Natural henna is never black. Products sold as black henna often contain PPD, a hair-dye chemical that can cause skin reactions, so they are best avoided.

How can I make my mehndi darker?

Leave the paste on longer, seal it with lemon and sugar, keep the skin warm, and avoid water for the first day after removing the paste.

Should I do a patch test before applying mehndi?

Yes. Apply a small amount of the paste to the inner arm and wait 24 hours, especially if you have sensitive skin or are using a new cone.

Delicate Eid Mesh Jaal Mehndi Design for Front Hand — Eid Mehndi Design

An artistic eid mehndi design tailored for the palm, featuring dotwork and ribbon weave. Rated as Hard, this pattern is perfect for a party.

The palm has the thickest skin on the hand, so henna stains darkest here. Keep the hand open and relaxed while the paste dries so the lines do not crack or smudge. This pattern needs steady pressure control and fine line work, so it is best attempted after practising simpler designs.

In South Asia, mehndi is traditionally applied on Chaand Raat, the night before Eid, when the new moon is sighted. Mehndi is worn for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as part of dressing up for the celebration.

Application tips: Leave the paste on for at least four to six hours; the longer it stays, the deeper the stain. Dab a lemon and sugar mixture on the dried paste to keep it moist and stuck to the skin.