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All about Mehndi

Mehndi is essentially a temporary yet natural dye that is basically used to create beautiful and intricate designs on our skins. Another term for mehndi is Henna. It is used to give a unique artistic expression. Every country and culture uses it effectively to depict their traditions and lifestyles.


Use of Mehndi

Mehndi can also be applied as a cosmetic to dye hair, skin and (at times) nails as well. It can also be used to heal and cure skin problems, and it also provides resistance to the body from heat. Many people use it to dye their fabric and leather. According to eastern tradition and culture, mehndi is essentially used to decorate brides during their wedding, and during important functions and engagements.

  • The mehndi colour will come out really dark, if your body is hot.
  • If you wash the mehndi applied on your hands or use too much of lotion, then its colour will fade faster.
  • After applying mehndi, it has to be left to dry overnight or for at least four hours, so that the colour comes out well.
  • Use a knife to scrap the mehndi on your skin once it has dried.
  • You can cover your hands with a plastic bag after applying mehndi.
  • Extract juice from a lemon and add sugar syrup using cotton once you have applied mehndi on your skin. This will enhance the colour of the mehndi.
  • The colour of the mehndi powder can be green, dark brown or khaki. If you apply it on the skin, you will notice that it has changed to brown colour once it has been dried. If your mehndi powder is fresh, then it will emit a dark brown colour and will also stay longer. However, if mehndi is stale then it will come out as light orange, and will also not grow darker with time.
  • One should avoid using black coloured henna, since it consists of hazardous chemicals known as Para-phenylenediamine (PPD). This is usually found in a hair dye and can lead to irritation of skin.

Brides are advised to have pedicures, waxing and manicures done and only then apply mehndi, or else the colour will fade if it is applied later