Henna is a very popular product in the Arabian Gulf. It is mainly used for two purposes; coloring the hair and coloring the hands. It gives hair a dark red color. Many older Bedouin ladies put henna in their hair to cover the grey and to make their hair healthier. Much of the natural henna comes from Yemen. Young girls even put henna in their hair to make it pretty. It comes in a finely ground powder which is mixed with water to make a muddy paste. It is put on the hair for at least thirty minutes then washed off.

I have found henna isn't that popular in Saudi Arabia compared to the rest of the Gulf. It is incredibly popular in the Emirates. Recently, I went to a salon and had henna put on my hands and forearms. The best henna artists are from India and have experience in ornate designs. I love the smell of it. It smells slightly like eucalyptus and rose. The cost was about $50 dirhams which is about $14. Many women have the henna put all the way up their arms and on their feet as well. This would cost close to $50. It is incredibly popular to do henna for wedding parties and Eid holidays.