Applying mehndi (henna) to the hands is a beautiful and intricate art form. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply mehndi for your hands:

Materials you will need:

1. Henna paste: You can purchase pre-made henna paste or make your own by mixing henna powder with water, lemon juice, and a few drops of essential oil. Allow the mixture to sit for several hours to release the dye.
2. Plastic squeeze bottle or henna cone: These are used to apply the henna.
3. Design template (optional): If you’re not confident in freehand drawing, you can find design templates online or in mehndi design books.
4. Toothpick or fine-tipped applicator (optional): Useful for creating intricate details.

Steps:

1. Prepare your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any oils, dirt, or lotions that could interfere with the mehndi staining process. Dry your hands completely.
2. Choose your design: You can choose a traditional mehndi design or create your own. If you’re using a design template, place it on the back of your hand and trace the design with a pencil. Alternatively, you can freehand draw your design directly on your hand with a pencil.
3. Prepare the mehndi paste: If you’re using store-bought mehndi paste, follow the package instructions. If you’re making your own mehndi paste, ensure it has a smooth, yogurt-like consistency and is not too runny.
4. Fill the cone or squeeze bottle: Transfer the mehndi paste into your cone or squeeze bottle. Seal it securely.
5. Apply the mehndi: Begin by applying the mehndi paste over the design you’ve drawn. Start from the center and work your way outwards. Be careful not to smudge the design as you go. Use a toothpick or fine-tipped applicator for intricate details. Ensure the mehndi layer is thick enough to produce a good stain.
6. Let it dry: Allow the mehndi to dry naturally. It may take a few hours for the mehndi to completely dry and set.
7. Seal the design: To help the mehndi stain last longer, you can apply a mixture of lemon juice and sugar on the design once it’s dry. This will keep the mehndi moist and enhance the color.
8. Wait and scrape: Leave the mehndi on your hands for as long as possible, preferably overnight. The longer you leave it on, the darker the stain will be. Afterward, gently scrape off the dried mehndi paste with a blunt object, like a spoon or your fingernails.
9. Avoid water: For the next 24 hours, try to avoid getting your mehndied hands wet. Water can lighten the mehndi stain.
10. Admire your mehndi: Once the mehndi design is revealed, you’ll have a beautiful, reddish-brown stain on your hands that will last for a week or more, depending on how well you’ve cared for it.

Remember that the quality of mehndi and the design you choose will impact the final result. If you’re new to mehndi application, you may want to practice on a piece of paper or a friend’s hand before applying it to your own hands.