A WARNING has been issued about the the danger of ‘toxic black henna’ tattoos.
Stratford District Council says while traditional henna – which dyes the skin a shade of orange, burgundy, brown or coffee – is safe, black henna is completely different.
It is often made using hair dye called Para-phenylendiamine and is so toxic it is illegal to use on the skin.
The reaction starts between three to ten days after the henna tattoo is applied and can cause blisters, scars, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions and increase the likelihood of becoming allergic to other dyes in the future.
A council spokeswoman said: “Although there are no known cases within Stratford, we are issuing this warning as during the summer months traders may offer black henna tattoos and customers can be mistaken into thinking these tattoos are safe. Some may be, but some are not.”
