Minimal back hand designs to start with
The back of the hand is the easiest place to practise. It is flat, you can see it clearly while you work, and a small motif at the wrist with a single vine reads as a complete design.
Simple palm designs
Once you are comfortable with the back hand, try the palm. It stains darker, so even a simple centre medallion with dotted fingertips looks bold once the paste comes off. Keep the hand slightly cupped and still for the first twenty minutes.
Even simpler: designs made for kids
Kids designs are, by definition, quick and sparse. They make excellent first attempts for adults too, because each one is a single motif and a few dots.
How to hold the cone
Snip a very small opening, smaller than you think you need. Hold the cone like a pen, rest the side of your hand on something solid, and squeeze from the back of the cone rather than the tip. Draw lines toward your body. If a line breaks, do not go back over it; finish the stroke and fix it after the paste sets for a minute.
How to get a good stain on your first try
Leave the paste on for at least six hours. Once it is dry, dab it with a mix of lemon juice and sugar to keep it moist, and keep your hand warm. Scrape the paste off rather than washing it, and avoid water for the first twelve hours. The colour will darken from orange to reddish brown over the next two days.
When you are ready for more, the minimal mehndi collection has every simple design on the site, and the Arabic collection is the natural next step because its bold outlines are also forgiving.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest mehndi design to start with?
A single flower at the wrist with one vine running to the ring finger. It uses only circles, petals and one line, and takes about ten minutes.
Should a beginner start on the palm or the back of the hand?
The back of the hand. It is flat, easy to see while you work, and a small design there looks intentional. The palm is cupped and harder to keep steady.
How do I stop the lines from wobbling?
Rest the heel of your cone hand on the table or on the hand you are decorating, squeeze gently and steadily, and draw toward yourself. Practise straight lines and circles on paper first.
