How much does a henna tattoo cost?
On average, henna artists charge $85-$90 per hour for events like a wedding or birthday. However, costs can range from $70-$300 per hour.
Henna tattoo artist hourly rates:
| National average cost | $85 |
| Average cost range | $85-$90/hour |
| Low-end cost range | $70-$75/hour |
| High-end cost range | $245-$300/hour |
Henna tattoos can take 5 minutes to 1 hour or more depending on the size and complexity of the design.
Henna tattoos are nonpermanent body decorations made from the ground paste of the henna plant. Henna paste, also called "mehndi," is used prominently in Indian weddings and has become popularized in Western culture for weddings, parties, festivals, other special events and simply individual desire. Henna tattoo artists commonly apply henna on hands, hands and wrists, hands up to elbows, feet, feet and ankles, feet up to knees, and other areas of the body. Henna artists can tattoo individuals or work at large events to provide the service to crowds of people. Henna tattoo recipients can be any age. Applications last anywhere from one to three weeks. Several factors affect the cost of henna tattoos.
Size of design
Henna tattoos range in size from small decorative touches on the hand to large designs covering entire arms and legs. Larger henna tattoos cost more. Larger designs require more paste, which some artists make themselves, and more of the tattoo artist’s time.
Experience and reputation
Henna artists may have a reputation or a following, and some have more experience or special training. These artists typically charge more for their services than artists who pursue the practice more as a hobby than as a profession.
Event rates
Some artists charge hourly rates for henna tattoo services—especially when they are hired to work a booth at a festival, at a corporate event, or as entertainment at a birthday or bachelorette party. Other artists charge set rates for events to cover travel time and expenses, time at the event, and all services and supplies provided. Zoya Designs (Herbal and Natural Henna) in North Bergen, New Jersey, charges $65–$85 per hour, depending on the size of the event and how many people per hour will be tattooed. For some types of events, rates are higher than $85 per hour.
Individual rates
Some artists have set fees for doing henna tattoos on individuals. With enough experience, pros can approximate the length of time required, amount of materials and other cost factors involved for different sized tattoos and provide an estimate to clients. Zoya Designs (Herbal and Natural Henna) usually asks clients what kind of design they have in mind and estimate costs based on that. Henna Tattoos in Irving, Texas, has a starting price of $15 for minimalist designs on both palms. Prices increase for larger and more complex designs.
Bridal henna
Henna artists provide wedding services solely for the bride or for both the bride and groom as well as for members of the bridal party. Bridal designs are much more elaborate and as such have a higher price point. Frequently bridal designs cover the hands and arms as well as the feet. Here are some examples of pricing for bridal henna:
- Zoya Designs (Herbal and Natural Henna):
- $175 for designs covering the hands to the wrist and covering the feet to the bottom of the ankle
- $300 for designs covering the hands to the mid-arm and covering the feet to above the ankle
- $450 for designs covering the hands to the elbow and covering the feet to the knee
- Henna Tattoos: $300 for designs covering the hands up to two inches above the elbow and covering the feet up to four inches below the knee
Location
Geographic location can play a role in the cost of henna tattoos. Typically, artists in cities and areas with a higher cost of living charge more for henna tattoo services than those in areas with a lower cost of living.
Travel fees
Some professionals charge an additional fee if clients ask the artist travel to their location or event. Some henna artists work within a specific service area and only charge a travel fee for services outside of that range. Others charge a fee for any distance of travel to cover their extra time and transportation costs. Zoya Designs (Herbal and Natural Henna) charges $10–$50 for travel, depending on the distance.
