Like a bee sting or poison ivy, black henna can be a toxic substance that the human skin is not designed to receive and so reacts negatively towards with itchiness, blistering and can scar permanently. This harmful tattoo technique should be avoided at all costs.

This black henna is produced containing the chemical Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), voted Allergen of the year in 2006 by the American contact dermatitis society, is used commercially as a black hair dye. Skin application of this however is illegal due to its unapproved use and dangerous side effects but this practice unfortunately still continues throughout the world.

As an example of its dangers, the application of PPD in dying hair is done so with extreme precaution, avoiding the scalp and with the use of special gloves but with the unfortunate result of some professionals having to quit due to such extreme reactions. This chemical however is used in undiulited form as ‘black henna’ in Morocco and other henning countries.

Only coming out in a rash after 3 days or more, many unassuming holiday makers wanting a decorative lasting memory of their visit suffer these negative effects once they have left the country.

Substituted as a cheap alternative to natural red/ brown henna and preferred by some negligent or uneducated artists due to its much darker black stain on the skin (pictured: left), resembling a needled ink tattoo, black henna is unfortunately commonly found. Some professionals, including the Henna Café, are taking a stand and working around educating and so eradicating this harmful counter beauty treatment, offering quality safe henna.

Embracing the beauty of natural organic red henna (pictured: right), when applied and cared for correctly, leaves you with a rich earthy stain that lasts between 1 and 4 weeks.

To make your natural henna the best, darkest and most long lasting it can be is most effectively achieved by leaving the paste on for a minimum of 6 hours, keeping it from cold weather, avoiding water for the first 24 hours, and regularly applying essentials oils such as tea tree or olive.

The Henna Café works with local Moroccan women to thaw this negative relationship with unsafe henna, informing them of these dangers to their clients plus themselves. Natural organic safe henna is donated to these women and slowly it is hoped that harmful practice will be outlawed, to be replaced by a love of the intricate beauty that can be achieved by this ecological and pure body art form.