31 Arabic Mehndi Design For Women Who Want Something Unique

How beautiful empty spaces are, can only be learned from Arabic mehndi design; where the designs predominantly consist of bold outlines, empty spaces, and intricate designs. Arabic is synonymous with the bold and intricate style of mehndi artwork. Arabic style, as the name suggests originated in the Arabic regions with ‘Henna’ meaning ‘mehendi’ in the Arabic language.

However, it has been a rage everywhere for decades now and is known for its exclusively bold and prominent designs. If you are looking for Arabic mehndi designs for a traditional function or a festival that’s round-the-corner, look no further.

History and origin of arabic mehndi design

There are various mehndi design that are popular all around the world. One such design is no other than the Arabic mehndi design. Have you ever wondered what is the history behind it though? How did the origin of Arabic mehndi design take place? Well, Arabic Mehndi designs originated in the Arabian Peninsula, where they were traditionally used to beautify women for weddings and festivals.

These designs are known for their bold outlines, empty spaces, and flowing floral patterns. Their primary feature is often leaving spaces between motifs. To say that it is highly distinctive would be a sheer understatement. Arabic mehndi design is a distinct feature compared to the more intricate and dense designs found in Indian and Pakistani mehndi design.

As these designs spread across the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa, they evolved and included elements from different cultures. Nonetheless, they maintained their characteristic elegance and simplicity. Today, Arabic Mehndi is celebrated all around the world for its uniqueness.

Popular arabic mehndi design that are in trend

• Minimalist Floral Patterns: Current trends show a preference for minimalist Arabic mehdni design featuring simple floral motifs with ample space. Floral motifs with ample space left offer an elegant look that is loved by most of the girlies.
• Geometric Fusion: The fusion of traditional Arabic designs with geometric shapes is also in trend. Geometric shapes such as triangles and diamonds in traditional Arabic mehndi design add a modern twist to classic patterns.
• Intricate Finger Detailing: People have started preferring to go ahead with a design that makes one’s fingers look appealing. Detailed finger designs, with intricate patterns that extend from the fingertips to the wrist, are one of the best choices. It is often paired with simpler patterns on the palms.
• Glitter and Jewel Accents: To make Arabic mehndi design more glamorous many have started incorporating glitter, rhinestones, and other shiny embellishments into it.

Best occasions to wear arabic mehndi designs

1. Weddings: Not just for brides but even for bridesmaids Arabic Mehndi is a popular choice. Why? because of its elegant and flowing designs.

2. Eid Celebrations: Eid is one of the most prominent festivals where women adorn their hands with Arabic Mehndi design. The simpler, quick-to-apply designs with floral and leafy motifs are loved by all during Eid.

3. Festivals: Cultural festivals like Rakshabandhan, Diwali, and Karva Chauth, are also the best choices where women choose elaborate designs that reflect the celebratory spirit of the occasion.

4. Baby Showers: Baby showers are another great occasion where people go ahead with applying henna. The subtle and delicate designs match the vibe of the occasion.

We bring to you a list of exclusive Arabic mehndi design which have been and still are in vogue. So, let us get started.

1. The basic bel

The evergreen bel is an answer to everything, every function, and every kind of occasion. This design draws a bel or a trail that originates from the index finger and goes down to the middle/end of the palm, both in front and backward.

2. Intricate trail/bel

This bel easy Arabic mehndi design sees a lot of intricate work throughout and looks every centimeter of sheer beauty!

3. Double-trailed

In this kind of simple Arabic mehndi design, trails originating from two different fingers flow downwards adding amazing complexity to an otherwise simple-trailed design.

4. Paisley easy Arabic mehndi design

Shedding every ounce of elegance is the design involving paisleys now whether paisleys are spread all over the hands or in a minimalistic way, it’s all in all great artistry! It is also an easy Arabic mehndi design that anyone can try at home.

5. Peacock Arabic mehndi design

Peacocks and Arabic mehndi designs are inseparable. Beautifully crafted peacocks with bold outlines are made on the palms/wrist/back of the hand in all sorts of sizes and designs for spectacular artwork.

6. Widely spaced

Bold outlines with plenty of space in between the varied designs surely turn into one hell of an eye-catching design!

7. Lotus-based Arabic mehndi design

Flower power knows no bounds when it comes to this design which comprises lotuses made intricately but with bold outlines.

8. Leafy Trails

Delicate-looking trails that are made from little leaves and flowers are a perfect design to go for if you want a minimal yet statement-making Arabic mehndi on your hands!

9. Mix of chequered and paisley

This beautiful mix is everything you need for Arabic mehndi designs for full hands. While the chequered pattern is made from bold lines, the paisley is a good blend of bold outlines and relatively softer inside patterns.

10. Flowers and dots

Little flowers all over your hands with nothing in between but only small dots and space, make for that perfect girly look.

11. Chain of flowers and dots

Unlike the previously mentioned simple Arabic mehndi design, this one has flowers connected through dots like a web all over the palms/hands.

12. Flowers and space

Throwing light on the importance of spaces, this kind of design is made of flowers drawn at considerable distances from each other. It is a perfect blend of creativity and sophistication.

13. Patterns and space

This Arabic mehndi design consists of various patterns such as florals, paisleys, chequered, and dots drawn on the hands but with a substantial amount of space in between them.

14. Circular patterns Arabic mehndi design

Imagine the finesse with which these circular patterned designs are drawn, whether all over the hands or one sided! And on top of it, superbly dark strokes – give a perfect finish to the entire design.

15. Extra-thick strokes

Adding more drama to the look, this design comprises of super thick outlines or strokes.

16. Personalised Arabic mehndi design

Mehndi design is one the most personalized things in any bride’s/ladies’ ensemble. Ample space makes the personalized message, which can be anything like a name, date, or other, stand out.

17. Shaded design

Yes, since Arabic mehndi designs consist of dark bold strokes, it is possible to play with shades. This design has heavily bold strokes made in contrast with lightly drawn patterns to give a ‘light-n-dark’ shaded effect.

18. Ornamental mehndi design

How about adorning your hands with mehndi in such a style that it resembles hand-worn ornaments like bracelets and rings?

19. Accessory look

In this type of design, the patterns are made in such a way that it looks like a ‘hath-phool’ as special attention is given to the back of the hand.

20. Lacey Pattern at the back

This adventurous design gives a look of the hands being covered in fancy mehndi-laden netted gloves and looks every bit of elegance!

21. Lacey Pattern below the wrist

For that intricate look, indulge in this design where a lacey netted pattern is made right below the wrist. This is also an example of Arabic mehndi designs for full hands.

22. Dramatic backhand henna design

Comprising of sharp-edgy patterns and outlines, this dramatic mehndi design specifically stands out in Arabic style. Dots might be added in order to balance the look.

23. Swirls Arabic mehndi design for front hand

Leave those checks, paisleys ad florals aside and indulge in swirls for a trendy look. The smaller the swirls, the more beautiful it becomes.

24. Mosque style

This unique design has mosque-style doors depicted in the mehndi. High on the traditional quotient, it is a design only a few can make and carry.

25. Highly Intricate

The Baap of all designs, highly intricate Arabic mehndi design comprises of all sorts of carefully crafted intricate patterns, bold and soft, drawn in batches or all over the hand. The sheer beauty is spellbinding!

26. Simple Arabic mehndi design

This simple front hand mehndi design is perfect if you want to flaunt a simple and neat look. The paisley design in the center looks pretty and leafy pattern at the wrist adds to the beauty of the design.

27. Multi-motif Arabic bridal mehndi for hands

This floral, spiral and line-patterned mehndi design looks elegant and beautiful. This full hand mehndi design comprises of various motifs.

28. Easy bridal mehndi design

This is an example of an easy Arabic mehndi for brides. If you want to go for a simple look you can try out this one.

29. Negative Arabic mehndi design

If you like your mehndi designs darker, you should try out this negative bridal mehndi design. This full hand mehndi design looks beautiful.

30. Lotus and paisley mehndi

This Arabic mehndi design comprises of beautiful lotus motifs and paisleys at the forearm.

31. Full hand bridal Arabic mehndi design

This full hand bridal mehndi is a dream design for the brides. Consisting of various patterns this design looks dark and intricate. The detailing of this design is top-notch and attractive.

Steps to follow before the Arabic Mehndi design application

1. Cleaning of hands: It is important to ensure that your hands do not have extra moisture or dirt. People who have an oily skin type must take care of this. Cleaning your hands with a gentle cleanser is thus essential.

2. Apply Henna Oil: Now that the whole extra moisture is gone it is important to provide a smooth surface for mehndi application. Rather than using any moisturizing cream or any random oil, we should always use the Henna oil.

3. Choose high-quality Henna: Select fresh, high-quality henna powder for the best results. If possible, go all organic and make your own henna paste from freshly plucked Mehndi leaves for a more natural and intense color.

4. Use a steady hand/hire a professional: For the mehndi application, if you are doing it on your own it is important to make sure your hand is steady. If you do not trust yourself it is always better to hire an expert. However, practice can make anyone perfect so you can try on your own after lots of practicing months before.

5. Plan Your Design: Before application, plan your design to avoid indecisiveness. Sketching it out beforehand can help you visualize the placement and ensure the final look is exactly what you want.

Steps to follow after the Arabic Mehndi design application

1. Allow Proper Drying Time: Let the Mehndi dry completely for at least 5-6 hours. For an even darker stain, consider leaving it on overnight.

2. Apply Lemon Sugar Paste: During the drying process, apply a lemon and sugar paste to the Mehndi. This helps to seal the design and enhances the color development.

3. Gently Scrape Off Mehndi: Once the Mehndi is dry, gently scrape it off using a spoon or your fingers. Avoid using sharp objects like a knife to prevent damaging the design or your skin.

4. Apply Oil: After scraping off the Mehndi, apply coconut or mustard oil to your hands. This helps to lock in the color and provides nourishment to the skin.

5. Avoid Water: For the first 24 hours after application, avoid exposing your hands to water. This allows the Mehndi stain to fully develop and last longer. Avoid exfoliating your hands during this time to maintain the depth of the color.

Steps to remove mehndi faster

An interview, a professional meetup, or anything important in general can prompt us to find ways to remove mehndi faster than we have so lovingly applied. Well, below are some amazing hacks to go ahead with.

1. Exfoliate with a Scrub: Exfoliating is the first thing that one needs to do when the wish to remove mehndi faster. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a mixture of sugar and olive oil to rub over the Mehndi. This helps in gradually fading the color.

2. Soak hands in Salt Water: Soaking your hands in warm salt water for 15-20 minutes can lead the mehndi stain to lighten itself. The salt helps in breaking down the henna pigments. It can then easily get washed off.

3. Apply Lemon Juice: It is no hidden fact that lemon is a natural bleaching agent. Apply it directly to the Mehndi stain, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse off. The process of color fading gets faster this way.

4. Use Baking Soda and Lemon Mix: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with lemon juice and apply it all over the area where you have applied the mehndi. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse off. It is important to note that this method may cause slight skin irritation so people with sensitive skin may skip it and try other methods.

5. Use Hair Conditioner: Apply a thick layer of hair conditioner to the Mehndi stain and leave it on for 10-15 minutes then rinse it off. Chemicals in the conditioner can break down the henna.

FAQs

1. What makes Arabic Mehndi designs different from other Mehndi styles?

Arabic Mehndi designs are distinct due to their bold, flowing patterns. It primarily includes floral and leafy motifs. Unlike other mehndi designs which typically feature dense and intricate designs covering the entire hand, Arabic designs emphasize open spaces and are less intricate. This trait of Arabic mehndi design makes them quicker to apply and easier to create.

2. How long does it take for Arabic Mehndi to develop its full color, and how long does it last?

Arabic Mehndi typically takes about 24 to 48 hours to develop its full, rich color after application. After scarping off the mehndi you might think it did not leave a darker stain, however, with time it gets darker in the most beautiful manner. The stain can last anywhere from one to two weeks, depending on factors like skin type, aftercare, and exposure to water.

As we stated in the beginning, the value of empty spaces can only be understood in the Arabic mehndi design as it’s the empty spaces that bring out the patterns in this design. That coupled with their bold outlines, is the ultimate perfection in mehndi designing.

Also read: 25 Simple Mehndi Designs For Your Special Day