Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
British Skin Foundation
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
Donate
Menu
  • About Us
    • Who we are
    • Use of our logo
    • Contact us
    • FAQs
  • Our Research
    • All grant options
    • BSF research funding
    • Impact of our work
    • Grant history
  • Support Our Work
    • Make a donation
    • Take part in a challenge event
    • Battle of the DermSocs
    • Fundraise for us
    • Corporate giving
    • In loving memory
    • Leave a gift in your will
    • Other ways to give
  • Our Community
    • News
    • Blog
    • Skin stories
    • Share your story
    • Talkhealth
    • Podcasts
    • Derm community
  • Skinformation
    • A - Z Skinformation
    • Skin cancer
    • Sun safety & Vitamin D
    • BSF and ITN Productions 2022
    • BSF and ITN Productions 2021
    • Skin lightening
    • The dangers of ‘black henna’ temporary tattoos
  • Shop
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • The dangers of ‘black henna’ temporary tattoos
  1. Skinformation

The dangers of ‘black henna’ temporary tattoos

Temporary tattoos can be fun for both children and adults on holiday, at funfairs and music festivals. However, it’s important to remember that so-called ‘black henna’ temporary tattoos (BHTTs) can be dangerous, sometimes causing severe skin reactions.

Real henna is orange/brown in colour, but the majority of BHTTs are not based on henna at all, but a substance called para-phenylenediamine (PPD) which is found in hair dyes. PPD is allowed for use in hair dye, but its use for skin contact products such as temporary tattoos is illegal in the European Union.

When PPD is used on the skin in this way it can cause blistering, painful skin burns and may even lead to scarring. It can also leave the person with a lifelong sensitivity to PPD, which increases the risk of a severe allergic reaction when using hair dye in the future.

Increase in reactions seen in dermatology clinics

Research among dermatologists in 2015 revealed that they were seeing an increase in reactions at their clinics across the UK.

  • 4 out of 10 dermatologists asked had seen patients with skin reactions to BHTTs.
  • 1 in 20 dermatologists approached said that over 80% of the BHTT reactions they had seen were in children aged under 16.
  • Dermatologists asked confirmed that around half of the patients got a BHTT outside of the EU, where the legal status of PPD is not always clear; however the other half got a BHTT within the EU, with 27% of these in the UK.
  • About two-thirds of dermatologists approached have seen an increase in patients with reactions to hair dyes, many of whom have previously had a BHTT.

People don’t realise the dangers

In 2018, a British Skin Foundation survey found that 20% of children could be in danger of having serious reactions to ‘black henna’ temporary tattoos.

20% of adults have also put themselves at risk by having the temporary fashion accessory which is popular at overseas holiday destinations, festivals, funfairs and the British seaside during the summer months.

Three quarters of people surveyed were not aware that ‘black henna’ tattoos contain PPD and that when it’s used on the skin it can be dangerous. They were also unaware that having a ‘black henna’ tattoo can drastically increase the risk of allergic reaction when using a hair dye in the future.

What should you do if you experience a reaction to ‘black henna?’

The most important thing to do is seek medical advice from a doctor or dermatologist immediately. In the event of a severe allergic reaction call the emergency services.  

What the experts say

Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation spokesperson says, “It’s worrying to see that the public just don’t realise the danger PPD can pose when it is used on the skin. We really want to get the message out there that so-called black henna tattoos are not safe for the skin and should be avoided at all costs. Parents, teens and even adults should stay well away from ‘black henna’ tattoos this summer on holidays abroad, at festivals, funfairs or the British seaside – it’s simply not worth the risk.”

Dr Emma Meredith, Director-General of CTPA and a pharmacist by profession, agrees, “There is no such thing as ‘black henna’.   A large number of people are not aware that so-called black henna temporary tattoos may contain the hair dye PPD.  In the UK and EU, this use of PPD is illegal.  ‘Black henna’ temporary tattoos can cause serious issues.  Not only can they trigger extremely painful damage to skin, they may also result in life-long allergy to hair dyes.  We want to warn of these dangers, and what may seem to be harmless fun for children could have serious long-term consequences.”

Real life

James Colley

Student James Colley, 20, got a so-called black henna tattoo on holiday in Zante in 2017. What was meant to be a bit of holiday fun left him with a scar on his face.

James says, “Had I known the dangers of ‘black henna’ tattoos I would have stayed away. It never crossed my mind that it might cause such a severe reaction. There was a lot of pain involved in the aftermath which is still fresh in my memory. My advice to people this summer is to stay away from black henna tattoos– no matter how much fun it seems at the time, you will regret it.”

More information can be found on the CTPA website here. #AvoidBlackHenna

Visit our forum or ask our experts

Published: 9th August, 2019

Updated: 16th October, 2019

Author: Lisa Bickerstaffe

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Imogen

    Imogen

    Imogen talks about her difficulties growing up with eczema and how she is now looking to a positive future

  • Shaving my hair for skin conditions

    Shaving my hair for skin conditions

    As someone with minor dermatitis: I’ve seen loved ones, family and friends suffer from skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. I have always been known for my trademark mid length black hair so by shaving my hair I feel it could be an attraction for people to donate and support a cause

  • Skin health for everyone

    Skin health for everyone

    Our new tele-dermatology service was used to diagnose basal cell carcinoma on my mothers neck a crusting skin lesion that had been present for over 2 years and she was covering with make-up. She was fast tracked by her GP and has had the lesions removed by the dermatologist.

  • Share your story

    Share your story

    Would you share your skin story to help raise awareness?

Most read

  • Managing self-harm scars

    Managing self-harm scars

    Consultant Plastic Surgeon Ioannis Goutos looks at the challenges when managing self-harm scars.

  • Impetigo

    Impetigo

    Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the surface of the skin. In the UK, it is the most common skin infection seen in young children, but may be seen in people of any age.

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma

    Basal Cell Carcinoma

    A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer. BCC is the most common type of all skin cancer in the UK.

  • The benefits of scar massage

    The benefits of scar massage

    Consultant Plastic Surgeon Ioannis Goutos talks about the benefits of scar massage.

  • Skin and genetic haemochromatosis

    Skin and genetic haemochromatosis

    Could skin problems be one of the signifiers of what has been branded a “stealth” condition - genetic haemochromatosis?

  • Shingles (herpes zoster)

    Shingles (herpes zoster)

    Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, known as the varicella (chickenpox) zoster (shingles) virus.

  • British Skin Foundation launch collaboration with ITN Productions Industry News – More than Skin Deep

    British Skin Foundation launch collaboration with ITN Productions Industry News – More than Skin Deep

    British Skin Foundation and ITN Productions Industry News launch a new programme called 'More than Skin Deep' about skin disease, mental health and developments in dermatology research.

  • Alopecia Areata

    Alopecia Areata

    Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. Alopecia areata is a common cause of non-scarring hair loss that can occur at any age.

  • Cathryn

    Cathryn

    Cathryn has hidradenitis suppurativa

  • Scabies

    Scabies

    Scabies is a common and very itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes Scabiei. It can affect people of any age but is most common in the young and the elderly.

Help us fight all types of skin disease, including skin cancer

Help us fight all types of skin disease, including skin cancer

Your donation will help us to fund research into all types of skin diseases, including potential killers like melanoma skin cancer. Skin diseases can affect everyday life, mental health, relationships and work-life. By donating towards our research, you’ll be helping to find cures and treatments that can dramatically improve the quality of life of someone with a skin condition. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 24th April, 2018

Updated: 21st February, 2022

Author:

* indicates required
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram

Our partners

  • Login
  • Logout
  • Manager
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

The British Skin Foundation – registered as a charitable incorporated organisation with registered charity number 1171373

Ways to get involved

Whether you're a business, association or not-for-profit organisation, we would welcome your support the fight against skin disease.

Read more

Get in touch

We work hard to deliver mutually beneficial partnerships that provide real business benefits. Contact the team to discuss opportunities and ideas.

Contact the team

Why support us

Our mission is to save and improve the lives of people with skin condition and cancers. We do this by funding vital research to develop understanding and help find new treatments.

Read more