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.

Intricate Geometric Crescent Motif Mehndi Design for Foot — Geometric Mehndi Design

A contemporary geometric mehndi design tailored for the foot, featuring heart vine and ring pattern. Rated as Easy, this pattern is perfect for Eid.

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: 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.