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"Black Henna" is a misnomer- real, natural henna will produce a lovely variety of colors, ranging from soft browns to reds and burgundies, and can darken to a nearly-black shade, but it will never produce a blue-black color. "Black Henna" is usually made using PPD, or para-phenylenediamine, a substance used in artificial hair dyes. PPD is highly toxic, especially when used on skin, and can cause burns that don't heal readily (we're talking weeks and months), and is highly sensitizing, which means that if you have allergic reactions to it even once, you will never be able to use anything (such as hair dyes) with PPD in it again- each time that you do, your reaction to it will be stronger and increasingly life-threatening. This stuff can kill you, or give you life-long health problems, from the first time you use it- and it won't be a pretty death, either!
We here at Leopardstripes Designs do not, and will not ever, use black henna for body adornment. If you desire black-colored decoration, we'll be happy to explore other options with you, such as Harquus body paint, or indigo, but we feel that henna is the safest, most attractive decoration for everybody! You may also want to consider the use of body gems (bindi) and gilding (also known as zardosi, a safe decorating technique using sparkly pastes) to enhance your henna art, as well. Be safe- never use black henna! |
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