What are henna brows?
Henna is a form of eyebrow tinting that not only dyes the hair but also stains the skin to achieve a darker finish and the appearance of a fuller brow. Many henna dyes claim to last 6-8 weeks on the hair and up to 2 weeks on the skin, although this can vary depending on a number of factors, including skin type, skincare routine, etc.
Is henna a natural alternative?
The henna plant is native to the middle east and has been used since ancient times to dye the skin and hair. Although henna itself is a natural dye, many henna dyes on the market do include synthetic ingredients similar to those used in traditional eyebrow tints. This isn’t always clearly labelled on the packaging, meaning you’re not always getting what you pay for when you opt for a ‘natural’ alternative.
Is henna free from PPD?
Para-phenylenediamine, more commonly known as PPD, is used in hair and eyebrow dyes to colour the hair. Although many people can safely use these dyes, some people can experience allergic reactions to PPD.
Many people opt for henna as a PPD-free alternative, but it’s important to note that some henna dyes do actually contain PPD. Black henna is the term commonly used for henna that contains PPD or other members of the PPD family. Other members of the PPD family may have different names but will carry the same risks, so always be sure to be patch tested even if the tint is labelled as PPD-free.
Even if the product is labelled as natural, you should also check with your technician or the brand for clarification on the ingredients list if you have experienced a reaction to PPD.
Which is safer: eyebrow tint or henna?
As long as your technician has carried out a patch test and asked the correct questions to determine if you’re suitable for the treatment, both versions of eyebrow tinting are perfectly safe.
It is worth noting that traditional eyebrow tints are regulated by EU law, meaning that the levels of synthetic dyeing agents used are controlled and kept at safe levels. However, some black henna products that claim to be ‘PPD-free’ pose a risk of not being controlled and could potentially increase the risk of a reaction.
Both types of brow tinting offer different looks, so it also depends on your desired finish. Standard eyebrow tints will dye just the hair for a natural look, whilst henna will also stain the skin for a more defined look.
To achieve the defined, skin-stained look with a henna free alternative, you could opt for a hybrid brow tinting treatment.
Can I have a reaction to henna brow dye?
If you opt for PPD-free henna, there is still a chance of a reaction due to lawsone, the orange-red pigment found in the leaves of the henna plant. As with any dye treatment, your technician should offer a patch test to ensure the treatment is safe to go ahead.
Is henna suitable for those who are allergic to tint?
If you’ve experienced a reaction to PPD, you’ll need to make sure you are choosing a PPD-free henna and you’d also need to have a patch test prior to the treatment. If your patch test is clear, then you’re good to go ahead.
Henna can achieve some fantastic results, however there are a lot of misconceptions that it’s a totally risk-free treatment. Your technician will be able to advise if henna is suitable for you.
Image source: Shutterstock
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