Henna designs on the hand with drawing stages. Step by step application of the pattern. How much does mehendi painting cost in a salon?

The application of various signs and drawings to the human body arose in times when there was no written language. Body painting has become widespread in the countries of the East and India. The materials and dyes used for the drawings were very diverse. In Western countries, soot and coal dust were used; in the East, preference was given to henna. And if in Europe drawings were applied with mandatory damage to the skin (tattoo), then in India and in the eastern countries this process is painless. This way. The word itself has several synonyms - mindi, mehndi. The mehendi technique itself, the sketches that are then applied to the body, have a sacred meaning.

Traditionally, bodies were painted to protect against evil spells, or the painting was timed to coincide with some important event in a person’s life, such as a wedding.

The homeland of mehendi is still not known for certain. There are two hypotheses that have equal right to exist. One of them says that the birthplace of mindi is India, adherents of the second claim that this art of drawing was transferred to the Hindustan Peninsula from Arab countries only in the 12th century.

This method of applying a design as mehendi is not a tattoo in its pure form, it is rather a painting on the body. The Mindy session itself can last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. It all depends on the body. After a week, the pattern begins to fade; after a month, it disappears completely, and you can apply a new one again, which is quite convenient. Moreover, the mehendi procedure itself is painless; the sketches applied to the body represent various kinds of ornaments. Henna is used as a dye; it is made from the leaves of the Lawsonia non-prickly plant. The leaves of this shrub are first dried and then ground to a powder. In sealed packaging, this natural dye can be stored for up to six months without losing its properties. If the package is opened, but its contents are not completely used, then the henna should be stored at a low temperature in a dry place, because it picks up moisture very quickly, and this will cause the powder to become unusable.

Henna from the Middle East is used not only as a natural dye for the body and hair, but also as an effective healing and bactericidal agent. Therefore, a henna design in some cases is not only aesthetic, but also medicinal in nature.

Types of mehendi application techniques

Conventionally, there are four mehendi techniques. These are Arabic, Indian, Asian and Moroccan styles of body painting.

Arabic mehendi technique- These are floral patterns similar to traditional embroidery.

Mehendi of India and Pakistan It is quite complex in execution, because the design is not limited to any one part of the body; often the entire skin from neck to heels is painted. If you don't look closely, it may seem like your hands are in gloves. This illusion is created thanks to the design itself: lace, with smooth lines and drop-shaped patterns. Religious motifs serve as images.

Asian mehendi technique This is a kind of mixture of Arabic and Indian techniques. As in India, the whole body is covered with a pattern, but the images have floral ornamentation. A distinctive feature of the Asian pattern is its colorfulness and the application of a single-color continuous layer of paint on the phalanges of the toes and hands, and the lateral surfaces of the limbs are also painted over.

Moroccan (African) mehendi style widely used in North African countries. The African style of body painting is characterized by geometricity and clear lines. Desert inhabitants completely paint over their feet and palms without any pattern. There is, of course, a logical explanation for this. Henna is an ideal antiseptic in hot climates, and this coloring of hands and feet is a kind of protection against cuts and abrasions, as well as against some skin diseases.

Today, the mehendi technique is widespread and very popular. The beauty of the applied drawings, the smoothness of the lines and transitions, the painlessness of the painting process itself, the opportunity to experiment with applying new drawings, the guarantee that you will definitely like the result - these are the components of the success of this technique.

Fashion is selective and therefore, when borrowing something from the culture of a country, it often takes only one element. Nowadays mehendi on hands is at the peak of popularity. These are Indian henna designs, which in their country are applied to the arms, legs, back, and shoulders. But modern fashionistas prefer to paint the back of their hands with henna.

Mehendi on the hands decorates them, gives them oriental charm, and is completely safe, moreover, they can be done constantly without resorting to long-lasting tattoos in order to show off the amazing patterns that this art form is rich in.

In fact, mehendi is found not only in India, since even in Egypt these temporary tattoos adorned the hands of many beauties. Arab countries are no less fond of painting their hands, but India is most remembered for mehendi thanks to its colorful weddings, where the bride is always decorated with beautiful patterns. In addition, Vedic literature mentions henna designs as a way of awakening the inner light, which apparently makes them so attractive both for women wearing mehendi on their hands and for men who admire them.

As for weddings, it’s worth going into more detail here. Modern Slavic brides also love to decorate their hands with patterns, without stopping at traditional colors. The most interesting and gentle look is white mehendi on the hands, which with their fine painting can easily replace wedding gloves. According to Indian legends, wedding henna designs, in addition to their aesthetic significance, carry two omens for the future couple. Firstly: if the color of the henna design is as bright as possible, then this will mean bright and passionate love in the relationship. And secondly: the timing of the drawing. So, if the drawing is held in your hands for a long time after the wedding, then the relationship will be long and happy. But you shouldn’t take too much faith in ancient legends, which serve more as a beautiful legend than as a call to panic.

There are a huge number of variations on how to paint your hands. Most often, the final version depends on the skill of the artist, and the girl can choose the volume herself. Sometimes it is enough to apply a patterned disk on the outer side of the palm, while others like to add rings to their fingers. And mehendi on your hands up to the elbows will look absolutely festive. Then your imagination can be given free rein.

But, if you find yourself among the fans of henna designs, you should not go too far and paint your hands too much with or without reason. This advice especially applies to the office, where the dress code may simply not understand your hobby. The most successfully painted hands will look during rest, when they can be opened as much as possible so that the design does not peek out from under the long sleeve of a blouse or shirt. And of course, the best season for applying a temporary tattoo is summer.

As for the designs that will be intertwined on your hands, there are even special meanings here, and you can take them into account and offer them to the master.

The most common design - flowers, means happiness and joy that accompanies you every day. And how can you not be happy looking at henna floral patterns? The lotus can be singled out from the general variety of flowers - it means all that happiness and life. Although if you dig deeper, you can find many other, no less pleasant meanings.

The famous dots, or as they are also called, grains, symbolize the beginning of life, both new and of life in general, and fertility. That is, those most important things in the life of a girl who is getting married.

Heavenly bodies also have a place in mehendi on the hands. So, the sun denotes strong qualities in a girl, great knowledge. The lunar disk or month is the unearthly charm of its owner. Stars are symbols of hope and divine protection.
If we talk about the geometry that makes up mehendi on the hands, then the circle is integrity, the square is stability, the triangle is protection from troubles and diseases.

How to do mehendi on hand

The simplest and most convenient option is to find a master whose hand is already filled, and henna can be selected in any color. But, if you want to experiment on your own, pay attention to ready-made henna packages, which are already assembled into the right cone to make it convenient to apply the design. If you wish, you can look for stencils in order to be sure to make a beautiful pattern that will fit correctly and will not flow. Stencils will also be convenient when applying a pattern to the hand with which you are drawing (that is, for right-handers on the right, for left-handers on the left).

If you still decide to draw mehendi on your hand yourself, then you definitely need sketches, because it will be much easier to copy from a ready-made ensemble than to come up with it yourself.

Mehendi on hands sketches

Sketches for mehendi can be both very complex and very simple. To begin with, it is better to try with a very easy drawing, and when your hand gets a little full, you can begin to more complex compositions. Below we have collected several sketches as an example, so that you understand what sketches for mehendi look like and even try to transfer them to your hand.

How to prepare henna paste for mehendi?

The best paste for mehendi, of course, will be from a store or shop, but if there is no place nearby where to buy paste for mihendi, you can prepare it yourself and it’s not at all difficult!

There are several recipes for preparing paste for drawing mehendi on hands. Here's the simplest one:

• You need to take 3-4 teaspoons of black tea (you can take pu-erh) and pour 200 ml of boiling water. and let it brew for 20 minutes, you can even boil it a little, it was a very dark brew. (The intensity of the color of the mehendi paste depends on this) Strain the tea leaves, add 1-3 teaspoons of lemon juice to it. A few drops of essential oil (can be eucalyptus). You need to add henna to this mixture, stirring constantly and making sure that the henna does not form lumps (to do this, you need to pour it through calico). Usually, this amount of tea leaves requires 30-40 grams of henna. You should get a substance similar in thickness to regular toothpaste. You need to make sure that the paste is not too liquid, otherwise the design will spread.

How to make a henna paste cone

After preparing the paste, you need to place it in a special cone with a hole at the bottom from which the paste will come out.

Be sure to watch the video on how to make a cone for applying mehendi on your hand:

As mentioned earlier, modern mehendi designs on the hands are becoming more and more diverse, incorporating many elements and different styles, so finding a suitable pattern for your experiments will not be difficult.

If you already practice painting your hands with henna, then in the video below you can get inspiration from the masterly execution of the patterns.

The human body is a perfect creation of nature. However, from time immemorial people have tried to make it even more beautiful. For these purposes, decorative jewelry and tattoos were invented. And in the last few years, young people are increasingly turning to the ancient art of body painting - mehendi. In order to decorate your body with an intricate design, you don’t need to go to a salon. The wisdom of applying henna to the body can be learned at home.

History of appearance

The most popular mehendi on hands

English writer John Donne: “The soul is a hieroglyph, and the body is a book to be read.”

The origin of this art form is a matter of much debate: it was traditionally believed that mehendi (mehendi, mehndi) originated in Ancient Egypt. However, the peoples of Indonesia, India, and Africa attribute the authorship to themselves. And yet, the Egyptian roots are more justified, since it was there that the hands and feet of the dead pharaohs were covered with henna. The Egyptians believed that in this case the gods would help the dead to freely enter the afterlife. In modern India, before the wedding, the bride applies mehendi to her entire body. There is a belief that the brighter the drawing appears, the more she will be loved in her husband’s family.

Styles

Mehendi is a way of self-expression

Mehendi initially became popular as an alternative to tattoos. After all, its application is painless, and the design itself can be selected for a specific occasion or outfit, since it disappears after a month. Mehendi patterns are a special type of painting, the nature of which is determined by one of four styles:

• in the Middle East, masters of applying henna designs give preference to floral patterns that do not have a strict application pattern;
• North African mehndi are geometric patterns that match the shape of the legs and arms;
• in Pakistan and India, they apply an ornamental design not only to the foot and hands, but also to the ankles and forearms, imitating gloves or stockings;
• Indonesian motifs are a mixture of the previous three. It is these drawings that are especially popular among modern youth, as they provide scope for creativity and self-expression.

Materials required for mehendi

Quick henna is more difficult to work with than natural henna.

Anyone can learn the ancient art of mehendi, and even more so in the age of the Internet, when you can easily find instructions, tips, etc. But you should still start with choosing materials for painting.

1. Henna. There are two types: natural (only in brown color) and fast (with the addition of special dyes and preservatives).
2. Brushes, but this tool is used, as a rule, by professional mehndi artists. They should be made of natural pile - then the designs will be applied easily and beautifully. You can buy brushes designed for mehendi, or you can take regular ones for painting with paints.
3. Cones are devices for applying henna, recommended for beginners. Thick paper (for example, wrapping paper) is folded into a funnel, and henna paste is squeezed out through it. If you use a purchased paste, then the role of a funnel is played by a tube with a cut off tip.
4. Stencils. In order for the drawing to be neat and even, it is necessary to prepare a stencil on which the pattern will be applied. You can use ready-made sketches, or you can draw your own.
5. Cosmetic pencils necessary for outlining the boundaries of the drawing on the body.

Benefits of different types of henna

Natural henna provides a long-lasting design

Henna plays a huge role in high-quality drawing. If you are a beginner, it is better to use natural one, because:

• it appears a couple of hours after application, so there is time to correct the drawing;
• the pattern will wash off in 2–3 weeks;
• the intensity of the color depends on the place of application (feet, palms - the “brightest” areas).

By the way, the brightness of the color is determined by the degree of keratinization of the skin. The fact is that henna affects the stratum corneum of the skin, coloring it with its pigment.

To obtain multi-colored patterns, quick henna is used, however, there are a number of nuances in using this type of coloring pigment:

• the drawing appears instantly, so there is no way to correct sloppy strokes;
• mehendi stays on the body for 4 to 7 days (depending on care), but the intensity of the pattern on all parts of the body is the same.

How to make paste

The mehndi mixture should resemble the consistency of toothpaste

You can make henna paste for mehndi yourself. Moreover, there are several options for preparing it.

First option:

• Mix half a cup of very strong tea with the juice of ½ lemon;
• add 2 tablespoons of sugar;
• pour henna into a cup to form a thick paste;
• leave for 20 minutes.

This paste can be stored for up to 2 days.

Second option:

• Mix 4 teaspoons of instant coffee with a glass of water;
• put on fire and boil until ¾ of the original volume of liquid remains;
• sift the henna and mix it with coffee;
• add 5 drops each of eucalyptus and clove oils;
• leave for 2 hours.

Third option:

• mix chifir (very strong tea) with the juice of ½ lemon;
• add henna and stir. You should have the consistency of toothpaste;
• add a drop of vegetable oil;
• leave for 4 hours.

Fourth option:

• pour three drops of lemon juice and olive oil into a glass of hot strong tea or coffee;
• add 4-5 tablespoons of henna;
• mix until a paste-like mass is obtained.

This mixture can be stored in a cool, dark place for about 20 days.

Popular mehendi designs

Mehendi on legs is especially popular in summer Ornate designs are suitable for young girls If you combine different shades of quick paste, you get whole pictures on the body Indian mehendi style resembles gloves Hands and fingers are the most convenient places for mehndi Geometric mehndi designs are usually drawn on the ankles. The bird on the back symbolizes freedom A bird with feathers will look good on your neck

How to make a template and stencil yourself

Even simple patterns look very original

There is a large selection of drawing templates, but they are usually of the same type and made in the same style. And mehndi is a reflection of the inner world, so you can create a unique pattern. You can build your own sketch by mixing different techniques, for example, placing Middle Eastern floral patterns in North African geometric shapes. Professional mehndi artists can work without a stencil - a design on paper that completely follows the outline of the part of the body on which mehendi will be applied. For those who are just starting to work with henna, it is better to use it. If mehndi is drawn on the palm, then:

1. On paper (it is better to take tracing paper: it is thin, so it will be easy to apply to the body) transfer the outline of the palm.
2. Cut out the elements of the picture.
3. We apply the stencil to the body and apply paste into the cut out cells.

Stencil gallery

Stencils with thin lines require painstaking adjustment Drawings with large elements are easier to draw
Drawing options The stencil pattern turns out smooth
Mehendi on the hand always looks beautiful

The main principle when applying mehendi is to be slow. The slower and more carefully you work, the more accurate the result will be. So, let's look at the process step by step:

1. Clean the skin where the pattern is applied with a scrub and steam well.
2. We apply the stencil.
3. Heat the cone or tube of paste in your hands.
4. Squeeze out a thick layer of henna onto the stencil.
5. Leave to dry for 40–60 minutes.
6. After the paint begins to crack and become rich in color, wash it off with warm water. To make the drawing stick better, the application area can be wrapped in cellophane to increase body temperature.
7. We blot the mehndi area and grease it with any oil.

Mehendi care

Mehndi requires some care

After applying mehndi, a lover of original body jewelry has a question: what to do to make the design last longer? Experienced craftsmen recommend following six basic rules that will help maintain the brightness of the pattern:

1. Apply oil (coconut or olive) before each contact with water.
2. Do not rub the mehendi.
3. Do not lather.
4. Do not use a washcloth.
5. Do not peel.
6. Do not go to the bathhouse or swimming pool.

Video: Master class on henna painting

To learn how to draw mehendi beautifully, you need to be patient.

Anyone who likes this type of creating designs on the body can start drawing mehendi. By the way, henna has healing properties (for example, it helps restore skin after burns), so many peoples painted mehndi as a healing procedure. Beginning henna painters need:

• take into account the time factor (creating a drawing and applying it are long procedures, so be patient and in a good mood);
• pay attention to the quality of the material (the higher quality the henna, the more beautiful the design);
• do not neglect the preparatory stage (before adding the henna to the paste, it is better to sift it several times so that there are no lumps that can disrupt the clarity of the design);
• prepare good stencils (they help to apply the drawing correctly and accurately).

In the modern world, there are many options to stand out among others. One such method is applying mehendi to the body. This decoration, in addition to its aesthetic value, carries another important mission - it helps to express the inner world. In order to learn how to make mehndi from scratch, you do not need special skills or expensive materials.

The tradition of painting your body with henna came to the modern world from Ancient India. Representatives of the fair sex willingly apply these designs to their hands and face both for everyday life and for special occasions. Every year there are more and more fans of mehendi. You can learn the meaning of henna symbols and designs from this article.

What is mehendi?

Mehendi (also mehndi) is a special way of self-expression. In the ancient world, by applying drawings and symbols to the body, women wanted to protect themselves from dark forces, as well as attract love, happiness and wealth into their lives. Orthodoxy has a negative attitude towards this tradition, since it came from pagan tribes. However, modern girls do not attach much importance to this prohibition.

Technique for applying mehendi

Before starting work, the mehendi application specialist degreases the skin. Typically, an alcohol solution is used for these purposes. Then the place where the design will be applied is wiped with a special oil, which allows you to preserve the temporary tattoo for a longer period and give it brightness. After this, the master proceeds directly to creating the drawing. To do this, he uses thin brushes or orange sticks to apply the henna paste. The drying time of this composition is 40-50 minutes, after which it is removed with a special brush.

How long does a henna design last?

With proper care, a henna design lasts for 2-3 weeks. To preserve your temporary tattoo for a longer period of time, immediately after application, wipe it with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

If you need to quickly wash off the henna design, use a soap solution and a stiff brush.

Contraindications for applying mehendi

This procedure has virtually no contraindications. The only reason to avoid mehendi is an allergy to henna. If you have an allergic reaction to one of the essential oils included in the paste, warn the specialist about this. In most cases, it can be replaced with another one that is safe for you.

The meaning of the most common mehendi designs

In ancient India, each drawing was endowed with a special magical property. You can learn about the meaning of the most popular symbols in the modern world from the second part of the article.

Indian cucumber or tear of Allah

Persia is considered to be the birthplace of this symbol. It is a floral ornament in the shape of an elongated drop. This design was used to decorate the bride's body. In ancient times, its application was a kind of wish for happiness to a young family. This symbol is usually interpreted as a sign of wealth and fertility. That is why mehendi masters recommend choosing this design for those representatives of the fair sex who dream of getting married and becoming a mother.

Ohm

This drawing represents 3 lines, symbolizing the beginning of the Universe and its infinity. This is the most mysterious and mystical symbol, because it can be found in almost all the sacred scriptures of Ancient India. Mehendi masters recommend applying Om to those women who want to devote their lives to knowledge of the truth, as well as those who want to find and maintain spiritual harmony.

Lotus

This flower is one of the most beautiful and delicate mehendi designs. This symbol has the meaning of purity, innocence and eternal life. It was also used as a call to God. The application of this drawing is recommended for expectant mothers and women who want to find meaning in life.

Spiral

The spiral is one of the most ancient symbols. Its meaning symbolizes the impact of living energy on a person. With its help, chakras open and yoga is learned. Due to the huge number of meanings of this design in the modern world, there is no specific prescription about who should apply it to their body.

Peacock

This graceful and beautiful bird in Ancient India was a symbol of the goddess Krishna. According to legend, she perceived human life as a constant holiday and joy. This is probably why the peacock became a symbol of immortality. Mehendi masters recommend applying this design to those representatives of the fair sex who have lost joy in life, as well as to creative people to help them find inspiration.

Hamsa or Palm of Fatima

This design represents an inverted palm. It symbolizes limitless patience and faith. In ancient India, this symbol was applied to one's body as a talisman against dark forces and evil spirits. Hamsa gained the greatest popularity among Muslims. Experts in applying mehendi recommend choosing this design for those women who want to preserve peace and love in the family, as well as for expectant mothers - as a powerful talisman against the evil eye.

In this article, we told you about what mehendi is, how symbols are applied to a woman’s body, and also about what contraindications there are for this procedure. The tradition of applying designs to your body using henna came to the modern world from Ancient India. With their help, women tried to protect themselves from dark forces and evil spirits, and also hoped for help in finding happiness and love. Modern girls use henna designs for self-realization.

The radiant faces of Indian women, bright saris and unusual patterns decorating their hands and feet are mehendi. This is real magic! Why not try to draw intricate patterns yourself at home?

Mehendi is the ancient ornamental art of applying henna patterns to the body. Even in ancient Egypt, noble beauties decorated their bodies with henna paste. And in India, even now, not a single wedding, not a single celebration is complete without the Mehendi ritual. These drawings are credited with protective, protective properties. They bring prosperity, beauty and peace to their owner. And they also lift your spirits perfectly!

Photos of mehendi on hands and other parts of the body

There are 4 styles of mehendi

• Arab. It embodies floral motifs that are reminiscent of Arabic painting and embroidery.
• African (Moroccan, Berber). Contains elements of geometric shapes with the addition of floral motifs.
• Indian. The patterns mainly consist of patterns, lines and dot patterns. Pakistani and Indian designs are applied not only to the feet and palms, but also rise higher.
• Asiatic. This style incorporates elements of Middle Eastern and Indian patterns.

Henna for mehendi is finer ground than for hair coloring. It can be natural and synthetic. The latter is dangerous for the skin and can cause allergies and even burns, so I advise you to use only natural ones. It is brown, but can be tinted with basma. It will turn out black or burgundy - depending on the concentration.
Nowadays you can even buy natural henna by weight. On the Internet you can easily find dozens of online stores selling henna and ready-made compositions for applying different colors. It is packaged immediately in cones for ease of use when applying a design. Henna for mehendi can be of different colors, the main thing is to make sure that all components are natural.

Great deals in online stores

Cone with brown paste
for mehendi
Buy for 200 rub.

Cone with black paste
for mehendi
Buy for 200 rub.

Rules for drawing

Before applying the design, lubricate the skin area with special oil for henna painting (you can use olive oil). This opens up the pores and makes the color brighter. Apply henna directly from the cut end of the cone in the form of your intended design. The drying time of natural paste depends on the humidity in the room (30-60 minutes). Clean off the dried crust, no need to rinse. A red color remains, which will gradually darken to brown over 48 hours.

The brightest and most lasting color is obtained on the palms and feet, where the skin is rougher. According to traditions, they decorate arms from palms to elbows and legs from feet to knees.
With proper care, mehendi will delight you for about two weeks. Henna loves warmth! After applying mehendi, do not go outside if it is cloudy or raining outside. Better stay in a warm room and drink warming Indian tea.

It is recommended not to wash the painted area of ​​skin for 8 hours. Before taking water procedures, apply any vegetable oil to the drawing. Do not rub the drawing with a washcloth. Frequent washing, friction with clothing or shoes significantly shorten the life of mehendi.

Mehendi sketches

Mehendi designs are presented in sufficient resolution so that you can print them and use them in practice when creating your own drawings. Some drawings may seem too complex for you, but you can break them down into elements and start small.
When you click on the picture, it will enlarge and you will be able to examine it in detail. If you right-click on the thumbnail and select “save link as,” you can save the drawing to your computer.

You can also download all sketches as a single file in .

Recipe for making mehendi paste at home

The most convenient way to apply designs at home is to use ready-made henna paste in a cone, which can be bought in Indian shops. Its composition: henna, citric acid. But you can prepare the mehendi paste yourself. There are several recipes.
1. Prepare very strong tea. Mix half a cup of tea leaves with lemon juice and sugar. Mix the resulting solution with henna powder to form a thick paste. Leave the composition for 15-20 minutes.
2. Mix a quarter cup of strong tea and lemon juice. Then slowly pour a quarter cup of henna into this mixture, stirring quickly. The result should be a paste without lumps, quite thick and viscous. Before application, the composition must sit for 4 hours.

Video: drawing mehendi at home

How to make paste from henna powder

How to make a henna cone

Mehendi has already gone beyond body art. Combining henna, acrylic paints and contours, rhinestones, some even paint small paintings, postcards for friends, and decorate candles. You can also paint jewelry, clothes, bags, shoes, creating your own unique style. The space for the flight of creative thought is limitless. Get inspired and transform your world!