Intricate bridal henna pattern drying on a hand, deep reddish-brown mehndi on skin
Est. Galveston Island TX · 2019
Bridal Henna & Mehndi Artistry

Henna, drawn
by hand, for
the long night.

Israa Ali is a Galveston-based mehndi artist working in the South Asian, Arabic, and Gulf traditions. Bridal pieces are drawn freehand with fresh-mixed natural henna — never pre-made cones, never black henna.

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The Studio

A quiet hand
on the Island.

Israa learned mehndi from her grandmother in Khartoum, then sharpened the craft at weddings across Houston and the Gulf Coast before opening a private studio in Galveston in 2019. Every design is drawn freehand on the day, with henna paste mixed fresh from powdered leaves, lemon, and essential oil.

Henna artist applying intricate mehndi designs to a bride's hands with a fine cone
Natural Paste

Mixed fresh,
never from a cone.

Powdered henna leaves, lemon juice, a slow cure with cajeput and lavender. No chemical dyes, no PPD, no “black henna.” Just the deep oxblood stain that good henna is supposed to leave.

07

Years drawing brides on Galveston Island and along the Texas Gulf Coast.

320+

Brides taken through the chair — from first cone to the final sugar-seal. Counted since the studio opened.

Travel Radius

Galveston → Houston

On-site for bridal parties within 60 miles of the Island. Beyond that, by arrangement and travel fee.

The Process

From the first sketch to the last rinse.

Bridal bookings begin with a consultation — references, motifs, family symbols, the rhythm of the wedding weekend. On the day, the design is drawn directly on the skin, left to set, sealed with a sugar-lemon glaze, and gently removed. The true color deepens over 48 hours.

Close-up of finished henna stain in deep oxblood red across a palm and fingers
Services & Pricing

What we draw,
and what it runs.

Indicative pricing for the most-requested pieces. Bridal work is quoted per consultation after we talk through coverage, motifs, and the day itself. All henna is natural — stain depth depends on skin, aftercare, and how long the paste sits.

01
Full Bridal Mehndi
Both hands to the elbow and both feet to the ankle. Drawn freehand with personalized motifs — baraat, nikkah, hidden initials, the groom’s name. Includes consultation, on-site application, and aftercare kit.
$420from
02
Hands to Elbow
Both arms, wrist to elbow, in dense Rajasthani or Khaleeji style. A common choice for engagement parties, dholki nights, and the bride’s closest circle.
$180pair
03
Bridal Party (per guest)
Palm-to-wrist pieces for the bridal party, drawn on-site at your mehndi night. Minimum four guests, travel included within Galveston Island. Discounted from the single-guest rate.
$45per guest
04
Arabic Palm Design
Bold, floral Arabic-style coverage on a single palm and the back of the hand. Quick to apply, deep stain, the most-requested piece for Eid and weekend events.
$35per hand
05
Feet & Anklets
Both feet with a band at the ankle — paisleys, vines, and a filled arch. Pairs well with a hand piece for a complete look without committing to full bridal coverage.
$90pair
06
Private Henna Event
Two-hour booking for a private gathering — baby shower, birthday, ladies’ night. Up to twelve guests, simple designs, all paste and supplies included. Additional guests pro-rated.
$2802 hours
07
Belly Blessing
A centered mandala across the bump for third-trimester celebrations. Drawn with extra-gentle paste, takes about 90 minutes, includes a small keepsake photo of the finished piece.
$120session

Prices are indicative for the Galveston area. Bridal quotes are final after the consultation. A $60 deposit holds the date; the balance is settled on the day.

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From the chair
“

Israa drew my full bridal set the morning of my nikkah. By the next morning the stain was the deepest red I have ever seen — and she had hidden my husband’s name so well that even he couldn’t find it.

Mariam R.  ·  Bride, Houston → Galveston

Bookings

Tell me
about the day.

Bridal bookings open about three months out, with a handful of weekend slots held for shorter pieces each month. Use the form, or reach the studio directly — I answer within two business days.

  • Galveston Island, Texas Private studio — address shared on booking
  • [email protected] For quotes, references, and consultations
  • By appointment Tuesday – Saturday · 10am to 7pm CST

Request a booking

Tell me the basics — I’ll follow up with availability and a quote.

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