How long does it take to do a group henna?

Hello! Your favorite speedy henna artist here to help you figure how long a henna session with me could take for your group.

For freestyle designs, I typically average 2-3 minutes per application (so if you were doing two hands, double that time). Please see the video for examples of what that could look like:

For designs where guests request something specific, or show me a reference photo on their phone, that typically takes me 5-10 minutes to apply depending on size and intricacy of the design.

Although I can apply the henna very quickly, it still takes 10-30 minutes for the paste to be dry to the touch and I recommend leaving the paste on for a minimum of 2 hours for the best results. See full recommended before and after care here.

Things to Keep in Mind for Your Event That Can Impact Henna Service Time

Questions, Questions! Your guests might want to know where to place their design, what’s in the henna, where it comes from, or even ask me about myself (which is so sweet!). I love answering these, but it can add a little time for each person.
Party Vibes: At events, people are usually chatting, laughing, and soaking up the fun. It might take a minute for someone to pause and settle in for their turn, and over time, those little moments can add up—especially for big groups! But these little moments are where the memories are made 🥹🫶
Design Decisions: Some guests like to scroll through Pinterest or Google to find the perfect design. Henna is personal, so I totally understand wanting to take your time! Just keep in mind that choosing a design can take a few extra minutes.
Accidents Happen: Parties are lively, and sometimes smudges or little bumps happen. It’s no problem—I’ll happily fix it up, but cleaning and reapplying can take a little time.
Guest Count: The number of people who want henna will definitely impact how much time I’ll need. For larger groups, it’s always good to plan ahead so I can make sure everyone gets their turn.

I’m here to make sure your event is fun, stress-free, and full of beautiful designs! A little planning goes a long way to keep things running smoothly and keep you sane! 😊

My Tips for Speedy and Efficient Henna Service Without Sacrificing Quality

Freestyle Is the Way to Go: I encourage freestyle designs because it keeps things moving. Before starting, I always ask each guest if they’d like something specific. Most people either have a theme or motif in mind they’d like me to interpret or are perfectly happy with a full freestyle! Unless you know someone is very picky, I don’t recommend having guests look up designs beforehand—it can slow things down.
Think About Placement Ahead of Time: Encourage guests to consider where they’d like their henna before the event. This saves time and helps me get started right away when it’s their turn. As the host, you can even make an executive call! Use confident language like, “We’re getting henna on our hands!” Most people are thrilled with the guidance, and if anyone wants something different, they’ll usually let me know. Everyone ends up happy with their designs!
Prep and Aftercare Are Key: Sharing prep and aftercare instructions ahead of time makes everything smoother. Guests will arrive ready to go when it’s their turn and will know exactly how to take care of their henna afterward. Sharing general info like the ingredients is also super helpful—it cuts down on questions during the event, saving even more time.
Pick the Perfect Spot for Me: Place me somewhere visible! This makes it easy for guests to come right up without hesitation. If I’m tucked away, it can feel awkward for people to figure out who’s next or whether they need to check with the host. Plus, being in the open lets guests watch, chat, and bond over the designs—it’s all part of the fun!

With these tips, your event will flow smoothly, and everyone will walk away with beautiful designs and happy memories. 😊