How long should I leave the mehndi paste on?

Keep the paste on for at least four to six hours. Many people leave it overnight for a darker stain.

Why does my mehndi look orange at first?

Fresh henna stains are orange. The colour deepens to reddish brown over the next 24 to 48 hours as the dye oxidises.

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.

Classic Geometric Teardrop Cascade Mehndi Design for Foot — Geometric Mehndi Design

A captivating geometric mehndi design tailored for the foot, featuring wave pattern and mandala. Rated as Easy, this pattern is perfect for everyday.

The soles take henna as well as the palms do, while the top of the foot stains lighter. Stay seated and avoid walking until the paste has dried completely. This is a beginner-friendly pattern: practise the main shapes on paper first, then copy them onto skin with a fine-tipped cone.

Moroccan and other North African henna traditions rely on lines, diamonds and triangles rather than flowers. Geometric pattern is central to Islamic art, which favours repeating, non-figurative designs.

Application tips: Keeping the skin warm while the paste is on helps the colour develop. Mark light guide dots first so the lines stay evenly spaced.