The Dangers of Black Henna
 

Black henna is composed of a chemical dye called Para-phenylenediamine — also known as PPD — which is extremely toxic and can cause severe health problems, on a short and long term basis. PPD is most often found in hair dyes and body art products. It is usually added to henna powder to produce a black stain instead of the reddish brown pigmentation found in natural henna.
 
Blistering caused by a PPD black henna design.
  
     
 

Exposure to PPD based product is considered to be a serious health risk for individuals. Numerous medical reseach have found PPD to cause hypersensitization of the immune system, severe edema, blistering, scarring, and in more severe cases, problems such as renal and liver failure, asthma, respiratory problems as well as certain types of cancer.

Since 2003, Health Canada has issued a public warning concerning the dangers of using PPD black henna.

 
Long term scar from PPD black henna.
     
 

Sometimes, only one exposure to PPD can cause a series of long term health problems. So keep your health safe by using only natural henna. Here are a few questions you need to ask the artist when thinking of getting a henna design:
• What kind of henna do you use?
• Is there PPD in your henna?
• Do you mix your own paste?
• What ingredients do you use
• What colour will the stain be?
Remember that natural henna never produces a black stain and is a very safe product to use for body art.
    All pictures used with permission from Henna Page.

 

  Important links to visit
•
Since 2003, Health Canada has ruled illegal the use or sale of PPD based products. Please read their important warning: Dangers of Black Henna
     
•
List of numerous published medical journal articles and what was found concerning the serious health risk associated with the use of PPD: Medical Articles
     
•
Krystle, a young woman who develop severe health problems about 9 days after having had a black henna design: Krystle's story