Following are dangers and safety precautions for using henna or mehndi.
- Henna is known to be dangerous to people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency), which is more common in males than females.
- Adding the synthetic dye p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) to Mehndi give it a black colour.
- PPD is extremely harmful to the skin and can cause severe allergic reactions resulting in permanent injury or death.
- Avoid using black Mehndi on children below 8 years as their skin is very sensitive.
- Take an allergy test by making a small design before using black Mehndi to check that whether this Mehndi suits you.
- Do not go in direct sun without applying sun screen on the design, especially in hot weather.
- Do not henna any infant, ever! Babies” skin is very thin, and henna applied to skin can cause dangerous bilirubin levels in newborns. If the child is a healthy three- year old or more, you may safely apply a very tiny pattern with pure henna mixed with rainwater, and sealed with first aid paper bandage tape.