Dark mehendi looks better, but is it safe? Dermatologist explains the risks

Natural henna usually leaves a reddish-brown stain, so a very dark or almost black colour may not be as harmless as it looks. As festive mehendi becomes popular during Ganesh Chaturthi and upcoming celebrations like Karwa Chauth, a dermatologist explains the possible risks of chemical additives.

In Short

• Natural henna usually leaves reddish brown tones rather than instant black stains
• Black mehendi may contain PPD, a dye linked to skin sensitisation
• Reactions can include itching, swelling, burning, blisters and painful inflammation

Mehendi is an important part of celebrations in India. From Ganesh Chaturthi to Karwa Chauth and weddings, people often decorate their hands and feet with intricate henna designs. For many, the darker the stain, the better the mehendi is considered to be. But that deep black colour may not always mean that the henna is of better quality.

Natural henna does not usually produce a jet black stain. It typically leaves a reddish brown, orange brown or brownish colour on the skin. So, when mehendi appears unusually black or develops a very dark stain within a short period, it may indicate that additional chemicals or colourants have been used.

According to Dr Vidushi Jain, Dermatologist and Medical Head, Dermalinks, Noida and Ghaziabad, some black mehendi products may contain para phenylenediamine, commonly known as PPD, along with other chemical additives. These substances can trigger allergic reactions and skin inflammation in some people.

NATURAL HENNA USUALLY HAS A REDDISH BROWN STAIN

Pure henna is made from the leaves of the henna plant and naturally produces shades ranging from orange to reddish brown. The colour can become deeper over time, but natural henna does not normally give an instant black stain.

This is why consumers should be cautious about products that promise an extremely dark colour in a very short time.

Black mehendi may contain PPD, a chemical commonly used in hair dyes. While PPD can make the colour darker and help it develop quickly, it is also a well-known skin sensitiser.

WHY PPD IN MEHENDI CAN BE A PROBLEM

The biggest concern with PPD is an allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis. A person may develop redness, itching, swelling, burning or blisters where the mehendi was applied.

In some cases, the reaction can be severe. The skin may become painful, swollen and inflamed, and blisters can develop around the design.

Dr Jain explains that the problem can go beyond the area where the mehendi was applied. PPD sensitisation can sometimes cause widespread or systemic contact dermatitis, meaning eczema-like reactions may appear on other parts of the body as well.

Rarely, people can experience urticaria, also known as hives, or angioedema, which causes swelling deeper under the skin.

THE ALLERGY CAN LAST FOR LIFE

One important concern with PPD is sensitisation. Once a person becomes sensitised to the chemical, their immune system can remember it.

This means that a person who develops an allergy after black mehendi may react to PPD again in the future. PPD is present in some hair dyes and other products, so sensitisation from a temporary mehendi application can potentially affect future exposure to similar chemicals.

This is why a reaction should not simply be dismissed as a minor mehendi allergy.

A DARKER STAIN DOES NOT MEAN BETTER MEHENDI

People often judge mehendi by how dark it becomes. However, the colour alone should not be used as a measure of quality.

A very dark or almost black stain, particularly one that appears unusually quickly, should make people question whether chemical colourants have been added.

Other aromatic amines and dyes may also be present in some products and can contribute to skin reactions.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR SKIN REACTS?

If the skin starts itching, burning, swelling or developing blisters after mehendi application, do not ignore the symptoms.

The design should not be scratched, and further exposure to the suspected product should be avoided. People with significant swelling, widespread rashes, breathing difficulty or other severe symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

It is also important to remember that a reaction may not always appear immediately.

BE CAREFUL DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

With Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations underway and festivals such as Karwa Chauth approaching, mehendi applications are likely to become more common. Choosing natural henna from a reliable source is a safer approach than chasing an instant black stain.

The next time you get mehendi, remember that darker is not necessarily better. A natural reddish-brown stain may be less dramatic, but when it comes to your skin, avoiding unnecessary chemical exposure can be far more important than getting the darkest possible colour.

- Ends