Is Black Henna Dangerous for Skin?

Not all Black Henna labeled products are actually made from the henna or mehndi plant! Several products marked as Black Hennah and are very dangerous.

In the 1800s when synthetic dye was not invented, indigo and Henna were used to dye hair. At that time there were several variations of henna. Neutral Henna was made from twigs and leaves of the henna plant. Red Henna was extracted from Henna leaf buds, and Black Henna made from indigo plant. If you see a product advertised as black henna in some eastern country or an Indian store then mostly it is indigo elsewhere it is PPD (Para-phenylenediamine), but do read the instructions on the cover in any case. Safe way to darken henna is to add essential oils like Tee Tree oil, but do remember these strains are near black not perfectly black.

In early 90s henna artists in India and Africa started using PPD (Para-phenylenediamine). PPD is a black hair dye. They used to apply it as temporary body painting, just like the traditional henna or the black henna. Contrary to indigo, application of PPD on skin can cause serious allergic reactions, for example permanent scarring, intense itching and blistering. Henna itself does not cause these injuries, however when mixed with PPD it can be hazardous.
In most of the western countries application of PPD on skin is strictly prohibited. In hair dyes its proportion should be less than 6%. Despite of this low concentration one should wear gloves while applying the dye. The dye should not touch your scalp as well.
Black Henna (containing Para-phenylenediamine) is mostly popular in tourist spots. The chemical’s allergic reactions appear after 3 days, by that time the tourists have moved to another spot and hence it becomes difficult to take action against the artists responsible. The artists on the other hand are mostly unaware of this issue and keeps on decorating other tourists with the poisonous chemical. Low cost of black henna (with PPD) also boosts their profit margin.

How do I know if it is harmful Black Henna or PPD?

Tracing PPD is not difficult at all, do keep a watch for these symptoms and consult a doctor immediately for suitable treatement.

• The paste strains skin black in less than 30 minutes
• Peroxide is wiped over the tattoo to bring out the color
• And last but not the least, blistering and itching reaction.

To conclude this article please do read application instruction on back of the dye you purchase, and preferably buy the product that has been certified as safe by your regional health body or organization.  Happy tattooing!