Allergic
Reaction from a "Natural Henna" Product?
"Compound Henna": We’ve seen it online or on the shelves of drug stores, department stores and even at “professional” beauty supply stores. On the 'natural' henna box, there is an image of a beautiful woman with long, radiant hair that captivates us. We imagine that we are the beautiful model in the picture with a mass of tresses, cascading down our own shoulders.
At this point, we have a decision to make: grab the box and buy the “image” or, we could choose to look past the image on the box and try and find the ingredient label, of this so-called ‘natural’ henna hair dye. What we find (or don’t find) may be surprising.
We normally don't think of the possibility of severe allergic reaction, when we think of 'natural' henna dye, but now is the time to change our thinking.
What
is “Compound Henna” Hair Dye?
It may surprise you to know that not all henna dye mixes are completely herbal or all-natural. “Compound henna” generally is composed of lower quality henna that contains lower dye content and is mixed with harmful additives and synthetic dyes that can cause severe allergic reaction. Even if they don’t contain PPD (para-phenylenediamine), ammonia or peroxide, they may contain harsh metallic salts, alcohol and synthetic dyes. Since the henna is mixed with synthetic dyes and ‘who knows what else’, the mixture is referred to as: “Compound Henna” hair dye.
Perhaps, you’re wondering, “How can such products be sold without an ingredient label?” It does seem mysterious. However, the answer is that in the countries where the henna is grown, they might not be required to list the ingredients on the label. Once exported, the U.S. importer is not required to re-label the product.
Additionally, the FDA* states, “Because the FPLA does not apply to cosmetic samples and products used exclusively by professionals--for example, for application at a salon, or a booth at a fair or boardwalk--the requirement for an ingredient declaration does not apply to these products.”
That is why purchasing henna mixed with unknown additives and synthetic dyes can be a costly and potentially dangerous experience.**
- Know What is In Your Henna Hair Dye Package.
- It is absolutely essential to be very selective when choosing henna hair dye.
- Avoid Allergic Reaction.
- Avoid "Compound Henna".
- Be Wise: Use Lustrous Henna 100% All Natural Hair Dye.
- Lustrous Henna is NOT “Compound Henna”.
If you want to learn more about Lustrous Henna®, please visit the Saba Botanical of USA website.
Resources: *FDA.gov Cosmetics: Product Ingredient Safety Information-ucm108569: Henna/Mehndi.
**Contact Dermatitis. Volume 55, Issue 1, pages 26–29, July 2006.Quantification of para-phenylenediamine and heavy metals in henna dye. Ik-Joon Kang, Mu-Hyoung Lee.
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