Cookie Policy

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

Cookies serve various purposes, including:

• Authentication: Keeping you logged in as you navigate between pages
• Preferences: Remembering your settings and choices
• Analytics: Understanding how visitors use the website
• Security: Protecting against fraud and abuse

In addition to cookies, we may also use similar technologies such as:

• Local Storage: Stores data in your browser without an expiry date
• Session Storage: Stores data for the duration of a browser session
• Pixels/Beacons: Small transparent images used for tracking

This policy covers all these technologies and refers to them collectively as "cookies" for simplicity.

We use cookies for different purposes. Some cookies are essential for the website to function, while others help us improve your experience or enable additional features.

We categorise our cookies into four types:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to work properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track advertising effectiveness (if used)

Essential cookies are necessary for the basic functionality of our website. Without these cookies, certain features would not work, and you would not be able to use the website as intended.

These cookies are used for:

• Maintaining your login session
• Processing payments securely
• Protecting against security threats (CSRF protection)
• Load balancing and performance

Note: You cannot opt out of essential cookies as they are required for the website to function. If you block these cookies, some parts of the website may not work correctly.

Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website. We use this information to improve the user experience, identify popular content, and fix issues.

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to collect anonymous statistics such as:

• Number of visitors and page views
• How visitors found us (search engines, social media, etc.)
• Which pages are most popular
• How long visitors spend on each page
• Approximate geographic location (country/city level)
• Device type and browser used

We have configured Google Analytics to:

• Anonymise IP addresses
• Not share data with Google for advertising purposes
• Retain data for 14 months

You can opt out of analytics cookies by declining non-essential cookies in our cookie banner or by using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Functional cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages.

These cookies remember:

• Your preferred search location
• Recent search queries for quick access
• Your cookie consent preferences
• Display preferences (if applicable)

If you disable functional cookies, some features may not work as expected, but the core functionality of the website will still be available.

Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites to display relevant advertisements. Currently, we do not use marketing or advertising cookies on Mehndi.uk.

If we introduce marketing cookies in the future, we will:

• Update this Cookie Policy
• Notify users of the change
• Require explicit consent before setting these cookies
• Allow users to opt out at any time

Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services that we use to provide certain features. These services may set their own cookies when you interact with them.

7.1 Google (Analytics, Maps, OAuth)

We use several Google services. Google may set cookies to:

• Track website analytics (Google Analytics)
• Display maps on vendor pages (Google Maps)
• Enable sign-in with Google (OAuth)

Learn more: Google's Cookie Policy

7.2 Stripe

We use Stripe to process payments. Stripe sets cookies for fraud prevention and to maintain payment sessions.

Learn more: Stripe's Cookie Policy

7.3 Cloudinary

We use Cloudinary to host and deliver images. Cloudinary may set cookies to optimise image delivery and track usage.

Learn more: Cloudinary's Privacy Policy

8.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can choose to accept all cookies or customise your preferences. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking "Cookie Settings" in the footer of the website.

8.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• View what cookies are stored on your device
• Delete some or all cookies
• Block all cookies or only third-party cookies
• Receive a notification when a cookie is set

Here are links to cookie management instructions for popular browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari (macOS)
• Safari (iOS)
• Microsoft Edge

8.3 Opt-Out Tools

You can also use the following tools to opt out of specific types of cookies:

• Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Your Online Choices (European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance)

8.4 Impact of Blocking Cookies

Please note that if you choose to block or delete cookies, some features of our website may not function correctly. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for the website to operate.

Below is a detailed list of the cookies we use on Mehndi.uk:

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in technology, or for legal reasons.

When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
• Show a cookie consent banner again if we introduce new cookie categories
• Notify registered users via email for material changes

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us: