Henna designs are drawn free hand. There is no rule on how or what designs to be drawn. Generally, mehndi designs are based on the practices followed on the  occasions for which it is being applied and represent specific objects, dresses, floral designs, leaves, and birds (or animals) associated with the occassion.

The stain color is mostly the same (maroon to dark brown). Variation in pattern is achieved by thickness of the paste applied. Sometimes second layer of henna is applied next day over the first application to get darker color in some part of designs.