“Henna is for everyone,” asserted 18-year-old Alisha Khan as she carefully traced elaborate designs on the back of my hand in the age-old art of mehndi. A Birmingham native, Alisha has been honing her henna skills since she was 12 years old. While delicately creating floral motifs on my skin, she engaged me in a thoughtful discussion about cultural appropriation and the significance of henna, particularly during the lead-up to Eid.
As a half-Pakistani woman, I have grown up surrounded by henna traditions, often adorned by my auntie’s artistic touch depicting a practice that spans centuries. Yet this was my first experience with a professional henna artist. Alisha welcomed me with a warm smile and a firm handshake before leading me to a white table inside Art.Quarter, a women-only salon in Digbeth.
With henna flowing smoothly from the small white and green cone, Alisha explained her belief that henna is a unifying art form. “It brings us all together because everyone shares that excitement while getting henna done,” she said. She recalled how, during her school days, friends would frequently ask her about henna.
READ MORE: HMRC Personal Tax-Free Allowance Increased by £1,260 Through Marriage Allowance
READ MORE: The Road So Dangerous It’s Been Closed for Over a Month Due to Potholes
“I’ve often been asked, ‘I’ve never had it done, am I allowed?’” she said. “Of course you’re allowed. Henna belongs to everyone. People discover it on holidays, embrace the culture, and want to experience it for themselves.”
Alisha emphasized that henna is not limited to any ethnicity or religion. “It’s not just for Asians or Muslims, even though it comes from those cultural roots. It’s something everyone can enjoy.”
When asked about cultural appropriation concerns, Alisha firmly rejected the idea. “I don’t think it’s cultural appropriation at all. Many Muslims from diverse ethnic backgrounds get henna for Eid, and the practice extends beyond one community.”
She explained that henna’s popularity at festivals and travels around the world reflects appreciation rather than appropriation. “People simply appreciate this beautiful tradition. That’s why it’s something everyone can enjoy.”