The "Compound Henna" Temptation.
We’ve seen them on the shelves, with an image of a beautiful woman with long, radiant hair. We imagine that image with only, this time with ourselves in the picture with a mass of tresses, cascading down our own shoulders. At this point, we have a decision to make: grab the box and buy the “image” or, we could choose to look past the image on the box and try and find the ingredient label, of this so-called ‘natural’ henna hair dye. What we find (or don’t find) may be surprising.
This product either appears to contain no ingredients, since there is no label to be found or it contains inferior henna mixed with ‘who knows what’ There is a third choice we can make at this point, but first let’s discuss the following.
What is “Compound Henna” Hair Dye?
It may further surprise you to know that not all henna hair dye mixes are completely herbal or all-natural. “Compound henna” generally is composed of lower quality henna that contains lower dye content and is mixed with harmful additives and synthetic dyes that can cause severe allergic reaction. Even if they don’t contain PPD (para-phenylenediamine), ammonia or peroxide, they may contain harsh metallic salts, alcohol and synthetic dyes. Since the henna is mixed with synthetic dyes and ‘who knows what else’, the mixture is referred to as: “Compound Henna” hair dye.Perhaps, you’re wondering, “How can such products sold without an ingredient label?” It does seem mysterious. However, the answer is that in the countries where the henna is grown, they might not be required to list the ingredients on the label. Once exported, the U.S. importer is not required to re-label the product.
Additionally, the FDA* states, “Because the FPLA does not apply to cosmetic samples and products used exclusively by professionals--for example, for application at a salon, or a booth at a fair or boardwalk--the requirement for an ingredient declaration does not apply to these products.”
That is why purchasing “Compound Henna” with unknown additives and synthetic dyes can be a costly and potentially dangerous experience**, even when bought at a “professional” beauty supply store.
The 3rd Choice: Be Wise. Be Safe. Know what’s In Your Henna Hair Dye Package.
Lustrous Henna® is lab-certified to be free of synthetic dyes and additives. It does NOT contain metallic salts or added mineral salts. To achieve the various shades of color, pure henna is mixed with other totally natural botanical extracts. This is also the reason it remains in natural powder form. Safety in natural hair care is a top priority.
Lustrous Henna® is pure henna, highly sifted and 100% natural and the botanical ingredients are listed on every package, on the company blog and website.
Resources:
*FDA.gov Cosmetics: Product Ingredient Safety Information-ucm108569: Henna/Mehndi.
**Contact Dermatitis. Volume 55, Issue 1, pages 26–29, July 2006.Quantification of para-phenylenediamine and heavy metals in henna dye. Ik-Joon Kang, Mu-Hyoung Lee.
Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna® user.)
©2012. L.J. O’Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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*Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.
