Henna artists say youngsters are increasingly opting for modern, elegant patterns, including wrist-length designs with intricate detailing and jewellery-inspired motifs.
With Eid Al Adha just around the corner, henna artists across the United Arab Emirates are witnessing a noticeable shift in customer preferences. The era of exclusively heavy, elbow-length Arabic floral designs is gradually giving way to sleek, minimalist styles — along with the emergence of a new trend known as “Hengua.”
Fathima Afsal, a henna artist based in Dubai, said she has seen trends evolve significantly over multiple Eid seasons.
“Most youngsters now prefer minimal and elegant patterns instead of very heavy traditional styles,” she said.
Henna artists say wrist-length designs with intricate detailing, jewellery-inspired motifs, and clean back-hand patterns are currently among the most sought-after styles for Eid Al Adha celebrations.
Yet traditional styles continue to hold strong appeal in some communities. Muhsina Yusuf, a part-time henna artist based in Ras Al Khaimah, said there is a clear generational divide in customer preferences.
“My younger customers prefer modern, minimalistic designs that are sleek and neat. But when I visit Emirati families, they usually ask for very traditional Khaleeji and Arabic designs,” she said.
Enter Hengua
Perhaps the most unexpected trend this year is the emergence of “Hengua” — a fusion of traditional henna and blue-tinted jagua.
Rihanna, who has deliberately limited her Eid appointments to premium clients, said she has recently begun experimenting with the hybrid style.
“The blue-tinted jagua has been popular for a while. Hengua mixes henna and jagua,” she explained. “I think by next Eid, we will see a lot of demand.”
Additionally, Rihanna warned clients to be cautious when choosing salons and henna cones after noticing several cases of hand burns linked to unsafe products.
“People pick cones that give instant colour, and many of these have harmful chemicals,” she said. “Stick to organic henna, even if it’s slightly more expensive and time-consuming.”
She added that she has already sold more than 1,000 of her homemade organic cones this year.
Fathima said demand for henna designers peaks during the last three days before Eid.
“Most clients now prefer home services and group bookings with family and friends,” she said. “During the festive rush, I usually divide appointments into morning, afternoon, and evening slots, with each home hosting around ten or more people getting henna done. On especially busy days, work can sometimes continue until dawn.”
Despite high demand, booking patterns have shifted this Eid season. Rihanna said that for Eid Al Fitr, her slots were fully booked nearly 20 days in advance, but for Eid Al Adha 2026, she still had availability until last week.
“Since there is a long holiday, many people are travelling,” she said. “Also, many are waiting until the last minute to make plans.”
Celebration amidst everything
Muhsina Yusuf, who has been booked “day and night” over the past few years, offered a more reflective observation. She said that despite global turmoil, “the war has had no impact on bookings. In fact, it has strengthened people’s resolve to celebrate and find happiness in small things and moments.”
Whether it’s a traditional Khaleeji pattern, a sleek minimalist wrist design, or an experimental “Hengua” motif, henna continues to remain a symbol of joy and identity for women during Eid celebrations.
