Jahnavi Henna
Be bold, be classy.
Traditional and contemporary henna by Jahnavi Rati. Drawn by hand for brides, festivals and every party in between, here in the Bay Area.
Fresh off the cone
Every piece here is my own work, straight from my Instagram. Tap a window to see it up close.
What I draw
Traditional and contemporary. Full paisleys and lattice for the big days, one clean line on a wrist for the rest.
Bridal mehndi
Full bridal henna for your hands and feet. Message me early with your date so we have time to plan the design around your outfit.
Festivals and occasions
Diwali, Eid, Teej, Karva Chauth, a sangeet, a baby shower. Pretty, quick designs so everyone gets a turn.
Private events
Birthdays, bridal showers and parties at home, with henna for your guests.
Custom designs
Bring a photo, a name, a motif from your grandmother's saree. I'll draw something that belongs only to you.
How your color grows
Henna goes on as a dark paste and comes off bright orange. Give it two days and it deepens into a rich red-brown. Here's how to help it along.
- 1
Leave the paste on
Keep it on for at least 4 to 6 hours. Longer is better, so overnight is great.
- 2
Scrape, don't wash
When it's dry and cracking, flake it off with your fingers or a blunt edge. The first color is orange.
- 3
Keep it dry
Try to keep water off it for the first 12 to 24 hours. Warmth helps the color come up.
- 4
Wait for day two
The color darkens over 24 to 48 hours. Palms and fingertips go the darkest.
A design usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks. How long depends on your skin, where the henna is, and how often you wash your hands.
Come find me
Autumn Moon Festival, Clement Street, San Francisco. September 12, 2026.
That was my first henna booth, at the SF Richmond District Autumn Moon Festival. I spent the morning practicing on paper and the rest of the day drawing on hand after hand. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and sat with me.
I post new events on Instagram first. If you're planning a festival or a market and want a henna booth, send me a message.
Book your henna
Tell me a little about your day. When you tap the button, your note is copied and Instagram opens. Paste it into a message to me and I'll reply there.
Questions people ask
How do I book?
Send me a message on Instagram at @jahnavi_henna, or call or text (510) 598-6615. Tell me the date, the occasion, where you are and how many people want henna.
Where are you based?
I'm a henna artist in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.
Do you do bridal mehndi?
Yes. Bridal mehndi covers your hands and feet. Message me as early as you can with your wedding date so we have time to plan the design.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the size of the design and how many people want henna. Send me the details on Instagram and I'll give you a price.
How long does henna last?
Usually 1 to 3 weeks. The color is darkest around day two, then fades slowly as your skin renews.
How do I get a dark stain?
Keep the paste on for at least 4 to 6 hours, scrape it off instead of washing it, and keep it dry for the first 12 to 24 hours. Then give it two days to deepen. Palms and fingertips go the darkest.
Can you draw something custom?
Yes. Send me a photo, a sketch or just an idea, and I'll draw a design around it.
Be bold,
be classy.