How do I make safe black henna?

Do they make black henna? how long does it last?

• Answer:

  You want to avoid anything that's so-called "black henna" or "colored henna", these are not natural and can be very harmful with the chemicals added. Henna, made from the plant Lawsonia Inermis, contains a dye molecule that's only reddish-orange in color. To make "black henna", a chemical known as PPD (p-phenylenediamine) is added. PPD is a chemical ingredient found in over 3/4 of hair dyes and is FDA approved for hair use only. It's stated on hair dyes not to come in direct contact with the skin -- it is because of this chemical. Black henna contains high amounts of PPD, which can lead to a severe allergic reaction that develops between 3-10 days after application. Once sensitized, a victim of black henna can suffer from burns, blistering, scarring, sensitization to other products, cancer, asthma, and extreme cases death. I just answered a question for a person that was scarred from black henna, and can never dye her hair again or come in contact with certain common products. It's not worth the risk, and can ruin someone's life. Posted below is more information about this sham of a practice. Please keep in mind that the same applies to colored henna. If a henna artist offers these that say they used part of the henna plant or food dye to change the color, they are lying. Only the leaves of the plant contain the dye molecule and the food dye molecule are too big to penetrate the skin. Please use only natural brown henna. Natural henna can last anywhere around 1-3 weeks, depending on placement, the level of care, and the quality of the henna used.