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.

Dainty Eid Floral Vine Mehndi Design for Full Hand — Eid Mehndi Design

A dainty eid mehndi design providing full hand coverage, featuring wave pattern and star cluster. Rated as Expert, this pattern is perfect for Teej.

Full-hand designs run from the fingertips to the wrist, so allow extra time for application. Work from the wrist towards the fingers, or the other way round, so you never rest on wet paste. This is a detailed pattern usually done by an experienced artist; allow plenty of time and work in small sections.

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.