Want to get Moroccan Henna? Read this before you do.

✨ Henna Scam Alert for Travellers✨

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Just like in many other parts of the world, Henna Art is popular among Moroccans as well. A beautiful intricate pattern would definitely make your hands look aesthetically beautiful, no doubt. But, beware of certain things, incase you’re planning to get Henna on your trip to the Kingdom of the Atlas. 🇲🇦

👉 Quality Check:  The quality of the Henna/Mehndi that is used can be questionable. In fact if you read up a bit, you’ll read about stories of several travelers who  ended up with rashes or allergies. Better safe than sorry.

👉 Persistent Hawkers: You may encounter several of these Henna Hawkers in different parts of Morocco, especially in those busy ‘touristy’ areas. And these hawkers can be super persistent—if you don’t want it, just say a firm no and walk away. Don’t feel pressurized to say yes just because they’ve been behind you. 

👉 “It’s Free Scam”:  This actually did happen to me. After persistently trying to pursue you into buying the service, they would be like “okay it’s free just show your hand”. And even forcefully take your hand and start drawing the designs. And even as you resist, they would say things like “it’s okay it’s free”, only to ask for money later.

👉 Is it legal?  In many places it’s not even legal, so you’ll see them vanish the second cops show up. Yep. They would flee at the very sight of a cop. 

👉 Bargain: Prices can generally go sky rocketing. So know the prices and bargain accordingly.

👉 Get Guidance: My guide was a super sweet and helpful guy and so he would tell us where to get these and not be scammed and where definitely not to get them done. So seek guidance from your tour guide as well, if you can. 

(I was super intrigued though by how quick and beautiful she was doing the design. Thankfully I did not get an allergy or rash. However, it did not stain well at all.) 

So if you’re planning a trip to Morocco and come across these Henna Hawkers, do keep these in mind.

Travel safe & stay smart 💛✈️