Turn your passion into profit with this beginner-friendly roadmap
If you love creating henna designs and dream of turning that passion into income, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Whether you want to work events, do custom designs, or sell services online, the henna industry is filled with opportunity.
This guide will walk you through the steps to start your own henna tattoo business, even if you're brand new to entrepreneurship.
Why Start a Henna Tattoo Business?
Henna is more than just an art—it's a growing side hustle for creatives who want:
- A low-cost business with high demand
- Flexible hours and creative freedom
- The chance to work at events, weddings, and parties
- A way to earn money doing something you enjoy
Plus, you don’t need a storefront or fancy equipment to get started.
Step 1: Learn the Craft (Really Well)
Before you offer henna as a service, make sure your application skills are solid.
Practice:
- Drawing clean lines
- Creating symmetrical patterns
- Working on different body parts (hands, arms, feet)
- Timing your paste for max stain depth
Not confident yet? Grab the Henna Bible, our in-depth guide to henna application, pattern creation, safety, and professional practice.
Step 2: Get Your Supplies
Start with the basics:
- Henna Tattoo Paste
- Applicator Bottles or Cones
- Cotton swabs, tissues, and wipes
- Pins for cleaning tips
- Natural oils for aftercare
Consider one of our Henna Tattoo Kits to get everything you need to practice and build your portfolio.
Step 3: Learn Sanitation & Aftercare
You’ll be working with skin, so hygiene and aftercare matter. Learn how to:
- Keep your tools clean between clients
- Offer aftercare instructions to prevent irritation
- Avoid ingredients that may cause reactions (like black henna or PPD)
Always use natural, safe products and follow best practices. Your clients' skin is your responsibility.
? Learn more: Henna Tattoo Aftercare – What to Do & Avoid
Step 4: Know the Legal Side
Check your local laws and regulations before starting your business. These can vary by state or country, but may include:
- Business licenses
- Health department approval
- Liability waivers for clients
- Consent forms for minors
Even for a small henna operation, being legit from day one builds trust and keeps you protected.
Step 5: Build Your Portfolio
People want to see your work before they book. Start by creating:
- A photo gallery of your designs (hands, arms, bridal looks, etc.)
- Before-and-after shots showing stain depth over time
- Practice patterns on friends, family, or paper hands
Post your work to Instagram, Pinterest, or a simple website.
Want to up your skills? Use practice sheets from the Henna Bible to master common design elements.
Step 6: Offer Services in Your Area
There are plenty of opportunities to get started with real clients:
- Weddings & bridal showers
- Festivals & street fairs
- Private events & birthday parties
- Pop-up shops or salons
- Markets and vendor booths
Start small and local, then expand as you get referrals and reviews.
Pro Tip: Offer “Pay What You Can” or discounted designs at first to build confidence and collect testimonials.
Step 7: Promote Your Business Online
You don’t need a huge budget—just visibility. Here's how to market yourself effectively:
- Post reels and time-lapse videos on Instagram and TikTok
- Use hashtags like #hennatattooartist, #hennaart, #mehndi, #designtattoo
- Create a free Google Business Profile for local SEO
- Offer booking through Instagram DMs, email, or a free site like Linktree
You can also offer custom henna for:
- Pregnancy belly art
- Bachelorette parties
- Cultural or religious celebrations
Step 8: Price Your Services Confidently
Start by researching local rates. Most henna artists charge based on:
- Size of the design
- Time required
- Complexity of the pattern
Beginners might charge $10–$30 for small designs. Pros doing bridal henna can earn $200–$500+ per session.
Offer set packages for events or charge hourly. Don’t be afraid to increase prices as your skills and demand grow!
Bonus Tips for Success
- Always carry extra supplies (cones, oil, wipes)
- Follow up with clients 24–48 hours after application
- Ask for reviews or referrals
- Keep learning with books, videos, and Henna King resources
Want to grow faster? Read: How to Make Henna Tattoos Last Longer
Clients love stains that stay bold—aftercare tips can set you apart!
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Starting a henna tattoo business can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You get to create art, connect with people, and earn money doing something you love.
With the right tools, some practice, and a bit of hustle, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can grow.
✨ Grab your Henna Tattoo Kit
✨ Download the Henna Bible
✨ Follow us for tutorials and artist spotlights