Typically a henna tattoo stays on anywhere from one to three weeks. Henna artists work with henna paste, also called mehndi, which dyes the skin for a short period of time. An important part of Indian culture, the use of henna has become increasingly popular in the United States, with henna artists providing henna tattoos for weddings, as event entertainment and for other special events. Henna artists typically apply their designs to the palms and backs of the hands, the wrists, up to the elbows, and from the feet up to the knees. To preserve the rich color of your henna tattoo and help it set, avoid water as much as possible within the first 24 hours of application. The color will be richest during the first week. Brides may want to have their henna tattoos applied one or two days before the wedding for optimal results.