Bahrain's home-based henna artists flourish ahead of Eid Al-Fitr

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Zahra Ayaz

Home-based henna artists in Bahrain are currently witnessing a surge in activity as customers flock to adorn themselves with chemical-free henna designs in preparation for Eid Al-Fitr.

The period leading up to the end of Ramadan has proven to be the busiest time for henna artists, with women lining up for henna treatments.

This surge in demand has provided a boost to local women entrepreneurs and their henna businesses.

Salons and home-based artists alike are facing an overwhelming influx of appointments, with phone calls pouring in every few minutes.

To cater to the high demand, salons have even hired additional home-based henna designers, working late into the night.

Sources suggest that securing an appointment during the final two days before Eid is becoming increasingly challenging.

The Daily Tribune had the opportunity to speak with Fatima Abdin, a home-based henna artist with 15 years of experience.

She shared, “We are extremely busy during this time, and I keep my doors open until 3 am to accommodate customers. The duration of each appointment depends on the complexity of the design, as some women prefer intricate flower-based designs covering their entire hand, while others opt for simpler designs limited to their fingers.”

Siginificance

Fatima emphasised the significance of henna during festive occasions, stating, “I cannot imagine any celebration without henna. The current trend leans towards more traditional and intricate designs.”

Expressing her delight in serving her customers, Fatima also offered advice for those unable to secure henna appointments, saying, “For women who run out of time and fail to book an appointment, I recommend purchasing henna stickers.

These stickers can be easily placed on the hand, water can be applied on top, and after 5 minutes, the stickers can be removed.

However, it should be noted that the sticker henna does not last long and fades away within 24 hours.” Haneen Yousif, another home-based henna artist, revealed that she has been applying henna since the age of 13. She has prepared a special collection of designs, including Khaleeji, Arabic, and Indian styles, tailored for women and girls.

Appointments

Haneen noted a significant increase in appointments, with a 50 per cent rise in the past three days compared to regular days.

The charges for each hand range between BD4 and BD8, with approximately 15 minutes spent on each hand. “In addition to natural henna, which imparts a reddish-brown color, many henna artists have started incorporating black and white henna into their repertoire.

The introduction of these alternative colors has gained popularity, particularly among young girls, who are fascinated by the allure of white henna,” she added.

As Eid Al-Fitr approaches, henna artists are working tirelessly to meet the overwhelming demand, creating stunning designs and adding a touch of beauty and tradition to the festivities.