I love the way I feel on Eid, whether it’s Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha. For me, Eid feels like Eid once I’ve gotten dressed up in my outfit of choice, spent time with family, taken an Eid picture, had a bowl of my mom’s signature sweet dish seviyan and had my hands filled with mehndi, also known as henna. This is the way I celebrate, and though each family has its own set of traditions, getting Eid henna done is a particularly popular part of the celebrations for Muslims across the globe.
Ahead of the holiday, I spoke with four henna artists about their experiences with Eid henna application, and they offered some great advice. All the creators suggested using only organic or natural henna, or seeking out artists who use these products or make their own henna cones. (Note: The government of Canada has posted a warning about the health concerns around black henna.) Another tip the artists emphasized was the importance of booking early. Doing so not only helps avoid the night-before-Eid rush but also allows time to achieve a darker stain.
Parisa started as a henna artist when she was 15. She’s currently pursuing her studies full-time but continues to run her part-time business, specializing in bridal and party henna. “Once I understand what they want, I examine my canvas and use my creativity to curate and execute a design that will look good on their hands and ensure that my client leaves satisfied.” In most cases, clients allow her to freestyle a design for them, but there are some who come with a very specific design in mind. In these cases, Parisa does not copy other people’s work but tries her best to incorporate the elements of the design and create a new one.
Some current henna inspiration: The most common design requests Parisa gets are mandala designs, vine designs and henna on just the fingers. She said jagua ink — which is made from a South American fruit and temporarily stains the skin a bluish-black colour resembling a permanent tattoo — is becoming a popular choice. “Just like henna, jagua is also completely natural and extremely safe to use,” she added.
Some advice: Parisa really emphasizes that using organic henna is crucial. “Avoid getting henna done with black henna or store-bought henna cones as they contain a lot of chemicals and can be very harmful to the skin.”
Get the artist’s tips and techniques for applying this grid design yourself.
Sumayyah is a professional bridal henna artist with 10 years’ experience. She likes to stick with the classics when adorning her clients’ hands for Eid. This often includes floral, flowy patterns that typically go from the wrist up to the index finger. Her clients also often ask for traditional patterns like mandalas, but when they allow her to freestyle, she likes to combine different styles and add a nod to the holiday. “Sometimes, if clients allow me to get creative, I will include some celebration-themed symbols, such as a moon and stars for Eid, or Eid Mubarak written in Arabic.”
Some current henna inspiration: According to Sumayyah’s experience, henna design preferences are influenced by the seasons, just like outfit choices. “For the past few seasons, both Eids have been falling in the summer or spring months, and thus, a recurring theme is to have a floral henna pattern. Henna traditionally includes a lot of flowers, but the trend for Eid recently has become for henna patterns to include a more flowy template, spaced-out flowers and bold flowers.”
Some advice: When it comes to picking a design, Sumayyah does encourage clients to show the artist a few designs they love but ultimately recommends trusting the artist’s instincts and allowing them to freestyle a beautiful design. “As much as we love the convenience of the most popular and traditional designs, henna artists also love to get creative,” she said.
Sonia is a self-taught henna artist providing henna services both locally and internationally. Originally from Pakistan, she’s best known for her traditional and contemporary styles. Sonia told us design preferences vary by location, but there are some ubiquitously popular ones, like the classic mandala design, floral designs and contemporary-style henna. “Eid is a very special occasion for Muslims all around the world therefore when it comes to drawing henna designs, there is no select design. Different parts of the world draw different styles of henna designs.”
Some current henna inspiration: “Mandala-style henna has never been out of trend and until today mandala designs are one of the most requested styles of henna designs, especially for Eid. Because it’s simple and elegant.” She anticipates grid designs will also become increasingly popular.
Some advice: “Heat your henna. Warming your henna design with the henna paste still on your skin will help in achieving a dark stain. When your skin gets too cold, the pores in your skin close and the henna stops staining.” This can be done in a couple of ways, which Sonia outlines in her video about aftercare, where she suggests roasting a few black cloves in a dry pan and carefully running the hands over the fumes of the burning cloves. Or, as her video suggests, boil three cups of water, add 10-15 cloves and safely run your hands over the steam for a few seconds.
Saira is the holistic henna practitioner, artist, art director and energy worker behind Breath of Henna & Co. She started her journey with henna at the age of 16. “Botanical henna has been a statement template of my work for over a decade,” she said. Saira encourages clients to choose from her previous designs — simple, medium-heavy, botanical or traditional style — and then she customizes according to their personality. She said, “The design flow is intuitively charged!”
Some current henna inspiration: “The ‘tikka’ [mandala] and dipped-dark fingertips are an undying trend because it embodies a form of nostalgia to our South Asian history’s Islamic traditions and it’s a throwback sensation!” Saira said. She also said botanical henna is everywhere right now, and the uroos mehndi, which consists of intricate pattern of dots and and squiggles of teardrop leaves, dark henna tips and multiple levels, has “definitely struck a chord with foodies and mother nature-adoring folks.”
“With trends, we may overlook the intersections of henna and the history of the artwork, but I do love seeing a henna newcomer take part in the celebrations.”
Some advice: To achieve a dark and longer-lasting stain, some prep work is required before the henna application. “Prep your skin a few days before your appointment. Exfoliate your hands gently, and absolutely no moisturizer or oils on your skin.” She offers a handful of aftercare tips on her website, the best of which, she said, is to wrap your hands in gauze the night after application to allow your henna to stay in one place and not ruin your sheets while you sleep. “Sleep with your hands outside the duvet or comforter,” she added.
These interviews have been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Sidra Sheikh is a freelance journalist specializing in modest fashion, beauty, parenting and lifestyle. You can connect with her through her website or follow her on Instagram @sidra.sheikh_.
