After opening the package, you see a fluid and soft paste.
• Henna arbitrarily flows out of the package after opening.

All these recommendations for freshness apply specifically to natural henna. Black and color has chemical elements in its composition, therefore it retains freshness longer. The color of staining largely depends on the original skin tone. Natural brown dye on fair skin can turn orange. Consider these nuances when choosing materials.

Before applying the image, you should decide on the style. You can choose a modern pattern or sort out more ancient motifs. Mehendi has existed for many hundreds of years and during this time certain styles have formed:

• Arab. Such drawings are reminiscent of oriental painting, they have a lot of floral components. Arabic mehndi has no special rules for applying and color saturation. There is only one condition: the drawing should look elegant and rich.

• African. Here you will find many clear stripes and regular shapes. Such a henna tattoo on the legs has a special requirement: the contours of the image must completely coincide with the lines of the feet.

• Indian. It is these drawings that are the most difficult to implement. Here you will find many possible elements: plants, figures, animals. Moreover, each component of the image carries a special semantic load, nothing is depicted just like that. Patterns in this style take up a lot of space on the body. Often they imitate gloves, stockings or bracelets.

• Asiatic. In this direction, Indian and Arabic traditions are intertwined. There is a characteristic feature - the fingertips should be painted over completely.

• European. This direction is considered the youngest of all possible.It is in the European style that all of the above are intertwined. Here you will not find special meanings, secret traditions or strict rules. The choice of pattern depends solely on your preferences. Such a modern trend is very attractive to young people and provides an excellent field for imagination.

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Many people think that only women tend to decorate their bodies with henna, but this is a misconception. Men also often resort to this method of applying temporary tattoos. However, this is mostly practical. For example, Bedouins live in the deserts of Africa, they use henna to lower the temperature of their feet. To do this, men simply dip their feet in henna paste.

Since mehndi is a special culture, part of the tradition, the designs have special meanings. The choice of the location for applying the image is also not chosen by chance. Arab countries and India firmly believe in the mystical meaning of mehendi. Pattern location:

• Right leg.

A person with an image on this leg is in an eternal search for himself and his Self. Thus, the desire is expressed to draw the attention of others to their principles and life values, goals.

• Left leg.

The drawing on the thigh or on the calf of the left leg indicates that the owner of the drawing knows exactly which direction to go in life in order to achieve the desired goal.

• Right foot.

A person with such an image is rather selfish and does not hide it. The owner is not satisfied with his friends and acquaintances, he is not satisfied with the circle of people with whom he is forced to maintain contact.

• Left foot.

The owner lacks support from the closest environment.Since the family does not satisfy the psychological need, a person is in search of a reliable life partner, who will become a support.

• Shin or ankle.

These zones do not have their own mystical meaning. The interpretation of the pattern on the lower leg or ankle directly depends on the selected ornaments, color and saturation of the pattern.

The mystical meaning of henna tattoos is not limited to location. The image itself plays a big role. Experts in this field have collected the most common images and deciphered their meaning. Here's what you need to know before drawing:

• "Dreamcatcher" on the side of the ankle.

Such a sign in itself is the strongest talisman. It is able to protect its owner from restless nightmares, insomnia. The essence of the talisman is precisely in the protection of the carrier during the rest. It is important that the cobweb in the center of the dream catcher has 8 intersections, because it is a symbolic designation of a spider.

• Feather anywhere on the leg.

This pattern is quite meaningful and versatile. With such an image, you can emphasize your own cheerfulness, courage, patience, a penchant for wisdom and non-standard thinking. Such a symbol is characteristic of creative individuals who do not recognize the existence of frames and conventions.

• Ankle bracelet.

Such a mehendi will become a true aesthetic pleasure for connoisseurs. Such drawings can be quite simple or, on the contrary, have many intricate details. The bracelet is depicted in order to draw attention to one's successes and achievements in any area of ​​life.

• Lotus.

In eastern countries, the lotus is equated with a holy image. This mehndi is often painted on the foot.The value may vary depending on the complexity of the image and the number of petals. Such flowers symbolize the feminine, wisdom and sexuality. Such a pattern on the body will bring with it a lot of positive and bright changes.

• Mehendi garter.

This image is typical for brave and uninhibited girls. An imitation of a stocking or garter band is a strong sexual signal and tells others that the owner of the picture is ready for bright adventures.

• Asterisks.

Such a symbol indicates that a person strives for harmony within himself.

• Rhombus.

A girl who wears such an image wants to inform everyone about her emotionality, sensuality and receptivity.

• Triangle.

The one who wears such a geometric figure on his leg has clearly defined his goal and is taking steps to achieve it.

• Panther.

Such a wild cat, as a rule, is located on the ankle or ankle. Panther personifies a strong and tough character, grace, guidance of instincts, a tendency to respond quickly.

• Cat.

Such an image often causes emotion and a smile, but only for those who do not know the true meaning of this symbol. Such a pattern on the female body speaks of cunning and a tendency to deceive. There is another meaning of the cat. Often the symbol informs others that the owner is striving for personal independence and freedom.

• Peacock.

Such an image is often applied to the side of the calf. The bird symbolizes greatness and beauty, fortitude. Often girls emphasize the romance of their nature with the help of such a picture. There is evidence that the peacock is able to attract happiness and glory into the life of its owner.

• Butterfly.

In Eastern culture, it is commonly believed that just as a butterfly is able to transform from a caterpillar, so the owner of the symbol is reborn.

• Owl.

Girls often depict an owl on their hips or feet, but men on their calves and knees. The meaning of an owl is multifaceted, but the location significantly narrows the circle of interpretations. An owl on a leg is a challenge for others. The owner reports that he does not believe in the loyalty and friendship of those who are nearby.

• Rose.

A fairly common image for mehendi. Most often, the rose symbolizes virginity and purity. The abundance of flower buds in the picture symbolizes love and the beginning of a new life. The composition with buds and leaves denotes abundance and prosperity.

• Sun.

This drawing symbolizes the meaning of life, its energy and warmth. Previously it was believed that the sun is a divine symbol. Such an image can awaken the forces within you and provide a surge of positive emotions.

The advantage of henna tattoos is that they can be done independently at home. The technique is pretty easy to learn. The only thing that matters is sticking to the technology. First you need to properly prepare henna paste. Here are the basic preparation rules:

1. About a day before drawing the picture, refuse the solarium and any other exposure to ultraviolet rays.
2. You can apply a drawing to one place no more than 2 times a month. Experts say that our skin needs rest even from natural pigments.
3. Do not apply moisturizers to the area of ​​the skin where you are going to apply the henna tattoo. Instead, wash the area with soap and wipe with an alcohol solution. This will remove excess oil from your skin.If the skin has peeling or bumps, then be sure to treat the area with a scrub.
4. Remove hair from the place of the future drawing. The reason is that henna is able to stain not only the skin, but also the hair. In the scales of the hair, the pigment will remain for a longer time. When the image is completely gone from the skin, you will be left with colored hairs.

Ready-made henna paste is sold in cones. The same can be made independently from thick foil or paper. To do this, simply roll the material into a cone and secure the edges with tape. Make a hole in a pointed place with a wide needle. Experts say that using a cone is convenient and is the best option for beginners.

If you purchased henna powder, then you will need to prepare the mixture yourself. Pasta needs to be prepared ahead of time. The process of preparing the mixture in stages:

• Brew strong tea (3 teaspoons of tea per 0.5 liters of water).
• Boil it for 5-10 minutes over low heat.
• Strain.
• Slowly pour the tea into 40 g of henna powder. Stir the mixture continuously to avoid lumps.
• Add 2-3 drops of mehendi or eucalyptus oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the solution.
• The result is a mixture that resembles toothpaste in consistency. Put it in the refrigerator for 4 hours.

This paste can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks or frozen for up to 4 months. There are also easier ways to cook. You can mix an equal amount of tea and lemon juice, add the required amount of henna there. Tea can be substituted for coffee. Some experts add sugar to increase the viscosity. It is recommended to test several methods and choose the one that suits you.

Simple drawings on the leg can be applied even if there are no special drawing skills.You can use ready-made sketches and even stencils. Drawing drawing:

1. Do a henna sensitivity test. To do this, apply a small amount of paste on the elbow and wait 30-40 minutes. If there are no skin reactions, then you can carry out the procedure for applying mehendi.
2. Thoroughly wash the area for the future drawing with soap. Apply a scrub if necessary.
3. Remove hair from the drawing area.
4. Treat the skin with eucalyptus oil or special mehndi oil.
5. Now let's move on to drawing. To get started, draw large main lines. Only after that draw small elements.
6. The layer of paste on the skin should be 2 or more millimeters.
7. Remove errors during drawing immediately with a cotton swab.
8. After applying the image, leave the paste on the skin for 1 hour.
9. Remove the dry crust from the skin with a special scraper or with the blunt side of a knife.
10. Perform mehndi at night, because the image cannot be wetted for the next 8 hours.

In many countries old styles of mehendi are used. Drawings are perceived as talismans, amulets. That is why the patterns are traditional. Many girls prefer stylized images and strictly adhere to the rules. Modern girls often apply drawings not for protection, but for body decoration.

Mehendi is often used to test the design in a certain place before making a regular tattoo. Most of these images can be attributed to the European mehndi style. It enjoys its popularity due to its diversity, availability and optimal wearing time. You can experiment often until you find something of your own.

Small drawings look great on the body.On the leg, you can draw an animal or a small bird. So you emphasize your features, but do not attract too much attention. Often the composition is based on the image of hearts, birds, animals and plants.

Many options for fashionable tattoos for girls are amazing. Girls prefer bracelets, ornaments, dream catchers with feathers and flowers. If you study men's preferences, then among them there are inscriptions, wild animals and various symbols. Fashion is capricious, but mehendi is always in trend.

Simple drawings can be applied independently. Ready-made sketches will help you make the right choice. Light bracelets with feathers look great on girlish ankles. Botanical and floral motifs can emphasize the elegance of the leg. Especially if they wrap around the leg. First, try traditional drawings. Experiment with beautiful nature motifs or lace.

How to draw mehendi on the foot correctly - in the next video