Henna Hazard

During summertime in Park City, the Park City Market has a very popular Henna booth that is filled to the brim with children getting their hands and bodies dyed with Henna. Henna is a temporary dye that dyes skin, hair, fingernails and fabrics. While 100% traditional henna is safe, some “black henna”, or medically called Para-phenylenediamine tattoo dye can cause more harm than good. According to the FDA, this dangerous black henna - which is illegal in the United States but frequently used as a cheap substitute - can cause chemical burns, allergic reactions, and worse. With Park City’s farmers market and spring break on the way, make sure that the Henna you’re using is safe.

Black Henna is frequently used because it’s faster and stains darker, but while dark henna may look more appealing, it has some serious consequences. Not only can it cause an irritating rash, the henna can cause blistering, burning, and corrosion to the skin. It takes weeks for the burns to heal. After two weeks there will only be white scars left outlining the henna that you have. This makes the skin extremely itchy, can scar for life, and often causes infection due to the fact that it’s easier to get bacteria in the cuts. It’s typically used in tropical tourist destinations and at shady shops, although some giant henna stores sell it too.

Scarring from Henna

Permanent results of Black Henna

To find out if a shop is using Black Henna, simply mix it with water and if black dye drains out in ten minutes, it’s Black Henna. So when using Henna, either in Park City or anywhere, be safe about what you’re putting going on your skin.


By: Hali Weaver and Cami Burke