Because there are no formal qualifications or courses available to assist you in becoming a mehndi artist, it is best to learn from someone who already has the skills and knowledge. You should practice applying mehndi paste and different mehndi patterns once you’ve mastered how to make mehndi paste and how to apply it. If you want to work in this field, the International Certification for Natural Henna Arts (ICNHA) offers a certification program, but it is not required. Mehndi artists aren’t required to be licensed in most cases, but it’s a good idea to double-check any local requirements before getting started.
If you want to become a mehndi artist, being taught a professional mehndi artist is the best way to ensure you learn the necessary skills. Because there are no recognized or accredited courses to prepare you for this line of work, getting hands-on experience from someone who knows how to do it can be beneficial. If you want to learn the basics of how to mix the paste, apply it, and remove it, you can use instruction manuals or books.
If you want to work in this field, you’ll need a lot of practice because there’s only so much someone else can teach you. You’ll probably spend the majority of your time practicing application techniques and learning different designs. Because the designs can be intricate, it helps if you are artistic or creatively inclined. Experts recommend practicing on paper first, with materials that are similar in consistency to mehndi paste. After you’ve gained some confidence, you can begin practicing on yourself, friends, or family members.
Learning about the various types of mehndi can also be beneficial, as can memorizing a wide range of patterns to help you create designs quickly and easily. If you want to learn how to do mehndi, you can buy templates and stencils to make the designs easier to draw. As a mehndi artist, some of the designs you’ll be asked to do may resemble modern tattoos, so you should be able to do both traditional and modern designs.
Although there is no official governing body for this art form, artists who pass the ICNHA’s examination are awarded a certificate. If you want to work as a mehndi artist, you do not need this certificate. However, having the certificate makes it easier to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge, as well as that you use only natural, safe products.
Before you begin working with henna, make sure you are aware of any local policies regarding its use. The US Food and Drug Administration, for example, has not approved henna for use on the skin. Because henna, particularly black henna, can cause allergic reactions, it’s a good idea to become familiar with any signs and symptoms so you’ll know when to refer a client to their doctor.