The New Art of Mehedi

Weddings, baby showers, birthdays or any celebration for that matter is never complete without the application of mehndi. Mehndi, also known as henna, is the oldest, most pure and still widely practiced forms of body art the world over. Gone are the days of straight henna. Today's patterns are infused with glitter, color and gemstones to make your body as beautiful as your outfit! Here, Soniya Gheewala Ekici, founder of The Original Henna Company, Houston, shows us the latest in mehndi trends.

We have come a long way from the old method of henna application where the back of a match stick was dipped in freshly ground henna paste and dabbed onto the skin to create intricate designs. Modern henna application now includes the use of a cone-shaped plastic applicator filled with herbal (and sometimes chemically) enhanced henna that gives intense, fast color. A whole new dimension of vibrant colors, glitter and gems are then added to accentuate the deep red patterns. These gems and colors intensify the two main styles of henna: heavy floral Arabic patterns and finer, paisley-based Indian designs. A combination of the two styles coupled with the gem and glitter work creates unusual and stunningly visual designs. An old wives tale says that the longer lasting the color of your henna, the more your mother-in-law will love you. The secret to a great henna stain lies in the henna paste itself. Bridal mehndi is the most important of all and is something that requires the same meticulous research as the bride’s dress or jewelry. Hiring a professional henna artist guarantees that the detailed designs are made with fresh, 100% herbal henna which ensures a deep, long-lasting stain. However, when in doubt, rub in some eucalyptus oil and apply heat to the areas where the henna has dried. Henna isn’t just for women anymore. More and more men are having their body parts enhanced with this ancient ritual. It used to be that men would simply have a little dot or two applied, but one look at Abhishek Bachchan’s wedding pictures, and it’s clear to see that men are also opting for detailed patterns. For all the happy and momentous occasions in your life, henna can add that extra color to make the event even more memorable. It’s not just the designs, but the process that adds to the experience.