Black Henna FAQ

IF YOU ARE A HENNA ARTIST OR WANT TO BECOME ONE:

Whether you are just starting out or are a long time professional, it's important that you understand the implications of Black Henna and why it's such a problem. Black Henna sellers will say that we natural henna artists are just using fear to try and put them out of business because they represent competition.

The truth is that responsible, assertive henna artists have plenty of work, once they find their niche, and don't need to rely on risky, dangerous temporary "tattoos" laced with chemicals that can cause physical injury to others. As a henna artist, whether you do henna for fun or to make a living, you need to be cognizant of the following facts:

1. PPD is a potentially dangerous chemical often used in industrial applications that is toxic and poisonous. Its sale and use in cosmetic applications is illegal in numerous countries and is illegal for use in cosmetic application to the skin HERE in the United States.

2. Cosmetic giants lobby hard to keep PPD legal here in the same way that tobacco companies lobby to keep cigarettes legal, and when challenged, they will provide mounds of documentation that state how PPD is safe. Think of the money these corporations stand to lose if PPD becomes illegal, requiring those that use PPD in their products to change their formulas.

3. Every PPD burn from a Black Henna tattoo reflects badly on *ALL* henna artists. This is why you will often see news articles that mistakenly talk about henna tattoos that supposedly caused injuries when it was actually the PPD that was responsible. Enough inaccurate news reports and complaints to lawmakers, and even natural henna could be at risk for banning.

4. Technically, the application of henna paste to the skin is not approved by the FDA, however, they are currently not going after henna artists. This could change with enough complaints which is why it's so important that we help educate when possible.

5. While natural henna is safe, it is possible for some people to have allergies or reactions to the essential oils often used to make henna paste. You should read about and understand the properties of the essential oils you are using and ensure that you are using real, natural essential oils in your mix at all times. Many oils called "essential" are often blends of synthetic materials, some of which may cause allergies.


	** As a henna artist, I believe that we should each take time to educate the public, the media, law enforcement and even lawmakers when possible. As long as there are people peddling "Black Henna" then there is the potential for safe, natural henna to become suspect and possibly banned.

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