Front Hand Mehndi Designs

Front Hand Mehndi Designs: Background and Style

The palm is the traditional placement for mehndi and gives the darkest stain on the body. A round mandala in the centre of the palm, often called a tikki, is one of the oldest and best-known layouts. Bridal designs usually cover the whole palm and continue past the wrist. In a well-known South Asian wedding custom, the groom's name or initials are hidden in the bride's palm design for him to find.

Common motifs

• central tikki mandala
• full-palm jaal (net)
• paisleys
• finger bands
• wrist cuffs
• florals

Application tips

• Keep the palm open and relaxed until the paste dries; closing the hand smudges the centre of the design.
• Start with the central motif and work outward so the layout stays symmetrical.
• Palms sweat, so apply in a cool room and avoid holding anything until the paste has set.