Recent Comments:
Henna ingredients may cause cancer
The Cancer Blog
May 18th 2006 11:02PM I wanted to add to the above sensible comments that stress that it is the PPD, not the henna itself that is the culprit.
And, importantly, PPD is not a "henna ingredient" any more than firey chili peppers are a "pizza sauce ingredient." My fiancee may add them to his sauce, but certainly no one should ever expect it to be there, and he is responsible for telling them what dangers may come from his addition to the otherwise safe standard everyone loves.
Any reputable henna artists, and certainly all certified ones, will only use 100% natural and pure henna.
It's easy to find out whether or not a particular artist is using pure henna or has added PPD to the mix. Just ask them what they put in their mix, and ask them what color it will turn out. If they say it will be black, run away - they're using PPD. If they list unadulterated henna powder, essential oils, lemon juice, and tea, they're using the good stuff. Never trust pre-mixed henna, as the ingredients lists are not well regulated everywhere. Only trust artisan-mixed henna or henna that you yourself have mixed with what you know to be unadulterated henna.
-Heather (who, obviously, only uses real and unadulterated henna)
www.hennabyheather.com
