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Henna is a dye plant used since ancient times. When it is applied on the skin, usually as a form of temporary art, as is done in India, Pakistan, Arab countries, and by expatriate communities from these areas, it is called Mehndi. Mehndi patterns became popular in North America and Europe in the mid 1990's where they are associated with tattoos. This is misleading because mehndi does not involve permanent insertion of pigment under the epidermis.

Unlike in the Indian subcontinent, when designs of mehndi are performed in the West, no ritual is involved. Also, the guidelines and rules as to what can or can't be done are usually absent. The goal is decoration or simply to have fun.

Before applying the henna mehndi, it helps to know a design.

An easy way to apply henna is through pre-made stencils over which a brush can be used. It is for beginners or those who do not want to make mistakes. However, the end result will not be as refined as one done freestyle by hand. There are many websites that offer free mehndi designs for download.

A popular way to draw henna designs is through henna cones that can be rolled by yourself. Henna cones are to henna what pens are for ink and are preferred when very delicate bridal mehndi patterns are desired. Be advised that they can be messy and for this reason, many prefer to use toothpicks, trading off some loss of detail.

One does not need art skills to create mehndi patterns. All that's needed is some imagination and patience. In fact, traditional mehndi patterns are formed by combinations of simple geometric shapes like curves, triangles or hearts.

Begin by choosing a simple shape as your dominant theme, such as a circle. Expand on it from there. The design can be done on the hand or other part of the body. If you are new, it is best to get it right on paper first. Keep in mind that the henna dye dries quickly and forms difficult to remove stains. The task is as serious as giving a haircut.

Once you are happy with the design on paper, you can do one of two things. Draw the design and use the sketch as your guide. Or use a sheet of carbon to transfer the mehndi design on to the skin. The first method is preferred because it allows you to get the size right more easily.

Before drawing your first design, it is recommended that you watch a few videos on bridal mehndi design. You will notice the incredible diversity in style from one designer to the next. In time, and with practice, you will discover the mehndi designs that flow naturally through you perhaps even decide to become a professional bridal mehndi designer.

Nefeli Savidou is interested in Alternative Medicine, Natural Health and Green Living. She became inspired to write an article on henna mehndi from a close friend who owns a bridal mehndi design studio. To find out more on bridal mehndi patterns

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14y ago

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Related Questions

What is the difference between mehndi and henna?

Mehndi and henna are essentially the same thing. Mehndi is the term used in South Asia to refer to the art of applying intricate designs on the skin using henna paste. Henna is the plant-based dye that is used to create these designs. So, in short, mehndi is the art form, and henna is the dye used in that art form.


Does Jewish women wear henna?

No. Henna is an Indian or Hinduism tradition. Mainly used for events.


What is a henna tattoo?

Its a temporary tattoo made by dye from the henna plant .Henna has been used for body art and hair dye for years.


What is it called - the ink art that Indian women have usually before a wedding?

It is called mehndi, the dye is made from the henna plant.


What is mahndi?

Mandi is Indian tattoos (HENNA)


Is henna is shrub herb or tree?

Tree. Henna is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis also known as the henna tree.


How is henna used in body art?

Henna is used to make a paste which is used to decorate the skin. The paste is painted on, and the color absorbs into the skin as the paste dries. It can be used with stencils or freehand to create designs. More information can be found here: http://www.hennapage.com/


What occasions is henna used for?

Henna is used by some people to dye hair. Others use it to draw patterns on their skin. Many Indians, Pakistanis and even Arabs use it for ceremonial purposes such as weddings.


What is henna in Tamil?

Marudhani which's used to make color the women's hand naturally.


Is henna used for dying hair the same as henna used for tattoos?

It is not quite the same, if you speak about natural plain henna powder, there`s powder in body art quality and powder for hair. Body art quality henna is made of leaves that were picked from the top of the plant. These were exposed to the sun a lot and therefore contain a lot of the dye molecule that you need for a satisfying colour. Henna for hair is made of leaves and plant parts that don`t contain as much dye molecules. If you dye your skin with that henna the stain won`t be dark. Those henna for hair products that you can buy from beauty suppliers mostly contain a lot of other stuff and little if any henna at all. Most of them even contain chemicals and should not be put on skin.


Color your hair without hair dye?

I'm sure that different cultures have different ways of executing such a task. However in Indian culture, henna is used to color hair. There are different colors of henna but mainly red/orange, and black are used. This is generally sold at Indian food stores. Hope this helps! Best of luck! :)


Is henna Japanese or Chinese?

Henna is an Arabic word related to the plant, and body art medium, but also means 'strange' in Japanese as well