Henna at Festivals: Tips for Artists & Attendees

Henna & Festival Season: Must-Know Tips for Artists & Attendees

Festival season is in full swing, and that means music, art, and (of course) henna! Whether you’re an artist working an event or an attendee looking for the perfect festival design, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure a flawless henna experience.

Tips for Festival Henna Artists:

1. Fast & Flowy Designs Win – Festivals are busy, so focus on quick, elegant designs that don’t sacrifice beauty. Vines, florals, and creative use of negative space are great choices.
   
   
2. Prepare for Weather – If you’re working outdoors, protect your paste by keeping it in a cooler with ice packs. do not let your henna overheat or it will stop leaving good stains. I keep one cone out that I'm using and one cone thawing. When I finish my cone, I switch to the thawed cone and pull out the next cone to thaw.
   
   
3. Take Care of YOU – Stay hydrated! Set an alarm on your phone or watch to remind yourself to drink and eat. Consider adding water with electrolytes (ZipFizz, Liquid IV, or Smartwater). Use fruit for snacks since it is also hydrating.
   
   
4. Take Breaks – I know you aren't making money if you aren't working, but if you are working more than 4 hours take breaks to stretch.
   
   
5. Use Glitter! – Nothing draws people to your henna both as easily as glitter! It also encourages clients to keep their henna on longer. We offer extra sparkly body-safe glitter as great prices!
   
   
6. Offer Aftercare on the Go – Give EVERY client care instructions (or better yet have them take a picture so they don't lose them!). If you are offering sealer, create a plan to do this without interrupting your flow. You can also offer optional baggies with a sealer soaked cotton ball inside for clients to apply themselves.

On our Helpful Downloads page we have a free list of tips and tricks for festivals. You can also find blank templates there so you can draw out your own henna designs.

Tips for Festival Henna Lovers:

• Safety First – Make sure the artist is using safe henna paste! 
  - Are they mixing the paste themselves?
  - Do you recognize the ingredients?
  - Are they asking you to keep it on for at least 4 hours?
  - Will the stain start off orange and darken toa  red brown over 2-3 days?
  The answers to these questions should all be yes!
• Choose the Right Spot – Get henna in a place that won’t be smudged by bags, drinks, or dancing.
• Be Patient with Drying Time – Avoid touching the paste for at least 30 minutes to let it set.
• Protect Your Stain – Once the paste is off, keep your design away from water for the rest of the day or even until the next day for the richest color.

Whether you’re creating or enjoying henna, a little preparation makes all the difference at festivals. Ready to flaunt your festival henna? Tag @JodyBeachcombers in your best henna festival look!

Have fun!
Jody