Don’t eat henna; it’s toxic. The main ingredient in henna dye is hydroxynaphthaquinone which is obtained from leaves of the Lawsonia tree. Hydroxynaphthaquinone alone is not carcinogenic, but when combined with para-phenylenediamine (PPD) the mixture has been documented as causing problems. PPD is a synthetic dye used to accelerate the drying time of the henna… Read More »
As long as it’s pure henna, it’s safe for kids over 6 years old. The uncommon G6PD deficiency is why artists typically will not henna anyone under 6; older children and adults with the deficiency aren’t really at risk like infants and toddlers, though it’s recommended to keep henna to a minimum if you know… Read More »
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… Read More »