Henna tattoos: What you need to know before getting one this summer

It's that time of the year where Filipinos love to hit the beach!

Part of the experience is getting a henna tattoo, so here's everything you need to know before getting one, as discussed in "Unang Hirit" on Friday.

How long do henna tattoos last?

Henna tattoos stay temporarily on your skin, but exactly how long should you expect them to be visible?

Ian Padiernos, manager of Triple i Tattoo in BF Homes, Paranaque City, said that they last between one to two weeks, depending how you take care of them.

Scrubbing will make the ink fade faster.

Is it safe?

The ink used to make henna tattoos are made up of blackening shampoo and conditioner, Padiernos said.

However, he warned that sometimes, clients' skin gets burned if the tattoo artists are inexperienced.

"Kasi may ibang artists na basta makapaglagay lang ng henna, 'di na nila pinapalamig," he said.

"Nag-iinit 'yan pag hinahalo, doon minsan nasusunog ang balat ng client," he added.

Can you swim immediately after?

Getting a henna tattoo typically only takes between 10 to 15 minutes, and generally, they dry quickly. So you can definitely go swimming in no time at all!

"Basta natuyo siya at saka, nag-cru-crust na 'yung henna sa balat," Padiernos said. "'Pag natanggal 'yun, sure na nakadikit na sa balat."

How much is it?

Prices vary on the size and design of the tattoo.

In Triple i Tattoo, their starting price is P400 for a 3-inch design.

Popular designs include summer-themed art, like the sun, the sea, and coconut trees. —JCB, GMA Integrated News