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The Dangers of "Black Henna"

You may have read on various websites about the health dangers of "black henna"... I will once again reiterate the importance of knowing what you're getting and what the risks are.

Health Canada effectively bans the use of "black henna" temporary tattoo ink and paste containing PPD.

Please note: not all 'black henna' artists are bad people; the majority don't even realize how unsafe it is! Knowledge is power, and my message will provide you some insight on the risks.

What is "black henna"?

There is no such thing as "black" henna. The jet black colour is achieved from a chemical ingredient added to the paste. This synthetic ingredient is usually a coal-tar dye called "PPD" or para-Phenylendiamine. It is absorbed into your skin, enters your blood stream, and in turn passes through your kidneys and liver. People have had extreme reactions and lifelong damage.

Chemical burn caused by "black henna" - image courtesy of Hennapage

The chemical burn caused by PPD causes the skin to blister, swell and itch. You can have a permanently scar. You can also develop allergies to other things, even if you use it once.

Every single application of "black henna" affects you — the toxins stay in your body for the rest of your life.

Even if you don't see a visible reaction to PPD, it is still harmful. PPD penetrates deep into the skin, reaching the dermis (living cells) and passing into the blood stream. This is in contrast to henna, which only penetrates as far as the dead skin cells of the epidermis. Once in the blood stream, PPD may have effects on the kidneys, resulting in kidney impairment. Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause asthma, so those who prepare PPD-based black henna are at risk as well. PPD never leaves your body -- in fact, it builds up over time, leading to permanent injury and allergies.

Imagine not being able to use sunscreen, cosmetics, dark-coloured fabrics, leather, and hair dyes ever again. And that's the best-case scenario.

PPD is regulated by Health Canada for limited use in products, such as hair dyes. It is not intended for use directly on skin, especially in high concentrations.

"Black henna" is NOT henna! - image courtesy of Hennapage

Since Health Canada ruled that using PPD in henna, vendors have started using other chemicals: Nigrosene (or Nigrosine, also called "Acid Black 2") is an Azo dye. It has been commonly used in shoe polish, and dying leather and plastic. Nigrosene is also very harmful and can cause similar reactions (blistering, itching, swelling, scars) and allergies, and has been linked to cancer.

If a vendor tells you it's food dye, they aren't tell you the truth: Food dye will not make henna black. Food dye will not stain your skin for days. Food dye molecules are too big to penetrate skin cells, and therefore sit on the surface and can be wiped away with a wet cloth.

Where is "black henna" usually found?

What to do if you have blistering, burning, itching & other "black henna" reactions:

Chemical burn caused by "black henna" - image courtesy of Hennapage

Why even bother with "black henna"?

People will argue that black looks like a tattoo. You'd be better off drawing with Crayola markers on your skin than risk the lifelong damage that "black henna" gives you.

Unconvinced? Still want a "black henna" tattoo?  Read this...

Safe alternatives to 'black henna' are body paints: Temptu sells FDA-approved body paints that look like a real tattoo! Many colours to choose from, its easy to apply and lasts days, even weeks.

Using 'black' henna misses the point of real henna. Think of all the beautiful traditions and artwork that have resulted from centuries of use. There is beauty in the simple discovery of this natural dye. Celebrate it!

How can you tell if it's real/natural henna??

Real henna :

If the vendor tells you they are using 'black henna' — walk away! It takes one bad decision to ruin your life.

Additional information

Reporting "black henna" vendors in Canada

If you suspect Black Henna is being used, contact your nearest Health Canada Product Safety Office:

Taken from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2003/2003_66-eng.php

PPD Synonyms

Product sensitivities

If sensitivities / allergies form as a result of 'PPD' exposure, here are substances you may also react to:

Taken from: http://www.truetest.com/templates/20.html

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