No. "Black henna" is not henna, and it is not safe. Natural henna never stains black. Products that do usually contain PPD (para-phenylenediamine), a chemical used in hair dye, and it can burn the skin.
What can happen
- Burns and blisters in the shape of the design, starting a few days to two weeks after it is applied.
- Scars and light or dark patches that can last for months, sometimes for good.
- A lifelong allergy to PPD, which then shows up with hair dyes, some clothing dyes and other products.
Children are especially at risk.
How to tell natural henna from black henna
| Natural henna | Black henna or "instant" cones |
|---|---|
| Smells earthy, like grass or tea, often with an essential oil | Smells of chemicals, or of nothing |
| Paste is green to brown | Paste is often black, or very dark and shiny |
| Needs hours on the skin | Promises a dark stain in minutes |
| Stains orange first, darkening to brown or maroon over 2 days | Stains black or very dark straight away |
| Lists its ingredients | Often has no ingredient list |
Some ready-made "red" or "bridal" cones also contain chemical dyes. Buy from a source that lists every ingredient, or make your own; see how to make a mehndi cone.
Before a large design
Do a patch test: a small dot on the inside of the wrist, 24 to 48 hours before. This matters most for children, and for anyone who has reacted to hair dye before.
Natural henna is not right for everyone. Children with G6PD deficiency should not use henna at all, because it can cause a serious reaction. Don't apply henna to babies.
If your skin reacts
- Wash the area gently with soap and water, and stop applying anything to it.
- See a doctor if it itches, burns, blisters or swells, and say it may be a reaction to PPD.
- Keep the product's name, or the shop where it was applied, so you can tell the doctor.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Our health note has more.
Written by the mehndidesign.online team. Something wrong or missing? Tell us.