ASK THE EXPERT
Q MY child always asks me if she can get a black henna tattoo when we are on holiday, are they safe?
A Dr Christopher Flower, director general of the Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfume Association says:
“There is no such thing as ‘black henna’. A large number of people are not aware that so-called black henna temporary tattoos may contain the hair dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine). In the UK and EU, this use of PPD is illegal.
“Black henna temporary tattoos can cause serious issues. Not only can they trigger extremely painful damage to skin, they may also result in life-long allergy to hair dyes.
“We want to warn of these dangers, and what may seem to be harmless fun for children could have serious longterm consequences.”
A recent British Skin Foundation survey found that 20% of children could be in danger of having serious reactions to black henna temporary tattoos.
Twenty per cent of adults have also put themselves at risk by having the temporary fashion accessory which is popular at overseas holiday destinations, festivals, funfairs and the British seaside during the summer months.
Real henna is orange/brown in colour. Black henna tattoos are not based on henna at all, but a substance called paraphenylenediamine (PPD) which is found in hair dyes. PPD is allowed for use in hair dye, but its use for skin contact products, such as temporary tattoos, is illegal in the UK & Europe.
Shockingly, three quarters of people surveyed were not aware that black henna tattoos contain PPD and that when it’s used on the skin it can be dangerous.
Three quarters of people were unaware that having a black henna tattoo can drastically increase the risk of allergic reaction when using a hair dye in the future.
Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation spokesperson adds:
“It’s worrying to see that the public just don’t realise the danger PPD can pose when it is used on the skin.
“We really want to get the message out there that so-called black henna tattoos are not safe for the skin and should be avoided at all costs.
“Parents, teens and even adults should stay well away from black henna tattoos this summer on holidays abroad, at festivals, funfairs or the British seaside – it’s not worth the risk.”