Henna is a popular form of temporary body art for weddings and celebrations. Black henna can often be sold at kiosks along tourist areas like beaches.
Allergies
Due to black henna Tattoos becoming increasingly popular and sold at events such as music festivals, dermatologists are seeing increased allergic reactions associated with its products. These reactions cause reddening, swelling, and blistering on the skin – caused by paraphenylenediamine (PPD), approved by the FDA only in concentrations up to 6% permanent hair dye and not permitted for direct application onto skin products.
Side Effects
Henna is not toxic; its pH level is shallow, and its vegetable-derived constituents comprise most of its makeup. However, if black henna is used, the risk of toxicity increases dramatically due to PPD (paraphenylenediamine). PPD is an approved permanent hair dye component, and although not meant for direct application on the skin, it is sometimes found in temporary cosmetics like “black henna” tattoos.
Legality
Many states have laws and regulations regarding tattooing and cosmetology, yet “black henna” artists often work in tourist spaces without being licensed or regulated; instead, they set up shop on beaches, boardwalks, and other holiday destinations where their practice may go unlicensed or regulated.
Safety
Henna is a safe product when applied correctly, though the so-called ‘black henna’ used by many artists to create Tattoos isn’t henna at all; instead, it is hair dye that can cause severe allergic reactions when left on for extended periods.
