Black Henna 5

"So how do I avoid Black Henna?"

1) Start by avoiding *ANY* booth or artist who offers Black Henna, period. And be cautious getting henna anywhere in or near a tourist area, even if you live in one. I hate to say this, and I'm certainly not saying that all henna artists in tourist areas are bad. I'm just saying that tourist areas are where sellers of Black Henna most often prey on others.

2) Ask questions. Professional henna artists realize how damaging Black Henna is to the reputation of the art as a whole and I don't personally know of a single henna artist when asked about Black Henna who won't stop right there and give you a speech as to why Black Henna is bad for you. Also, except for some who don't want to reveal their recipes, most professional henna artists will gladly tell you what's in their mix, and the answers will usually include lemon/citrus juice, essential oils, sugar and possibly other kinds of teas or other natural ingredients.

** If a henna artist won't tell you what's in his/her mix, then you should be cautious. If they say they don't know, then you should be worried as they clearly didn't make it themselves and it could contain anything. Paste imported from overseas and sold as pre-made cones may contain caustic chemicals or petroleum based additives, or possibly even kerosene. It's really NOT worth the risk!

Professional henna artists take pride in the safety of their product and the amount of time it has taken them to learn their trade. Many will gladly share what they can about their art realizing that henna is an art form that anyone can do. They also know the damage that can come from unscrupulous vendors of Black Henna, not only to the reputation of henna as a safe and ancient art form, but to the physical well being of those unfortunate enough to be taken in by the lure of a quick, black temporary tattoo.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS HAD A REACTION FROM A BLACK HENNA TATTOO:

Seek medical attention immediately and tell the doctor that you may be having an allergic reaction to Paraphenylenediamene or PPD. And if you have the name and number of the Black Henna vendor responsible, notify your local health department, as applying PPD to the skin for ANY cosmetic use including temporary tattoos is against the law!

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