Compound Henna is Hazardous to Your Hair –a Safety Reminder.

Warning: Compound Henna is NOT All-Natural Henna

Exactly what’s in that box of henna hair dye mix? You may be surprise to learn that this ‘compound henna’ hair dye is not 100% all-natural henna.

In fact, most ‘compound henna’ hair dye are usually a dangerous compound of inferior quality henna, that contains lower dye content and is mixed with harmful additives and synthetic dyes that can cause severe allergic reaction. The package may contain PPD (para-phenylenediamine), ammonia or peroxide. However, even if it doesn’t, this type of hair dye may other hazardous chemicals, such as harsh metallic salts, alcohol and synthetic dyes. Sadly, the low-quality henna is mixed with synthetic dyes and ‘who knows what else’. This scary mixture is commonly referred to as, 'Compound Henna' hair dye.

The product is normally packaged with an image of a beautiful woman with long, radiant hair on the cover. The average consumer is tempted to buy this product based on the image. Should we?

Where’s the Ingredient Label?


Maybe we decide to look beyond the image and try and find the ingredient label. We might be surprised that this so-called 'all-natural' henna hair dye doesn't appear to have an ingredient label! Who really knows what is mixed in with this inferior henna??  Don’t buy it.

Perhaps, you’re now 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 'mysterious' henna mixed with unknown additives and synthetic dyes can be a costly and potentially dangerous experience**, even when bought at a “professional” beauty supply store.

What to Do? What to Do?

Actually, there are two very safe options when considering what kind of henna hair dye to buy that will protect your precious mane –especially if you want to cover previously chemically-dyed hair:

• Use BODY ART QUALITY HENNA to color your hair. For instructions on the traditional method of application or slightly quicker baked application method, just click the links (in this sentence).
  
• For any PRE-MIXED HENNA HAIR COLOR: Know the source and reputation of the company selling the product. Make sure ALL ingredients are 100% all natural and that the henna is top-quality, pure henna. Check out current customer reviews.

An Important Note about Lustrous Henna® Hair Dye

Lustrous Henna® Hair Color is NOT 'Compound Henna'.
Lustrous Henna® is Color by Nature.

Lustrous Henna® Hair Color is:

• Premixed from the finest herbal ingredients.
• 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. 
• Lustrous Henna® is 100% all natural hair dye: 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 the 100% all natural 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.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *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.