Black henna is commonly used to decorate and color nails, but it can cause many potential damages that negatively affect the health of nails. In the following report, we review in Dalili Medical a set of damages associated with the use of black henna on nails and hair, according to our website.

**What is black henna?**

 

Black henna is made from a mixture of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) with an appropriate amount of natural henna. Although henna has been used for centuries to decorate the body, black henna is considered a modern product in the field of hair and body care. Pure henna is extracted from a plant known as Lawsonia inermis, and it is very gentle on the skin and hair. While the chemical dye PPD is used in many products such as fabrics and fur, and is also used in some photography processes. Natural henna is mixed with these chemicals to better control color shades, but it is listed among the substances that are considered major allergens upon contact.

**What is the difference between henna and black henna?**

 

Black henna contains chemicals such as hair dyes that may cause some skin problems, unlike natural henna, which has an earthy smell and does not contain these harmful substances.

**How ​​long does black henna last?**

 

Black henna is one of the options that women resort to to decorate themselves or to draw some decorations on certain parts of the body, as it appears as a temporary tattoo. It can last on the skin for a period ranging from two to three weeks, depending on the condition of the skin and the extent of its exposure to water during that period.

**Why is black henna considered unsafe?**

 

Traditional henna, as mentioned, is orange in color and usually dries slowly. Therefore, the substance paraphenylenediamine (p-Phenylenediamine - PPD) has been added to some types of commercially available henna, with the aim of converting regular henna into black henna. This substance is supposed to help:

- Make the color that henna gives to the skin deeper and more stable.

- Speed ​​up the drying process of henna on the skin.

Most of the potential risks of black henna stem from this substance, which is considered a common allergen in hair dyes. While hair dyes contain specific and safe levels of this substance, black henna often contains high and unsafe levels of it.

**Steps to prepare black henna at home**

 

There are a set of steps that facilitate the process of preparing black henna at home, including:

. **Preparing henna powder and mixing it with lemon juice**   First, the henna powder must be prepared by using a plastic or ceramic container to avoid rust. We empty the henna powder into the container, then add the lemon juice and start stirring the ingredients quickly until they are well mixed. It is preferable to continue stirring until the mixture becomes thicker and takes on the consistency of a consistent paste.

. **Adding a little black food coloring**  We add a small amount of black food coloring to darken the henna color to match the hair color. After that, we cover the container with plastic wrap, then press the bottom of the container to make sure all air bubbles are removed.

. **Place the bowl under a heat source for at least 12 hours**   The bowl should be placed under a heat lamp for at least 12 hours to ensure that the ingredients react well.

Remove the lamp and temporarily remove the plastic, then add a little sugar and henna oil until the mixture becomes smooth. After that, cover it again and place it under the lamp for an additional 12 hours.

- **The paste should be stirred from time to time** You should stir the paste from time to time to ensure that the mixture is prepared in the best way, so that it becomes similar to yogurt paste. It is also preferable to add half a lemon to the mixture if it is very thick.

What are the harms of black henna on hair?

 

Here are some of the harms of black henna:

- It may cause severe leakage in the color or final shape.

- It leads to rapid fading of the color, which makes it disappear quickly.

Henna leaves a dark color to the hair instead of light.

The application process requires comprehensive and careful care.

It may lead to dryness or damage to the hair.

Removing henna from hair can be difficult.

It leaves stains on clothes or skin.

Henna is difficult to bleach or lighten hair to a lighter shade.

It may contain a range of unhealthy additives.

It can cause some scalp allergies.

It may lead to loss of hair structure.

It causes damage to hair dyed to gray or white.

Hair color can be affected when using heat styling tools.

**Black henna damage to nails**

. **Allergic reactions** Black henna often contains a chemical known as paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is used to intensify the black color. This substance can cause severe allergic reactions, including skin redness, itching, and in some cases, chemical burns. When used on nails, it can lead to inflammation of the surrounding skin and unwanted allergic reactions.

. **Nail damage** The chemical components in black henna can weaken nails, making them brittle and prone to breakage. Repeated use can also cause nails to dry out and peel, leading to permanent damage.

. **Permanent staining** Black henna can leave permanent staining on nails, which negatively affects their aesthetic appearance. Removing this staining can be a difficult and time-consuming process, forcing users to live with an undesirable appearance for a long time.

. **Chemical poisoning** Some cheap or unsafe types of black henna may contain harmful chemicals that are absorbed through the skin and nails. Prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to serious health problems.

**- Fungal and bacterial infections** Using black henna in unlicensed places or in unsanitary ways can lead to severalFungal or bacterial infections. Unsterilized tools or contaminated products may be a source of this infection, causing serious health problems for the nails and surrounding areas.

**Chemical burns** Among the potential harms of black henna is that it may cause chemical burns when applied to the skin. The affected person may feel severe pain, in addition to a burning sensation and numbness, as well as redness, swelling and blisters.

**. Scars** Scars are one of the potential harms of black henna, as it can leave permanent scars as a result of the blisters and burns it may cause. Among the types of scars that may appear are keloid scars.

**How ​​to remove black henna from nails**

 

You can easily get rid of black henna on your nails using one of the following methods:

**Use baking soda and lemon to remove black henna from hands and nails**

**Ingredients:**

- A tablespoon of baking soda.

- Two teaspoons of lemon juice.

**Method:**

1. Mix baking soda with lemon juice well.

2. Dip cotton balls in the mixture and place them on your hands and nails.

3. Leave it for 10 minutes, then use a cloth or loofah to scrub the skin of your hands and nails.

4. Repeat these steps several times until you notice the black henna disappearing.

5. Wash your hands and nails with lukewarm water and then moisturize them.

**Removing henna from nails:**

 

**Toothpaste:** You can use toothpaste to remove henna from your nails. Scrape the henna using a nail brush, then let the paste dry before rinsing it with water.

**Chlorine:** Mix a small amount of chlorine with hot water, then immerse your hands in this mixture for three minutes. After that, apply a moisturizer to your hands. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is preferable to avoid this method.

**Hydrogen Peroxide**

**Ingredients:**

- A package of hydrogen peroxide.

- Cotton balls.

**Method:**

1. Dip the cotton balls in hydrogen peroxide, a colorless liquid used as an antiseptic for minor wounds.

2. Gently rub the skin of your hands and nails with the cotton balls for a few minutes, then wash your hands with warm water and apply a moisturizer.

**Salt water to remove black henna from hands and nails**

 

**Ingredients:**

- Two tablespoons of water.

- Two tablespoons of salt.

**Method:**

1. While showering with lukewarm water and soap or body wash, rub the black henna using a loofah.

2. Dip a piece of gauze in the water and salt mixture and place it on the black henna.

3. Leave it for half an hour, then wash your hands and nails well.

4. This recipe can be repeated as needed.

**Antibacterial soap to remove henna from nails**

 

It is recommended to wash your hands or feet daily with antibacterial soap, as this product helps in gradually eroding and removing the color.

Wash your hands with antibacterial soap frequently, preferably every hour or about 12 times a day until the henna fades.

Don't forget to moisturize your hands after each wash.

**Facial scrub to remove henna from nails**The exfoliation process helps get rid of henna designs thanks to the granules in the product, which gently and easily remove henna. All you have to do is:

Massage your hands or feet with the facial scrub for two to three minutes.

Repeat this step daily for best results.

**Olive oil to remove henna from nails**Olive oil is effective in removing henna without causing any harm to your skin, and it is also known for its properties in moisturizing and lightening the skin and getting rid of pigmentation.

You can soak a cotton ball in olive oil and pass it over your hands or feet. To speed up the process of removing henna tattoos, you can add some salt to the oil.

Leave the oil on your skin for 10 minutes until it is absorbed, then wash the area well.

**- Using lemon juice to remove henna from nails** Lemon is a natural skin whitener thanks to its natural acids and vitamin C, which helps fight pigmentation. Rubbing your nails with lemon can help gradually lighten the henna color until it disappears completely.

First, you should clean your nails well, wash them, and dry them.

Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with two tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl until you get a thick, consistent mixture.

Then, apply the mixture to your nails using a cotton ball and leave it for ten minutes or until it dries.

After that, use a rough body washcloth to scrub your nails, then wash them well with warm water.

Tips to avoid the damage of black henna on nails:

 

To protect against potential damage caused by using black henna on nails, it is recommended to follow the following guidelines:

. **Choose safe products**   Make sure to buy black henna from reliable and well-known sources, and check that it is free of harmful chemicals such as PPD.

. **Conduct a sensitivity test**   Before full use, it is preferable to conduct a sensitivity test on a small area of ​​skin to avoid any allergic reactions.

. **Maintain hygiene**   Make sure that the tools used to apply henna are clean and well sterilized.

. **Stop use when irritation occurs**   If any signs of irritation or allergy appear, you should stop using henna immediately and consult a dermatologist.

**How ​​to apply black henna to nails**

 

Here are detailed steps to make black henna and apply it to nails perfectly, even if this is your first experience:

1. **Preparing the henna**: You can use ready-made black henna or prepare it at home by mixing natural henna powder with black stone powder available in herbal shops.

2. **Preparing the paste**: Mix three tablespoons of henna with half a cup of water and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix the ingredients well until you get a thick paste.

3. **Leaving the paste**: Cover the henna bowl and leave it aside for four to six hours.

4. **Preparing the nails**: Clean your nails well in the usual way and cut them to get a perfect shape.

5. **Skin Protection**: Apply a layer of Vaseline around your nails before applying henna, to avoid staining your hands with the color.

6. **Henna Application**: Apply thick layers of henna to your nails and leave them until they dry completely.

7. **Nail Covering**: After the henna dries, cover your nails well using foil or plastic. You can also apply henna before bed and leave it overnight to fix it better, while wearing cotton gloves.

8. **Henna Removal**: Gently scrape the henna off without using water or any other liquids, then clean your nails using a soft tissue.

9. **Increase the amount**: If your nails need more color, you can double the amount of henna used.

**How ​​to Treat Nail Sores After Using Henna**

 

After applying henna to the nails, a person may feel pain and inflammation in the skin surrounding the nails. Here are some ways to treat this condition:

- Topical cortisone can be used.

- Dermovate cream is recommended.

- Antihistamines can also be taken to relieve symptoms.

If there is noticeable swelling, it is preferable to consult a doctor who may recommend cortisone injections or prescribe the appropriate treatment.

**Treatment of nail burns**

Ulcers and burns of nails resulting from the use of henna can be treated with some natural herbs and simple mixtures that help relieve inflammation quickly. Here are some steps and methods to treat burns and ulcers of nails using herbs:

**Tea oil:**Tea oil can be used by mixing two tablespoons of tea oil with two tablespoons of olive oil, then applying this mixture to the nails three times a day.

Essential oils can be used as a treatment for nails to reduce fungal resistance.

**Orange oil:**Nails can be applied with orange oil using a cotton ball or dropper, with the need to avoid using it in case of allergy.

**Henna, vinegar and honey:** Mix henna with honey and vinegar, then apply it to the nails twice a day for a week.

**Garlic oil:** Mix garlic oil with vinegar, then apply the mixture to the nails and wrap them with a bandage.

**Espresso salt:** Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to the water and stir well until it dissolves, then soak the nails in the solution.

**Black seed, sulfur, vinegar and propolis:** This mixture is prepared by adding ground black seed to apple cider vinegar, yellow sulfur and beeswax, until the mixture becomes like ointments, then apply it to the nails twice a day for 20 days.

**Side effects of black henna**

Despite the attractive appearance of henna and its use in cosmetics, it has some harmful effects and side effects. Here are the effects of black henna on nails:

In some cases, using henna may lead to allergic reactions and inflammation. Henna also affects the strength of nails, causing them to crack continuously, due to the presence of chemicals in black henna.

Pregnant women are advised not to use it, as the chemicals in henna may negatively affect the health of the fetus.

It is preferable for doctors to perform a sensitivity test on the skin before using henna, to ensure that no swelling occurs.

**Herbal treatment for henna allergy**

Herbs are considered an effective option for treating many problems, including henna allergy. Here are some natural ways to treat henna allergy:

- **Henna leaf decoction**: In case of henna allergy, dry or green henna leaves can be prepared and boiled in water, then the water can be consumed as a drink twice a day.

- **Henna paste**: Fine henna can be kneaded with water, adding three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, then applied to the affected and inflamed areas.

Henna should be avoided in case of any negative reactions.