Henna (or Mehndi) is by no means new. It has been used for many purposes as far back as ancient Egypt, and not only in a cosmetic context but also as a means of treating headaches and other ailments when applied to the skin. Now while I can’t vouch for the effectiveness of henna as a medicine, it can definitely be used to create some beautiful and complex body art designs. Traditionally, the inspiration for henna designs has been more floral and nature-inspired patterns, but as the popularity of henna art has increased, artists have created unique designs inspired by geometry, abstract shapes and even popular symbols. From simple, almost minimalist designs to incredibly intricate artworks, varying from more orange tones to almost black, there is a henna design to match your every preference and occasion.

Honestly, henna is so versatile and what you can do with it is endless. Whether you’re looking to get a design done by a professional or if you want to perfect your own henna talent at home, it’s a fun way to let your creativity roam free and decorate your body without the permanence and commitment of a real tattoo.  Henna designs will last anywhere between 1-3 weeks depending on how well your skin absorbs the product and the type of ink you’re using, so they’re ideal for your next vacation or event! Which design would you get?

Here are 12 gorgeous designs to get you inspired!

1: Lace It Up

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Henna @zagra_mehendi_risunkihnoi

A post shared by Daily Henna Inspiration (@hennainspire) on Nov 23, 2018 at 12:47pm PST

2: Through the Lines

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Finally met the perfectionist behind the beautiful Artistic hands 😍 It was my pleasure to meet and do henna for the amazing @dr.azra 🧡 The whole idea of this design was hers and it was really fun to create it ➖ Do you think I should do more Lines design ?? #girlyhenna #henna #drazra #lines #inktober #hennatattoo

A post shared by 𝗔𝗺𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗱 (@girly.henna) on Nov 4, 2018 at 10:08pm PST

3: Simplicity is Key

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Henna @sarahennaseattle

A post shared by Daily Henna Inspiration (@hennainspire) on Sep 5, 2018 at 11:01am PDT

4: The Girl in You

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Engagement henna for Divya from last week! ❤️ So excited to be a part of your destination wedding next year. I already know its going to be A-MAZING! 🌟 @divyaa_s

A post shared by Divya Patel (@hennabydivya) on Oct 22, 2018 at 8:26am PDT

5: A True Work of Art

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Bridal henna for a very, very kind and gracious lady! When I started Amrit's bridal henna, the only one thing she requested was a bird cage. All else, she said, I could freestyle! And so.. that's just what I did. I let my imagination run wild and we were both so happy with the outcome ☺️ Amrit, you were a breeze to work with. Wishing you and Karan a lifetime of happiness! ✨ @amritsarai See if you find Karan's name in Amrit's mehendi 👀😉 #AK47 #hennabydivya #torontohennaartist #torontobridalhenna #bridalmehndi #hennadesign #hennaartist #indianbrides #hennainspire #indianweddinginspiration #indianbrides #indian_wedding_inspiration #wedmegood #customizedbridalhenna #lashkara #mehndi #indiandestinationweddings #mehndidesigns #bridalmehndi #sangeetmehndi #hennaartist #hennadesigns #indianweddingbuzz

A post shared by Divya Patel (@hennabydivya) on Apr 5, 2018 at 8:45am PDT

6:  The Astrologist in You

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طراحی با حنا. @desiree_beauty_salon

A post shared by تهران ، نارمک (@desiree_beauty_salon) on Jan 25, 2019 at 1:24am PST

7: A Leg-Up

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it's about time to revisit the #legshields dreaming up some new designs for this placement

A post shared by Bella Henna🔹 (@bellahenna) on Jul 24, 2017 at 8:51pm PDT

8: A New Floral

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⚜️🖤My work 🖤⚜️ #henna#hennart#hennatattoo#tattooinspo#hennartist#germany#hennainspiration#hennabyme#germany#nrw#düsseldorf#essen

A post shared by Henna& SHR Laser (@henna_tattoos__) on Aug 23, 2018 at 11:23am PDT

9: A Full Sleeve

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#inspiration#hennaart#hennatattoo#hennadesign#hennanight#düsseldorf#essen#oberhausen#bochum#dortmund#mülheim#köln 💥🌸✨

A post shared by Henna& SHR Laser (@henna_tattoos__) on Sep 9, 2017 at 2:44am PDT

10: Some Nail Art

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nail designs 😍

A post shared by Arabian Henna (حنا) (@nurahshenna) on Jun 9, 2018 at 9:37am PDT

11: A Girl’s Day

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Henna @fashion.henna . #hennavideo #vogue #buzzfeed #buzzfeedindia #wedmegood #fashion #losangeles #lahenna #losangeleshenna #Beyoncé #beyoncehenna #dressyourface #henna #mehndi #henne #bodyart #bodychain #vegas_nay #indianweddingbuzz

A post shared by Daily Henna Inspiration (@hennainspire) on Jul 7, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

12: Ramadan Kareem

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Ramadan Kareem

A post shared by Arabian Henna (حنا) (@nurahshenna) on May 16, 2018 at 11:34am PDT

Looking for something more permanent? Check out our favorite tattoo designs for some inspo!