Would you get a henna tattoo? The creation of henna tattoos originate from Asia and Africa and has spread to the Middle East and are becoming increasingly popular in Europe and the U.S. Henna tattoos are a painless but temporary form of body art that uses the pigmented leaves of the henna plant to create a dye that stains the top layers of a person’s skin. The dye can be piped out into intricate and beautiful designs in a variety of colors, some imitating the look of an actual permanent tattoo. However, since the dye only penetrates the top layers of the skin, it washes off after 3 – 14 days making it a great for events or just a little fun art excursion.