Mehndi is a type of body art and temporary skin decoration in which unique and different designs are created on a person’s body (normally hands and feet). It is a paste that is made by a dry powder of ‘Henna’ plant leaves.
The paste is made in several ways, such as:
- By Lemon Juice
Some people add lemon juice since lemon juice is a great acidic liquid that allows henna molecules to be released, leading to a stable paste that doesn’t decline too quickly.
- Adding Sugar
People also add sugar, which makes henna stay wet against the skin for a longer time. It sticks to the skin better and makes the henna more flexible. Thus, it helps achieve a darker and long-lasting shade.
Why Do We Apply Mehndi?
Henna is used in various cultures as a trend, but people don’t know its benefits. It is beneficial for skin and hair. However, some of the major advantages of henna are:
- Natural Hair Color
Henna naturally colors the hair in beautiful red-toned color and protects the hair from chemicals.
- Energy Healing
Each hair strand will get nourished.
3. Mental Wellness
It is a source of beauty, happiness, and love. Henna truly keeps you in a positive state of mind.
- Shine
Naturally, henna gives your hair beautiful shine and definition.
- Covers Grey Hair
Say goodbye to grey hair! As henna naturally covers them for 4-6 weeks.
- Thicker Hair
Henna coats each hair strand to make hair thicker.
- Cooling Effect
Henna has some qualities to cool down the body and keeps the nerves out of stress.
Myths about Mehndi?
Myth has a classic story; it has an early history of a people, explaining a natural or social phenomenon and involving supernatural events. The most common and fun myths about henna are:
- If you get a darker color, your husband loves you.
- If you get a darker color, your mother in law loves you.
Kinds of Mehndi
Mehndi is undoubtedly a significant part of festivals in Pakistan, Indian, and several other countries worldwide. Women of all age groups apply henna on their hands and feet. Everyone has their own choice of design according to their interest. There are various kinds of henna designs. Such as
- IndianMehndi design.
- ArabicMehndi design.
- Pakistani Mehndi design.
- WesternMehndi design.
- Indo-Arabic Mehndi design.
- Moroccan Mehndi design.
- Punjabi Mehndi design.
- Gujarati Mehndi design.
1. Indian Mehndi Design
Indian mehndi designs are similar, like feathers of a peacock, flowers, and some intricate patterns. Girls who like applying mehndi love this type of design because it doesn’t need much space on your hand in this design.
2. Arabic Mehndi design
A preferable mehndi design consists of simple lines, flowers, dots, filled patterns, and leaves. Based on creativity, you can draw. This kind of mehndi consumes less mehndi and less time. A non-professional can also apply it easily.
3. Pakistani Mehndi Design
Pakistani mehndi designs are a combination of the Arabic and Indian mehndi designs. These designs are a little complex and normally applied by the brides.
4. Western Mehndi Design
The western world’s adaptation of the traditional mehndi is fun. It has the most beautiful and simple designs.
5. Indo-Arabic Mehndi Design
As the name indicates, it is a combination of both Indian and Arabic designs. It is Pakistani mehndi, but the outline is filled with Arabic design.
6. Moroccan Mehndi Design
Moroccan mehndi design originates from the Middle East. These are geometric designs with a combination of different shapes. For girls who like simple designs, it is perfect for them.
7. Punjabi Mehndi design
Punjabis are more fun, as people. They prefer things full of colors and use a large number of colors and glitters in their designs.
- Gujarati Mehndi Design
Gujrati people usually like unique flowers and peacock designs. It includes the wrist bangle design, which adds beauty to it. There are shades, wavy patterns, and floral designs, which make it distinguish from others.
Local Mehndi Designs in Pakistan
Here are some of the really simple designs you can make on your own without being a professional artist. For this, you need a mehndi cone and a creative mind.
1. Fingers Mehndi
Mehndi, on just fingers, gives a simple and decent look. You can cover your fingers with some flowers, lines, and dots to create beautiful patterns.
2. Mandalas
It is a circular figure that signifies the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism, but creating a round circle is considered Mandalas. Now in modern styles, mandalas are not only circle but also in many other shapes, like diamond and squares.
3. Peacock Feather
People who are fun creating and love peacock feathers can create it with just a little creativity in their hands. Peacock feather is an elegant and stylish design to apply to your hands.
4. Floral and Simple Net 
It is a simple mehndi design with easy floral and net motifs.
5. Swirls and Spirals 
It gives your hands touch on swirls and spirals and earn all the extra brownie points. The design is quick and easy to make.
6. Roses in Mehndi 
Adding rose to your art is a beautiful and unique idea. It adds more attraction to your hands.
7. Arabic Styles
Making leaves and some flowers with all the extra area cover with mehndi can give your hand a look like a pole art from other designs.
Bolchaal is a platform of passionate writers who want to aspire others through the amazing ideas they have relating to our beloved homeland “Pakistan”.
