Links included in the article might be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) for purchases made through these links..
Beginner’s Guide to Henna Art in Procreate
This article will cover everything Henna Art and teach you how to make henna/ mehndi designs in Procreate.

What is Henna Art?
Growing up in America, Henna was simply a temporary tattoo. It made you feel cool with beautiful designs that will fade and keep you out of trouble with you parents. But true henna art is more than a temporary tattoo.
Henna art is a beautiful and intricate form of body art that has been practiced for centuries, primarily in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It involves creating stunning designs on the skin using a paste made from the powdered leaves of the henna plant. These designs are often used to celebrate weddings, festivals, and other special occasions. Henna art is known for its detailed patterns, flowing lines, and symbolic motifs, which can range from simple floral designs to complex geometric shapes.

How to Learn henna art for beginners
Starting your journey with henna art is both exciting and rewarding. There are several resources available that can help you master this traditional art form, whether you prefer self-study or guided instruction.
Henna art books
Books are a fantastic way to delve into the world of henna and where I start all of my research. There are many comprehensive guides that provide step-by-step instructions, design inspiration, and historical context. Some popular titles include “The Henna Artist’s Companion” and “Henna Magic: Crafting Beautiful Designs with Nature’s Paint.” These books often feature a wide range of patterns, from beginner-friendly motifs to more advanced designs, allowing you to gradually build your skills.
Henna Classes
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, consider enrolling in henna art classes. Many community centers, art schools, and online platforms offer courses tailored to different skill levels. These classes can provide valuable insights into the techniques and cultural significance of henna art. Plus, having an experienced instructor can help you overcome any challenges and refine your style more quickly. Websites like Udemy and Skillshare also offer online courses, making it easy to learn at your own pace from the comfort of your home.
Recommended Skillshare classes
I am taking two Skillshare classes to learn how to draw Henna Art. They are introductory classes taught by true henna professionals. Using these classes and going at my own pace, I can comfortably learn the basic henna designs.


7 basic henna designs for beginners
As a beginner, it’s best to start with simple and manageable designs. Basic henna patterns often include flowers, leaves, and simple geometric shapes. These designs help you get comfortable with the tools and techniques used in henna art. Here are seven basic henna designs perfect for beginners:

Floral Patterns: Start with a central flower and add petals and leaves. Flowers are a staple in henna designs.
Paisleys: These teardrop-shaped motifs are elegant and versatile. Add dots and lines inside to enhance the design.


Vines and Leaves: Draw a flowing vine with leaves. This design is simple yet effective and can be used to fill spaces in larger designs.
Dots and Circles: Use dots and circles to create patterns and borders. They are easy to draw and can add a lot of detail.


Mandala: Begin with a small circle and build outward with layers of patterns. Mandalas are intricate but start with simple shapes.
Geometric Shapes: Squares, triangles, and diamonds can be combined to create stunning designs. Mix and match for variety.


Bracelet Design: Draw a band around the wrist with repeating patterns. This mimics the look of a bracelet and is easy to customize.
How to Draw Henna in Procreate
Procreate, a powerful digital illustration app for iPad, offers a fantastic platform for creating digital henna art. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Set Up Your Canvas: Open Procreate and create a new canvas. A square canvas works well for henna designs, but you can choose any size that suits your needs.
- Choose Your Brush: Procreate offers a variety of brushes, but for henna art, the inking brushes are ideal. You can also find custom henna brushes online that mimic the texture and flow of real henna.
- Start with Basic Shapes: Begin with simple shapes like circles, lines, and paisleys. These basic elements form the foundation of more complex designs.
- Add Details: Once your basic shapes are in place, add intricate details like dots, smaller lines, and patterns within the larger shapes. This layering of details is what gives henna art its complexity and beauty.
- Experiment with Colors: While traditional henna is a rich brown, digital art allows for color experimentation. Try different shades to see what works best for your design.
- Refine Your Design: Use Procreate’s layering feature to make adjustments without affecting the entire piece. Zoom in to add fine details and ensure your lines are smooth.
Related Post: Get Started with Procreate Basics and Make Art!
The YouTube Channel Gopi Henna did I live drawing of Digital Henna Art on Procreate. It was the perfect tutorial.
Tips to Create Henna Art in Procreate
Creating henna art digitally in Procreate allows for endless creativity without the mess of traditional henna paste. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Brush Selection: Use Procreate’s inking brushes for clean, sharp lines. Gobi Henna actually uses the script brush in the Calligraphy set. You can also download custom brushes that mimic the look of henna. For a Quick design, you can buy Henna Stamps.
- Layering: Work on multiple layers to easily adjust and refine your designs. Start with a rough sketch on one layer, then add details on a new layer.
- Symmetry Tool: Procreate’s symmetry tool is perfect for creating balanced and intricate henna designs. You can find it under the Actions menu (wrench icon) > Canvas > Drawing Guide.
- Texture: Add a paper texture to your background layer to mimic the look of skin or parchment. This can give your digital henna art a more traditional feel.
- Practice: Just like with traditional henna, practice makes perfect. Spend time experimenting with different designs and techniques to develop your style.
Related Post: Make Stunning Art by Adding Color!
Digital Henna Art Ideas
Learning the basics of digital henna art is only the beginning. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your next project:
- Henna Greeting Cards: Create digital henna designs for greeting cards. Perfect for festive occasions and personal gifts.
- Phone Wallpapers: Design intricate henna patterns for custom phone wallpapers. A unique way to showcase your art.
- Social Media Graphics: Use henna designs in your social media posts and stories. It adds a cultural touch and stands out.
- Fashion Design: Incorporate henna patterns into clothing and accessories. Design t-shirts, scarves, or even shoes with digital henna.
- Tattoo Mockups: Create mockups for henna-inspired tattoos. This can be a fun way to explore body art without the commitment.
- Digital Prints: Make digital prints of your henna art to sell online or display at home. High-quality digital art can be printed on various mediums.
- Art Journals: Use henna designs to decorate the pages of your digital art journal. It’s a great way to combine creativity and organization.
Exploring Henna Art in Procreate is a fantastic way to merge tradition with technology. The app’s versatile tools and features make it easy to create intricate, stunning designs that mimic traditional henna patterns. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brushes, colors, and techniques. Whether you’re making a beautiful greeting card, a unique phone wallpaper, or just doodling for fun, the possibilities are endless. So, grab your iPad, fire up Procreate, and start your Henna Art journey today. With a little practice and a lot of creativity, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.