It is no secret that Islamic women are famous (if not notorious) for designing their bodies with intriguing marks. These marks are what we call Mehndi designs.
You might be wondering what’s so special about these Mehndi designs. Why do women love them?
Well, Mehndi designs are not just for the sole purpose of enhancing beauty. They represent other things too such as positivity and good luck.
The beauty of Mehndi designs is that they can be used to represent many things. It cuts through wealth, fertility, wisdom, protection, knowledge, royalty, drive, dedication, loyalty, and many more.
The fact that you can personalize these designs makes them more attractive. Although Mehndi designs are usually a characteristic of bridal preparations and weddings, there should be more use for them.
What are Mehndi Designs?
Mehndi is a type of temporary body art that involves applying henna paste to the skin in intricate designs.
Henna is a reddish-brown dye made from the powdered, dried leaves of the henna plant, Lawsonia Inermis. The stain is usually a cherry-red to brown color, but this can vary with time left on.
Mehndi is temporary, it is unlike the tattoos you draw. They are drawn using a Henna. Henna isn’t just for doing Mehndi designs alone, it is also used to dye fabrics.
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Origin of Mehndi Designs
Henna is a shrub that grows in the tropical climates of Africa, northern Australia and southern Asia, and finds a mention in many ancient texts.
In the Bible, this herb is referred to as camphire. Mehandi is derived from the Sanskrit word mendhikā, while henna owes its origin to the Arabic name for Lawsonia inermis, Hina. The leaves of the henna plant contain a red-orange molecule, lawsone, which has the ability to temporarily stain the skin, hair and nails.
Before hair dyes and tattoos made a mark in the world of beauty, henna leaves were dried and ground into a powder, mixed into a paste and applied using a variety of techniques. Various shades are obtainable by mixing this plant with the leaves of other plants, such as indigo.
Depending on the location and availability, different ingredients such as tea, coffee, cloves, tamarind, lemon, sugar and various oils have been also used to enhance the colour and longevity of design.
Henna has reportedly been used for body art for at least 5,000 years and has a long history of migration and cultural interaction. Some scholars claim that the earliest documentation of henna uses is found in ancient Indian texts and images, indicating that mehandi as an art form may have originated in ancient India.
Others claim that the practice of decorating the body with henna was brought to India by the Mughals in the twelfth century, centuries after it had been in use in the Middle East and North Africa.
But according to New-York based mehandi artist Sharmin Samantha, the earliest signs of henna application appear in Egyptians mummies, whose hair and nails were stained with the reddish-brown tones of henna.
India is definitely credited for popularising it as a bridal art form with its intricate designs through its diaspora. Noam Sienna, a doctoral candidate from the University of Minnesota who blogs on Jewish henna rituals, says that there is evidence to prove that mehandi patterns in India date back at least to the Mughal period.
In his detailed presentations and research papers, he brings attention to how every painting during that time showed women with henna-ed fingertips and stained palms—but it was more solid washes of colour than intricate patterns back then.
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Significance of Mehndi Designs
Traditionally, the mehandi night is meant to be organised before the big day to keep the bride’s stress level under control.
The green mehandi paste is applied to the hands and feet, which house the nerve endings in the body, to help calm the bride’s nerves.
While having the elaborate designs etched on to the limbs ensures that the bride has to switch off from her gadgets and just be in the moment today, originally, it signified her confinement to her home until the wedding.
Of course, this can be dismissed as a superstition, but the idea behind the custom was to keep the bride-to-be safe and rested before her big day.
Mehandi is also a part of the solah shringar (16 steps) recommended by ancient texts to get the bride ready for her new life. Not only is it considered to bring luck, joy and beauty, but its scent is also said to have aphrodisiac properties.
Top Mehndi Designs to Consider Drawing Today
Now, we will show you the top 30 Mehndi designs you can draw today whether as a guy or a lady.
30. A Vine Pattern with Small Flowers and Leaves
Vine patterns are evergreen (get it?). They are very simple designs that you can draw for any outing. It is not “too much”
29. A Simple Design with Curves and Dots
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28. A Pattern with Small Squares and Triangles
27. A Butterfly with Its Wing Spread
Butterflies are one of the wonders of nature. They help in pollination and look very beautiful when they flap their wings. They are also very peaceful and cute organisms. We’re not here to talk about butterflies.
When you draw a Mehndi Butterfly, you can expect to be seen as a beautiful soul with vulnerable benefits innately.
26. A Simple Design with Lines and Dots
This kind of Mehndi design can be drawn personally. You do not have to require a professional Mehndi designer. All you have to do is channel your inner Pablo Picasso and connect those lines and dots.
25. A Pattern with Multiple Overlapping Circles
One characteristic of overlapping designs is thickness. In the case of Mehndi design, it’s thickness and Dark. Circles are very cute designs. They also convey simplicity. A Well designed one would be exceptionally creative.
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24. A Design with Swirls and Curves
A design with swirls and curves is a very expressive design. It is a very popular choice among most ladies. Cursive Mehndi designs can send flirty signals to guys that buy the idea.
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23. A Paisley Pattern with Small Floral Motifs
Flowers, the original beauty in life. Floral motifs are calming. They are better rocked in minimalistic styles. A flower here, a flower there, I can’t finish the rhyme (I’m sorry).
22. A Simple Design with Diagonal Lines and Dots.
These Mehndi designs might sound easy but they can get very complicated when done by a professional. Diagonal lines and dots can be combined for a decent Mehndi design.
These designs don’t have to be extra.
SEE: 20 Trending Finger Mehndi Designs for Gorgeous Ladies in 2023
21. A Pattern with a Diamond Shaped Central Motif
Diamond-shaped Mehndi designs take a central spot on the body. Well, you are not supposed to hide diamonds. This type of Mehndi design can be used to depict riches and wealth.
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20. A Simple Leafy Pattern with Small Flowers
A simple flower with a small leaf Mehndi design typically consists of a small flower with delicate petals and a few small leaves. The design is often drawn on the back of the hand or the wrist, but it can be adapted to other areas of the body as well.
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19. A Design with Small Triangles and Dots
A design with small triangles and dots Mehndi design is a popular choice for those who want a geometric and modern look. This design consists of small triangles and dots arranged in a repeating pattern.
A design with small triangles and dots Mehndi design is a versatile and visually striking option for those who want a modern take on traditional Mehndi designs.
18. A Pattern with Multiple Concentric Circles.
Multiple concentric circles Mehndi design is a beautiful and intricate design with several circles of varying sizes and patterns.
This design can be created on any body part and is perfect for those who want a bold and eye-catching look.
The combination of circles and patterns creates a beautiful and visually interesting design that will impress.
17. A Moon and Star Pattern with Small Dots
A moon and star pattern Mehndi design represents an Islamic heritage. You would find it on the body of women during Islamic festivals or celebrations.
It is more of a specific mehndi design and can not be rocked everywhere.
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16. A Simple Design with Curves and Dots
A simple design with curves and dots Mehndi design is a popular choice for those who want a minimalist and elegant look. This design consists of flowing curves and dots arranged in a repeating pattern.
The flowing curves and delicate dots create a beautiful and visually interesting pattern that will impress.
15. A Sunflower with Petal and Leaves
A Sunflower with Petals and Leaves Mehndi design is a beautiful and intricate design that features a sunflower with its petals and leaves. This design is perfect for those who want a natural and organic look.
You can add more shades and overlay to achieve a more realistic pattern.
14. A Spiral Pattern with Small Circles
This is for those who would like to get attention, instantly. Doesn’t it resemble the sort of design you would see in Moana? I forgot to add that Mehndi designs can also be used as a means of identification.
A particular tribe might follow a certain pattern. These spiral patterns with small circles are very bold and striking designs, especially with enough overlay and shades.
13. A Pattern with Zig-Zag Lines and Dots
Zig zag lines and dots Mehndi design is a modern and trendy option that is perfect for any occasion. The bold zig-zag lines and delicate dots create a beautiful and visually interesting pattern that will impress.
This design comprises a series of zig-zag lines and dots arranged in a repeating pattern.
12. A Simple Vine with Small leaves
A Simple Vine with Small Leaves Mehndi design is a popular choice for those who want a delicate and natural look. This design comprises a simple vine with small leaves arranged in a repeating pattern.
The delicate vines and small leaves create a beautiful and natural-looking pattern that is simple and timeless.
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11. A Lotus Flower with Petals and Leaves
10. A Design with Multiple Small Dots and Lines
9. A Peacock With its Feathers Spread
A peacock with its feathers spread is a majestic and captivating sight.
This design depicts a peacock with its feathers fully fanned out. The peacock’s tail feathers create a stunning scene The spread feathers symbolize pride, elegance, and self-expression.
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8. A geometrical design with small squares
A geometrical design with small squares is a pattern composed of repeated square shapes arranged in a structured and symmetrical manner.
The small squares form a grid or tessellating pattern, creating a visually captivating and ordered composition.
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7. A leafy Vine with Small Flowers
A leafy vine with small flowers is a design that showcases twisting and winding vines adorned with delicate, dainty flowers.
This pattern represents the beauty of nature and growth, with the vine symbolizing vitality and the flowers representing grace and beauty.
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6. An Intricate Mandala with Small Dots and Lines
The combination of dots and lines adds depth and texture to the design, enhancing its overall intricacy. Mandala designs with small dots and lines are often used for meditation, relaxation, and as a form of artistic expression.
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5. Arabic Style Patterns with Regular Motifs
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4. A Small Bird with Its Wings Spread
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3. A Simple Heart with Vines
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2. Paisley Pattern with Small Dots
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1. Floral Design with a Central Dot
Let’s Wrap This Up!
Mehndi designs are in season, and this will continue to be the case as more ladies (and men) join the trend and show off their creative capabilities.
Browse through our catalogue and pick the best Mehndi design for yourself today. Feel free to let us know what you choose in the comments below.
If there are any questions, post them below.
Is Mehndi design for women only?
No. men also wear mehndi designs on their bodies.
Where did Mehndi originate from?
It is an ancient Indian bridal tradition.
How many Mehndi designs are there?
There are many Mehndi designs, but we have compiled the top 30 in this article.
Can I do my Mehndi design myself?
It is possible to self-apply a mehndi design but it is better to seek out the assistance of another skilled hand.
Are Mehndi designs permanent?
Some of them are and some of them are not.
