One of the biggest factors that hold back men from getting a tattoo is the permanent nature of said tattoos. Also, there is very little room for modification or experimentation and one has to pretty much accept whatever they get once the tattoo is done.
Henna tattoos, on the other hand, offer you a very neat alternative to that. If done correctly they can look equally stunning without causing any pain and without leaving a permanent mark. This makes henna tattoos for men a near perfect choice.
What is a Henna Tattoo?
Historically, they were a form of body decoration primarily used in the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula along with some parts of Africa. Henna is the name of a plant whose leaves are dried and powdered and mixed into a paste. This is then applied to the skin using a funnel-like apparatus.
The henna extracts produce lawsone molecules and when these molecules come in contact with skin, it gets stained. It has a naturally dark brown color to it, though artificial forms of henna are being produced which are jet black in color.
The Difference in Styles of Henna Tattoos
Traditionally, henna tattoos were adorned by men during important events and festivities and as such, they tend to be very ornate. They are heavily influenced by the art and architecture of India and Arabia. This means that symmetry is a huge design cue adopted by such tattoos. This imparts a refined look to the tattoos. They are also very intricate featuring multiple curved lines perfectly arranged with respect to each other.
The tattoos found in India feature different depictions of the five elements – “Fire, air, water, earth, and space or the different parts of the natural elements. This means that a lot of circles and leaf shapes are used along with a generous helping of curved and bold dots.
The Arabian version of the Henna Tattoos for men is more abstract in nature. These tattoos usually feature repetitive patterns and very narrow lines running in close proximity to each other. The Indian version is best suited for those people who like their tattoos to make a bold statement while the Arabian version is more subtle and one has to read in between the lines to understand them.
What Does Henna Tattoos for Men Represent?
To a modern man, these tattoos can represent a whole plethora of things. Some tattoos depict nature and its forces and such tattoos are perfect for nature lovers. Other versions of the Henna tattoo can be used convey a snapshot of that person’s personality. Strength, virility, kindness, agility, mental prowess, and loyalty are just some of the traits that can be easily shown off by getting one of these tattoos.
You can also take a totally different route and get a tattoo that is totally off the beaten track. You will always have the luxury of trying again if the tattoo does not turn out perfectly.
Conclusion
Of all the myriad types of tattoos out there, Henna tattoos for men have their own special place. This is mostly due to its painless and temporary nature along with the fact that it uses a totally natural substance and the chances of an allergy or infection are extremely rare. So, if you want to get a cool tattoo without feeling any pain and without making any long-term commitment to the tattoo, then close your eyes and go for a henna tattoo.
Striking Examples of Henna Tattoos for Men
This is a great Henna tattoo if you want something that is both eye-catching as well as shows-off your masculinity. The symmetrical patterns lend it a sense of aristocracy as this design is inspired by royal decorations from the sub-continent of India while the horn like shapes are a symbolism of masculinity.
Henna tattoos have a lot of mythology attached to them and this design was originally used to ward off bad spirits and negative energy. The curvy nature of the tattoo gives it a very free-flowing style. It nicely accentuates the upper body and works as a great style accessory too.
Even the Arabians had some awesome henna tattoo ideas and this is a great demonstration of that. As common to their culture, the moon and stars are featured prominently. Also, a lot of triangles and sharp edges are used. This tattoo will perfectly suit light skin tones and those wishing to convey their strong nature.
This henna tattoos idea is inspired by swans embraced in their mating ritual. This is a perfect tattoo to celebrate a wedding or an anniversary. While the concept is simple, the tattoo is anything but that. There are multiple free-flowing lines that are intricately interwoven to produce a stunning visual.
A perfect henna tattoo design, this one uses a simplistic yet somehow intimidating design. This one also takes its design cues from Arabian art with a little influence from some of the African tribes. The moon and the moon rays are depicted here and this tattoo will perfectly complement a bright and energetic outlook towards life.
Generally, henna tattoos for guys follow a minimalistic approach. This tattoo, however, goes in the opposite direction and yet manages to not overdo it. The lighter color tone helps in this regard. This design is an amalgamation of Mughal and Suri art forms and that lends it a unique yet distinguished look.
A common source of inspiration among henna tattoos for men is the majestic peacock. This tattoo doesn’t just depict its glorious plumage but the entire bird in a very artistic manner. Traditionally the peacock is considered to be a righteous bird that stomps down on the evil and if that is how you describe yourself then this tattoo will be a great choice.
If you love to hear tales of bravery and chivalry of men in the past then you should get this tattoo. It is one of the most badass tattoo ideas for men out there as it depicts the chest plate and the shoulder plate of an armor worn during battle. In modern times it can be considered a tribute to every man’s daily struggle to keep his loved ones safe and happy.
If this is your first tattoo then this is one of the better tattoos ideas available. It is minimalistic enough not to cover your entire body while still has enough substance to stand out and be noticeable. The use of circular patterns nicely accentuates the arms and the shoulders and will give you a more majestic look.
Another tattoo option that is very minimalistic as it only takes up the space on your wrist and yet it manages to pack a lot of punch. It is one of the most eye-catching designs out there. The symmetrical patterns and evenly spaced lines make it look really distinguished and will perfectly suit men who are sharp dressers.
This tattoo is a great representation of plant life which is considered very highly in the cultures of the originating points of these types of tattoos. The wrist depicts a fern and is supposed to symbolize vitality while the design on the palms denotes the interconnected nature of all life forms. If you feel the same way about nature then you should get this tattoo without any hesitation.
If you are on a mission to get the ultimate hand tattoo then nothing can beat this design. Even though the inspiration behind this tattoo is ancient, it has a very modern look to it. The contrasting shapes and patterns look more like a cityscape rather than architectural symbolism from the medieval times, which is what it really is.
This tattoo is heavily inspired by a type of necklace that warriors from Asia wore when they were victorious in battle. This makes it a great tattoo to celebrate an achievement or an accomplishment. The flowing lines that are not too bold make it look strong without being an overstatement.
A very creative tattoo, this depicts the constant struggle between good and evil and how a strong man will always be able to keep a good separation between the two. It is a perfect tattoo option for anyone who faces similar struggles but always manages to do the right and honorable thing.
This is modeled after the royal ornament worn by a prince or a newly crowned king. This is great for both the young and old alike as it represents crossing an important stage in life. The curved lines and the acute triangle perfectly complement each other and the arching nature of the basic blueprint of this tattoo makes it look fantastic.
It is almost impossible to talk about Asia and not come across a dragon. This is one of the coolest dragon tattoos you can get. The dual tone nature of the tattoo gives it a lot more character and makes it look a lot more powerful and splendid than other dragon tattoos
This is another stunning tattoo that uses bold geometric pattern and symbolism of male virility to give it an awesome appearance. It is also very minimalistic and can be used to represent a hand that always fights for the right stuff without any compromises.
Some tattoos do not look like much at first sight but become more compelling with repeated viewings. This is one of those tattoos. At first glance, it looks too simple and even amateurish but then it keeps growing on you and that is when it dawns on you that this tattoo speaks volumes. It is perfect for the man of few words who prefers subtlety to outspokenness.
If you want to show off your arms then this is a great option for you. It uses abstract design elements. The pattern is very artistic and complicated and that makes it look unique and special. It used to adorn the palaces of the kings of Asia and Arabia and that sense of royalty is exuded perfectly by this tattoo.
If you want your tattoo to have an air of mysticism associated with it then this will satisfy you perfectly. It uses an overall floral layout with plenty of bold dots that can be interpreted in many ways including the motion of the planets, the different perspectives of a human life, or the rift between heaven and earth.
The ultra-minimalistic tattoo is perfect for people who have a playful personality and those who like to leave things to the imagination. It can also work really well as a first tattoo. The very narrow lines and concentric design patterns make it look quite sophisticated in spite of its diminutive nature.
This is the tattoo that depicts one of the principal elements of the universe – fire in all its glory. It is great for outspoken people who are very enthusiastic and zealous. The ‘Om’ symbol at the bottom is a nice touch and it symbolizes inner peace in the midst of all the external activities.
This is a sophisticated tattoo that uses layering to achieve its complexity which is rare for these kinds of tattoos. So, if you are looking for something unique to distinguish yourself then this tattoo will serve you really well. It also does not take up a lot of space which is an added advantage.
These tattoos are mostly monotone and very occasionally they achieve a dual tone. This tattoo takes it a step further and achieves three different colorations. This makes it comparable to modern ink tattoos while still preserving the cultural and design roots of mehndi tattoos.
If you are a man of many different facets and you want your tattoo to be like you as well then look no further. This tattoo is composed of many different sections, each of which has its own unique character and design flows. Sophistication and authenticity are what this tattoo is all about.
Some really amazing and intricate artwork can be achieved if you opt for a henna tattoo. This is a perfect example. It is highly complex yet easy on the eyes, thanks to its free flowing yet symmetrical nature. The design is inspired by Persian art from the medieval times.
A classic among henna tattoos, this one is reminiscent of design element found in Indian architecture. The sharp lines with rounded corners signify the perfect personality for a man – straightforward with a dash of softness where it matters.
This is one of those henna tattoo ideas that may appear a bit simplistic in nature but carries a lot of meaning. This tree shaped tattoo signifies both the connection between man and nature as well as the constant growth required of a man while staying firmly rooted in their beliefs and morals.
Here is one of the most creative henna tattoos idea out there. Scorpions while generally are not regarded as positive creatures, in this context they represent resilience and a personality that needs to be handled with care. The increasing size of the Scorpions also signifies the growth a person achieves with time.
This henna tattoo design draws design cues from Mughal art. It consists of symmetrical geometric shapes enclosed in highly complex and interwoven lines. This is the perfect tattoo for the creative man with many facets to his personality and who would like to showcase that in a subtle manner.
One of the most creative henna tattoos for guys, this one is inspired by the plumage of the majestic peacock. It is made of different patterns ranging from the highly intricate to the simple. Sections of it feature straight lines while the rest is made up of free flowing lines. It perfectly accentuates the form of the upper arm.
A perfect showcase of the Indo-Persian art form, this henna tattoo for men is magnificent to behold and becomes more and more intricate, the longer you stare at it. It is perfect if you love complicated and interwoven artwork that can also reflect the softer side of your masculinity.
This is one of the best tattoo ideas for men if you want to go off the beaten path. It combines design elements from across genres such as Gothic, Greco-Roman, with a dash of Maori influence. In simple terms, it is breathtaking to behold and very unique and will definitely set you apart in a classy manner.
If you are a complicated man who loves to spin a web of intrigue and mystery around yourself and are looking for tattoos ideas that will perfectly exhibit these traits then this is it. It is very complex yet has a very clean appearance and people who will gaze at it will literally get lost in its intricacies.
If you want to go the oriental route then this is a great tattoo. It will also go nicely with the current popularity of dragons thanks to Game of Thrones. At its core is a dragon but there is much more to the tattoo than just a mythical beast. It is complicated and looks like a work of art.
The design elements in this tattoo go even further back. The different patterns and shapes depict the different elements of nature such as the sun, stars, mountains, and rivers. If you are a nature lover or just want a cool looking tattoo with an even cooler backdrop then this is the one you should get.
India is the amalgamation of many different cultures and this tattoo shows that off perfectly. It is primarily inspired by cultures found in Northern India with minor influence from the Mughals. It is all about symmetry and achieving a high level of complexity using basic curves, lines, and shapes.
This one is for those who are looking to get as many patterns possible without overdoing it. This is the traditional design applied to grooms before their weddings in and around Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Western India. If you want a tattoo for a special occasion then this one is a great choice.
Here is a tattoo that is all about symmetry and balance. This tattoo will go perfectly with someone who loves to strike the perfect balance between the many facets of life. It is also unique in that it is one of the few tattoos of its kind that is inspired by European art forms.
Generally, henna tattoos come in only one hue but this one manages to achieve two color tones. It signifies the two sides of human nature, one which is good while the other that leans towards the darker aspects of humanity. It is made up of a large number of narrow lines carefully interwoven with each other to produce a stunning looking tattoo.
A classical Persian styled tattoo, this one is all about squares and circles. These also represent the two sided nature of man. The squares represent masculinity and agility while the circles represent mental strength and prowess. If you are a thinking man who also enjoys physical activities then this will suit you rather nicely.
The cultures that influenced this tattoo believed that plants are the link between mankind and the rest of creation. As such leaves, branches and buds feature prominently in this tattoo. It is a great style accessory for anyone who wants to spread environmental awareness while looking good doing it.
This tattoo of a lighter shade features alternating bands of thick yet simple lines and narrow but labyrinthine lines. This one is perfect for men who love to tackle both simple matters as well as highly complicated matters with equal ease. The lighter shade also means that it is a lot more subtle.
If you find this tattoo looking familiar then it is because it is inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphics. It can mean a lot of things such as the various stages of crop growth or the different phases in a man’s life where some phases are devoid of anything significant while other phases are so cram packed with activity that you barely get time to breathe.
This is another tattoo that was traditionally worn during wedding ceremonies. It is a mixture of thin lines, triangle, and bold circles. It is meant to depict male virility and the multiple responsibilities that a man must shoulder throughout his lifetime.
The components of this tattoo are simple in themselves such as the simple arcs and the narrow lines. Yet they are combined in such a way that together that they shout out complexity and is the perfect representation of the fact that every man’s personality has a lot more depth than is apparent initially.
This is a masterclass tattoo that tells so many different stories. Each of the finger features a different design that depicts the different behavioral traits of men. The circle in the center depicts the soul and the tattoo gives the important message that men can show a wide range of emotions all of which are centered on their souls.
This is another tattoo that follows the theme of more is better. There are a lot of lines and symmetrical patterns that are different to each other and yet perfectly complement each other. This is perfect for men who are in perfect sync with their mind, body, and soul.
If you want to go all out and don’t mind appearing a bit over the top then this tattoo will match your outlook perfectly. It is a mosaic of highly variegated patterns and yet the entire tattoo looks symmetrical. This is one of the best examples of a tattoo that is the epitome of human creativity.
If simple yet bold is the way you roll then there is no tattoo better than this one. It follows a minimalistic approach but the individual lines are thick which gives it a sense of substance without having to overexpress itself. It’s perfect for the men of few words.