It’s 2008. I’m ten years old. I have a henna cone in my hand and I’m not afraid to use it. I squeeze unrecognisable flowers onto the women, and I paint wonky footballs and messy rockets onto ...

With a history spanning millennia, henna is steeped in tradition and cultural rituals. Dubai-based Azra Khamissa is taking a fresh approach to this ancient practice with her bold, contemporary ...

Her henna designs have also taken her to Canada, Mexico, and across the United States. Recently she applied henna to guests during a party for Drake and G’Easy’s manager in Malibu, California.

Some distance away, at the Indian Henna Art Centre in Abu Dhabi, which is known for traditional designs, Neelima Lavana seats her clients, succinctly instructing the artists working under her to ...

Generally, a darker shade of henna is often desired as it enhances the design made. Some companies add a dangerous chemical P-Phenylenediamine (PPD) to boost its colour.