Henna tattoo in Hurghada: 10 useful tips for tourists in 2026

Mehndi in Hurghada: beauty and safety in 2026

Henna body painting (mehndi) is a popular oriental decoration that women travellers and children love to have done on the beaches and in the spa salons of Hurghada. It is important, however, to know the basic safety rules in order to avoid an allergic reaction.

10 rules for safe mehndi

• Beware of "black henna": Natural henna is a brown-ginger colour. Black henna often contains the toxic dye PPD (urzol), which causes burns.
• Ask for an allergy test: Apply a tiny drop to the inside of the elbow and wait 20 minutes before the design is started.
• Choose professional salons: It is better to have the painting done in a certified hotel spa than by a chance artist on the beach — see our guide to spa treatments in Hurghada.
• Leave the paste on longer: For the design to last, the henna paste should dry on the skin for at least two to four hours.
• Do not wet the design straight away: Avoid soap and water for the first 12 hours after the dry paste is removed.
• Moisturise with natural oils: Rub coconut or almond oil over the mehndi before you swim in the sea — see our guide to Egyptian oils.
• How long the design lasts: Natural henna stays on the skin for seven to fourteen days, depending on how often you swim.
• Agree the price and the size in advance: Confirm the exact cost of the whole design before the artist begins.
• Beautiful traditional patterns: Geometric Arabic ornaments, floral motifs and protective symbols (the hamsa, the eye of Horus) are in fashion; you will find them all over the oriental market too.
• For children, only a natural formula: On delicate children's skin, use only pure henna of the highest quality; our tourist services team can recommend a trusted salon.