Black henna tattoos: a word of caution
Having a black henna tattoo may seem like harmless fun, says our Master Skin Therapist Marvice at LUMIÈRE Skin Health & Wellness Centre in Downtown Vancouver, but they can be dangerous – especially if you’re planning to have an eyebrow or lash tint.
What are black henna tattoos?
You may have got a black henna tattoo while on holiday abroad or at a fair or festival in this country. Black henna kits can also be bought online. So what’s the problem?
“Black henna (sometimes called ‘neutral henna’) may contain high levels of the chemical PPD (paraphenylenediamine),” explains Marvice. “A certain amount of this ingredient is legal in hair tinting products – but black henna can contain way too much PPD making it toxic.”
This means a black henna tattoo may cause:
Chemical burns and scarring.
An allergic reaction – either straightaway or later (sometimes years later) when using products such as eyebrow and lash tints.
Health Canada advises against having black henna tattoos. “Health Canada is advising Canadians that “black henna” which can be found in some temporary tattoo ink and paste contains the ingredient para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and is not safe.
Click the link for details: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cosmetics/black-henna-temporary-tattoos.html
Keeping you safe
Our number one priority when you see us for an eyebrow or eyelash tint is to keep you safe says Marvice. “That’s why it’s vital to tell us if you have had a black henna tattoo since your last tint.”
The tattoo may have had no bad effects at the time – but it may have made you more sensitive to hair tinting products that contains a legal amount of PPD.
Even if you have never had an allergic reaction to hair tinting products before, a black henna tattoo may make you allergic – and this allergy can become worse over time.
The importance of allergy alert tests
Allergic reactions to hair tinting products can be highly dangerous, so if you’ve had a black henna tattoo since your last tint or allergy test you must have an allergy alert test before we can carry out any eyebrow or lash tinting treatment.
The test only takes a couple of minutes and, of course, is free. It needs to be done at least 48 hours before your visit.
Using hair tinting products at home?
Marvice adds “If you’re using hair tinting products at home always follow the instructions for carrying out an allergy alert test before using the product. If you have a reaction to the allergy alert test do not use the product. There are serious health risks and it’s just not worth it.”
Treat yourself to a brow lamination/tint treatment
Not had a brow lamination treatment before? Call 604-306-7531 to book now. We’ll also make sure you’re safe with a free allergy alert test.
We're excited to announce we're offering a new service called YUMI™ brow lamination, brow tint and lash tint. YUMI™ products made in France and passed all safety regulations in EU and Health Canada. Not only it does not PPD, it is also vegan friendly. Moreover, it is safe and effective.
August 2022 Promotion
We're offering YUMI™ Brow Lamination, Brow & Lash Tinting Service. Book now and enjoy special saving of $20