Want to skip traditional mehendi? Try these fun alternatives

Mehendi is one of those wedding traditions that comes with a fairly familiar look. Intricate patterns, dark stains, hours spent sitting through the application and, for many brides, hands covered almost entirely in designs. But that does not mean every bride wants the same thing. Some may not like the colour of traditional mehendi, some may not like the smell and the care that comes with it, while others may simply want something lighter, graphic, or more playful for their wedding celebrations.

Well, there are plenty of ways to give the tradition your own spin. From temporary designs that look nothing like conventional mehendi to colourful options that work particularly well for pre-wedding events, these alternatives can make your bridal beauty look feel a little more personal and offbeat.

White henna

White henna has become a popular choice for brides who like the look of intricate mehendi patterns but want something more subtle. The designs are usually created using a cosmetic body paint or white henna-style paste, giving the hands and feet a delicate, almost lace-like finish. It works well with pastel outfits, ivory lehengas, and contemporary wedding looks.

Alta

Alta is a bright red liquid traditionally applied to the hands and feet. It is a completely different look from intricate mehendi and can be especially striking when paired with a traditional red or white-and-red bridal outfit. You can keep it classic with red-painted fingertips and feet or use it to create simple shapes and patterns around the hands.

Glitter mehendi

For brides who want something a little more fun, glitter mehendi is worth considering. Glitter can be used over a simple design or applied to create patterns on its own, with gold, silver, and colourful shades all working well for different wedding functions. It is particularly suited to cocktail parties, sangeet celebrations, or other pre-wedding events where you can experiment a little more with your beauty look.

Stick-on tattoos

Stick-on mehendi tattoos are probably the easiest option on this list. They come in readymade patterns that can be applied directly to the skin and removed later, making them useful for brides who do not want to sit through a long mehendi appointment. You can also mix and match smaller designs across your fingers, wrists, or palms instead of committing to a full-hand pattern.

Neon henna

Neon mehendi brings colour into a tradition that is usually associated with shades of brown and red. Bright pinks, oranges, greens, and yellows can be used to create patterns that really stand out, especially under party lighting. It is a fun choice for a haldi, mehendi, or sangeet and works particularly well if your outfit or decor already has a colourful theme. For a more wearable take, keep the designs small and let the neon shade do the talking.

Lead image: Tamannaah Bhatia/Instagram

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