A warning for hair clients
As the summer season approaches, many people are tempted by the allure of temporary black henna tattoos, often available at holiday resorts, festivals, and fairs. However, these tattoos pose significant health risks that every hair client should be aware of.
What is Black Henna and Why is it Dangerous?
Black henna tattoos are not made from natural henna at all, but rather from a toxic chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD). While PPD is legally used in hair dyes in controlled amounts, its use in black henna tattoos is illegal in the UK and highly regulated in the EU due to its potential for causing severe harm.
The Risks of PPD in Black Henna
When applied to the skin, PPD in black henna tattoos can cause immediate and long-term damage. The symptoms range from discomfort, burning, and tingling to severe skin reactions such as blistering, scabs, and permanent scarring. These reactions can be extremely painful and may lead to infections.
Sensitisation to PPD: A Long-Term Risk
One of the most alarming aspects of black henna tattoos is the risk of sensitization to PPD. If you come into contact with PPD through a black henna tattoo, you may develop an allergy that can trigger severe reactions in the future, even years later. This sensitization can make it dangerous to use most hair dyes, as the body may react violently to the PPD content.
A Tragic Example
The dangers of black henna tattoos are not just theoretical. A British woman, Julie McCabe, tragically died in 2012 from an anaphylactic reaction to a hair dye after having a black henna tattoo several years earlier. This case highlights the potentially fatal consequences of using these tattoos
Why Hair Clients Need to Be Cautious
For hair clients, the risks associated with black henna tattoos are particularly relevant. If a client has been exposed to high levels of PPD through a black henna tattoo, they may be at a higher risk of having an allergic reaction to hair dye. This is why it is crucial to conduct a patch test before applying any hair colour to ensure the client’s safety.
Key Information to Share
- Illegality in the UK: Black henna tattoos are illegal in the UK due to their high PPD content.
- Uncertain Legislation Abroad: Outside the UK, the legislation surrounding black henna tattoos can be unclear, making it even more risky.
- High PPD Levels: The levels of PPD in black henna tattoos are often excessively high and unregulated, increasing the risk of severe reactions.
- Delayed Reactions: Reactions to black henna tattoos can occur immediately or years after the application.
- Importance of Patch Tests: Conducting a patch test before hair colouring is essential to avoid severe allergic reactions, especially if the client has had a black henna tattoo.
Conclusion
Black henna tattoos may seem like a harmless and temporary form of body art, but they carry significant health risks. As a hair professional, it is your responsibility to educate your clients about these dangers and ensure their safety by recommending alternative, safer options for temporary tattoos. Always advise your clients to avoid black henna tattoos and to undergo patch tests before any hair colouring treatment to prevent potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
