About "Black Henna"
THERE IS NO BLACK HENNA! No matter what anyone says! Here is why:
The PPD chemical (Para-phenylenediamine) or Black henna phenomenon has harmed people for years now all around the world. This is a problem that plagues reputable henna artists everywhere.
If you are a beginning artist, or a consumer, don't let the reports scare you. An educated consumer is a smart consumer, and no one likes to be a sucker! Ask what is in the paste they are using! It's your right to know! Some vendors will put gasoline or turpentine in the paste as well as other toxins in an effort to make it darker. These are VERY harmful to the skin and you should think about smelling the paste before application as well if you're suspicious. PPD is the largest danger, but not the only one.
The use of this substance is now banned in some parts of the world. Be careful of this hidden danger while traveling and don't become a victim. Many studies have been done and I won't retype them here. The latest information can be found at The Hennapage.com. Please be warned some pictures are very graphic.
Remember, henna is never black, odorless or chemical smelling. It SHOULD smell like a combination of cut grass or hay and essential oils like lavendar and eucalyptus.
This substance has been spotted at certain festivals all over the U.S. Please report any festival or vendor using this toxic substance! Make sure that the festival organizer knows this is unacceptable to you.
Often we are asked WHY someone would use the chemical when they know it can hurt someone. The answer is because it is cheap and easy. Real henna must be kept carefully and can be pricier in comparison to the chemical, which is inexpensive, easy to use, and requiring very little skill. Sometimes they just don't know any better and someone told them it was harmless.