Usha: “Our mehndi cones are mixed and made at home. We generally steer clear of store-bought mehndi cones as it has chemicals and preservatives that can do more harm than good to the bride.

Get yourself a triple filtered henna cone so there are no added particles. You should leave the henna on for at least 4 hours and not apply any water to it 24 hours after application.

Hold the mehndi cone like a pencil, she commands, and squeeze gently. She shows me how to draw a peacock, and I am amazed at how simple it is. An S-shape, some other curves, a dot for the eye and ...