Unlike in the Indian subcontinent, when designs of mehndi are performed in the West, no ritual is involved. Also, the guidelines and rules as to what can or can’t be done are usually absent. The goal is decoration or simply to have fun.
Before applying the henna mehndi, it helps to know a design.
An easy way to apply henna is through pre-made stencils over which a brush can be used. It is for beginners or those who do not want to make mistakes. However, the end result will not be as refined as one done freestyle by hand. There are many websites that offer free mehndi designs for download.
A popular way to draw henna designs is through henna cones that can be rolled by yourself. Henna cones are to henna what pens are for ink and are preferred when very delicate bridal mehndi patterns are desired. Be advised that they can be messy and for this reason, many prefer to use toothpicks, trading off some loss of detail.
One does not need art skills to create mehndi patterns. All that’s needed is some imagination and patience. In fact, traditional mehndi patterns are formed by combinations of simple geometric shapes like curves, triangles or hearts.
