Let’s talk about white people wearing henna as I’ve been asked about this a lot.

In particular, as this is what I can actually speak on, wearing it in the design of mehndi. This particular style originated from ancient India and is what I mostly see on Instagram.

Before we start this is my OPINION, please ask other South Asians, Middle Eastern, and anyone who uses it as part of their culture.

I’m not the speaker on these issues, so don’t take my word as the only answer, consider what others say please.

1. I realise that you guys mostly just want to wear it because you appreciate the beauty of my culture, and I’m super grateful for that.

Also I feel wrong gatekeeping something that isn’t strictly used by Indians, it’s popular in South Asia, the Middle East, loads of places.

1.2 On the other hand, many Indians and South Asians (including myself) still don’t vibe with you guys wearing it because it only became popular when white people did it, and it made us feel like “oh so you wanna exclude us from your beauty standards until it suits you?”

1.3 BUUUUT I recognise that it’s become incredibly mainstream over the past few years that it’s impossible to avoid or prevent at this point.

As long as it’s done with the intent of respect, we all gucci.

2. Because of that here’s my advice if you do wanna get one:
> Know it’s history, the different cultures that have adopted it and the different practices of Henna.
> DO NOT get religious symbols in your henna if you do not follow those religions.

> please don’t support white businesses making a profit off of this, go to the South Asian and Middle Eastern ppl who offer this instead.

Support their businesses and give money back to the people who gave you this beautiful art form.

And for the love of god don’t post it on Instagram with the hashtags #indie #spiritual #hippiegirl lmaooooo