My Henna Hands Horror

Sophie was left in absolute agony by her temporary tattoo.

- Mollie Tracey and Hannah Abbott

Sophie Akis, 22, Yardley Wood, Birmingham

After a morning spent lounging by the pool, I decided it was time to stretch my legs.

It was April earlier this year and I was on holiday in Agadir, Morocco, with loads of my family – and, so far, we’d had a magical time.

‘Anyone fancy coming for a walk?’ I asked.

‘I’ll come,’ replied my sister-in-law Yasmin.

The pair of us set off to browse the interesting shops and stalls that lined the streets of the resort.

There was so much to see, but one thing that kept catching our eye was the street vendors doing henna tattoos.

They looked so beautiful and elegant – I’d been really tempted to have one all holiday.

In fact, the day before, I’d had a patch test at one of the stalls in the market.

I’d previously reacted badly to hair dye.

I didn’t think there was a link between hair dye and henna allergies, though.

But everyone advised a patch test, so I’d had one done anyway, just to be safe.

Luckily, 24 hours later, the area of skin where I had the patch test was absolutely fine.

We stopped at one of the street vendors and flicked through the brochure of pretty designs.

‘I’ll have one if you will,’ Yasmin said, encouraging me.

So I paid my 50 dirham – equivalent to about £4 – and sat in the chair.

I chose a beautifully elaborate design that covered both hands and even extended down my fingers.

I watched as the talented tattooist carefully painted on the black henna dye.