Eid Al Fitr 2023 in UAE: Henna artists reveal top 10 designs this year

With Eid around the corner, the demand for henna artists has increased exponentially. Most artists have a packed calendar and are no longer taking bookings.

Khaleej Times spoke to some henna artists across the city and have come up with the top 10 designs this festive period.

Henna designs

With intricate patterns, the Indian design of henna comprises of lines, lacy patterns, floral designs and circles. It is more time-consuming and hence more expensive to apply.

Design: Hariya Shaikh

Several henna artists prefer to hand-make their cones to control the size of the cones, regulate the flow of henna and ensure that good, organic materials are used.

Design: Hariya Shaikh

According to henna artist Mohsina, minimal yet elegant designs are trending this Eid, as people are taking a classier approach to henna.

Design: Mohsina Mustafa

Salon owner Zahabia says she has a packed calendar and all spots for henna application has been sold out. “Now unless someone cancels, we cannot offer anyone else a spot,” she said.

Design: Zahabia

Arabic designs are less intricate than Indian designs with more focus on the palms. With floral patterns and leaf designs, these are easier to put and cost comparatively lesser than the intricate India designs.

Design: Hariya Shaikh

According to Mohsina, it takes an average of one hour to put henna for one client. This can vary according to the design chosen and the area of hand that needs to be covered.

Design: Mohsina

Originally found in the Arabian peninsula, Egypt and India, henna or mehendi has been used for centuries by both men and women to dye their hair, nails and palms. Some accounts trace its earliest use back to more than 9000 years ago!

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