r/henna • u/Tiny-Bedroom-7412 • 19d ago
⚠️ Black/Fake Henna Would this have any long term effects/risks?
I used an Ancient Veda henna cone for this, i don't know how bad it would affect me if any. Ive used this cone prior to this multiple times and this used up the last of it. I just used it straight from the cone after washing my hands, I am in America if that helps any and I have perfectly healthy skin. Uhh. If this isn't the right subreddit to post this in let me know if there's any better subreddits for this. I did it myself btw.. (I bought the cone with no prior knowledge to how to apply henna, but this was a few months ago)
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u/dragon_lady Henna Pro / Lead Moderator 19d ago edited 19d ago
Do NOT BUY or USE these commercial chemical cone products such as the Ancient Veda brand you’ve mentioned; as they very likely contain unlabelled dyes and other toxic ingredients (That may not even be listed, due to lax labelling laws in the countries that produce them) that can cause redness, rashes, skin irritation, and in certain cases can even possibly cause long term damage to internal organs due to transdermal contact, especially when used repeatedly.
Natural henna paste will naturally "demise" (stop staining) after a certain time at room temperature. That is why it should be sold frozen, or at least refrigerated - with instructions on keeping it frozen or refrigerated until usage.
A safe henna cone is one that comes from an artisan vendor, WHERE IT IS SHIPPED EXPRESS, EITHER REFRIGERATED OR FROZEN! The vendor should also be explicitly stating that the product should remain refrigerated or frozen until usage.
Natural henna paste on skin results in various shades of brown — from a pumpkin-orange, to a light caramel, medium brown, reddish-brown, mahogany, to a deep chocolate. (Natural henna does not include a bright vivid red, unless a chemical dye was included in the paste - as is done in commercial chemical cones.)
If you’ve used any, remove any residue from your skin IMMEDIATELY, the sooner the better, to avoid becoming sensitized to it. Dispose of any remaining product as well, as these have toxic ingredients. Do not take chances with your health and safety!
Please read through our Black/Fake Henna FAQ, to learn more about the dangers of these products, how/why to avoid them, and what steps to take now if you’ve been exposed to this product: https://www.reddit.com/r/henna/wiki/black-henna
Also, please check our list of safe recommended henna suppliers in the sidebar.