Mehndi has been used to decorate brides (and sometimes grooms) across the Subcontinent for centuries. In fact, there is even evidence that the mighty Pharaohs of Egypt used henna to stain their hair and nails.
The ancient tradition, which involves tracing intricate, geometric designs across hands and feet, is said to promote fertility and attract good energy - everything you’d want on the biggest day of your life!
Here we present some of the finest designs by the UK’s leading Mehndi artists.
Mehndi By Gurps
Try decorating unorthodox parts of your body such as the collabone or just the wrists and fingertips. Here, Mehndi by Gurps has taken inspiration from the embroidery of the gown for the design of the mehndi.
London based, Nationwide coverage
T: +44(0)7956 335 143 (By appointment only)
W: www.mehndibygurps.com
E: info@mehndibygurps.com
Instagram: @MehndiByGurps
Nazreen Akhtar At Henna Pixie
Nazreen Akhtar at Henna Beauty trademark designs look beautiful on the outside of the legs and arms. Her traditional patterns are accentuated with red gems fixed with eyelash glue, providing flashes of colour as they catch the light.
Bradford based, Nationwide coverage
T: +44(0)7872 169 373 (By appointment only)
W: www.hennapixie.co.uk
E: hennapixie@gmail.com
Instagram: @HennaPixie
Henna H
The beauty of mehndi is that it’s temporary, so play around with your designs and ask for a storybook concept and incorporate a bride-to-be in your pattern. An intricate full sleeve mehndi design from finger to mid-arm also creates a stunning impact.
London based, Worldwide coverage
Bridal Henna courses now running
T: +44(0)7949 993 505 (By appointment only)
W: www.henna-h.com
E: halimah@henna-h.com
Instagram: @HennaHalimah
Kismat Henna
If you love mehndi, but don’t want a dark mahogany stain, ask your mehndi artist for a glitter or matte metallic design instead. They can be just as impressive as traditional henna, but wash off at the end of the event - leaving you to chop and change your look at your leisure.
London based, Nationwide coverage
T: +44(0)7590 031 591 (By appointment only)
E: kismathenna@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kismathenna
Instagram: @Kismat_Henna
Mehndi by Ameera
With many brides embracing backless gowns and dresses for their special day, why not showcase an intricate mehndi pattern across your shoulder blades? Ameera’s painstaking pattern looks gorgeous behind an ornate wedding sari.
London based
T: +44(0)7949 820 111 (By appointment only)
E: ameerakidiya@hotmail.co.uk
Instagram: @MehndiByAmeera
RZ Henna By Zulfi Ali
Try mixing traditional mehndi with a matte gold temporary colour for a more contemporary look to your design. Zulfi Ali’s elaborate gilded pattern works best with minimal jewellery, but creates maximum impact, and will ensure you glimmer under the spotlight.
Southampton based, Nationwide coverage
T: +44(0)7547 345 877 (By appointment only)
E: zulfkar.snober@yahoo.co.uk
Instagram: @ZulfiAli_
Shebiiqa’s Mendii
There’s no rule that says you have to stick to traditional looks when it comes to mehndi designs. This slightly deconstructed look appears fuller than it is, by including pockets of bare skin within the pattern, which means it takes less time to apply.
London based, Nationwide coverage
T: +44(0)7908 397 685 (By appointment only)
E: shebiqahakim@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shebiiqas.mendi
Instagram: @Shebiqas.Mendi
Lali Creations
Circular patterns are highly popular in mehndi patterns, signifying unity and eternity. Decorate your skin with these to encourage good fortune on your Big Day. Lali Creations has combined the look with cuff and finger details, creating a distinctive design.
London based, Nationwide coverage
T: +44(0)7825 883 406 (By appointment only)
W: www.lalicreations.co.uk
E: lata@lalicreations.co.uk
Instagram: @Lali_Creations
Flawless Mehndi
Flawless by name, flawless by nature. Showcase your legs with a wonderfully exquisite mehndi design by Flawless Mehndi. The fabulous details on the edge of the sole and the toes will make the pattern work for sandals as well as wedding day heels.
London based, Nationwide coverage
T: +44(0)7513 788 196 (By appointment only)
E: meena-94@hotmail.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flawless.mehndi
Instagram: @Flawless_Mehndi
Henna Divine
A simple adornment on the arms can make as much of an impact as a heavy full sleeve. This delicate design by Henna Divine works well for guests coming to a Mehndi Night or for brides wearing a simple outfit.
London based, Nationwide coverage
T: +44(0)7440 757 808 (By appointment only)
E: hennadivine@hotmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hennadivineuk
Instagram: @HennaDivine
Janki's.. Be your own kind of beautiful
Bring a playful twist to your mehndi by incorporating a traditional Maharaja and Rani into the pattern, as Janki has done on the back of the palms above. It will draw second looks to the pattern and you’ll find something new everytime you admire the design.
London based, Nationwide coverage
T: +44(0)7881 666 811 (By appointment only)
E: janki.beauty@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jankibeauty
Instagram: @Jankis_Beauty
