How to Avoid Black Henna Tattoos

Henna is a traditional dye used for temporary tattooing. Black henna tattoos may be promoted as an alternative to black ink tattoos. The chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD) usually added to make black henna is a carcinogen and can cause permanent burns on the skin. Practice these techniques to avoid black henna.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look for a henna artist that advertises PPD-free henna. You may find one or more such henna artists in your area.

2. Ask about the length of time the henna paste needs to be left on the skin. Traditional henna takes at least three to four hours to dye the skin and can be left on overnight. Regard with suspicion any shorter lengths of time, particularly if the time given is less than one hour.

3. Inquire about the type of henna being applied. View a list of ingredients or view the products used to make the henna. Henna should consist of henna, lemon juice and essential oils and should never have para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in it.

4. Examine the henna paste for color and smell. Paste should not be black, brown or gray with no chemical odor. Traditional henna is khaki green, greenish brown or very dark brownish green and smells like spinach, musky hay or essential oils.

5. Have the henna artist demonstrate. Observe the color on their skin after 30 minutes to look for a light orange stain. Avoid any henna product that creates a black stain.

Tips & Warnings

• If the artist will not supply a list or show you the products used to make the henna, be suspicious.
• There are some safe black dye products used to create black body art. Most safe products last on the skin for only two or three days and never contain PPD.

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