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Henna can be bought in powder form in any Indian and often Asian market. Usually instructions are on the box suggesting a recommended consistency and mix. Once the powder is taken home and mixed properly (I would suggest a plastic bowl for mixing), any number of receptacles can be used to hold the henna paste.

What may be easiest is the equivalent of the plastic tulip paint containers that can be bought in craft stores. (Some have also used a one-handed equivalent of the piping bags used for cake icing.) Various tips can be chosen based on how thick you want your henna line to be. Intricately detailed designs would best benefit from a thinner tip, but be mindful of the tip getting too stopped up this can cause bubbles which can ruin the continuity of a line. The good thing about henna, though, is that nothing is permanent. Mess-ups can be carefully wiped away (though it's best not to rub).

Once you have a design in mind and found a suitable way to squeeze the henna onto, say, your hand, then you'll want to have some idea of where you are going to start. Plan out some time to let the henna sit. If you are placing it on a part of your body exposed to clothing, you'll want to plan ahead in that area as well, tank tops or halter tops for the back, short sleeves for the arms, e.g. Remember that the henna will have to stay on your skin and solidify quite a bit.

Depending on the consistency of your paste, the thickness of your line, and the darkness of your skin, you may have to rewet (carefully!) the henna design to allow more of the color to sink through. Thinner lines will dry quicker, and will not always leave as visible of a line as thicker lines, and naturally darker skin will not present thin designs as easily.

You will probably want to practice on a paper towel before applying your actual design. This will also help you predict if there are any air bubbles or whether your paste's consistency needs to be altered. You can also practice on a less visible area of your body to see how your skin reacts to henna, and whether accommodations need to be made in timing and design.

From that point, the sky is the limit. The design will be temporary, but should last through several showers. It will typically come out as a dark brown or black depending on your skin tones. Simple designs and icons are easier to start with, and you can work your way up from there.

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