Henna Hair Dye: Safe During Pregnancy?

There are conflicting opinions on whether henna is safe for use during pregnancy. While some sources claim that it is safe to use pure henna on the skin and hair, others suggest that it should be avoided due to potential health risks for both mother and baby. Pure henna is generally considered safe, but it is recommended to perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions. However, black henna, which contains paraphenylenediamine (PPD), is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can cause skin reactions and allergies. It is also important to note that henna may interact with certain chemical hair treatments and should be used with caution.

Pure henna is safe to use during pregnancy, but black henna is not

Pure henna is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, but it is recommended to do a patch test to ensure that you are not allergic or sensitive to it. It is also important to be cautious and aware of any potential symptoms of a Coumarin overdose, which can be harmful to babies. These symptoms include heart palpitations, exhaustion, nausea, and tea-coloured urine.

On the other hand, black henna is not safe for use during pregnancy. Black henna contains paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical typically found in hair dyes. PPD has been known to cause blisters, burns, and other skin reactions and allergies that could be harmful to both the mother and the unborn child. It is important to note that natural henna will never leave a black stain, and if it does, it indicates the presence of chemicals, making it unsafe for use during pregnancy.

Natural henna colours include red, orange, brown, cinnamon, brick, coffee and chocolate

While some sources claim that henna is safe to use during pregnancy, others suggest that it should be avoided.

Arguments for Use During Pregnancy

Some sources state that henna is safe to use during pregnancy as long as it is pure and natural, without any added chemicals. Henna is a natural product that comes from plants and is considered a good conditioner for hair, making it stronger, thicker, and shinier. It may also help restore the natural pH balance of the hair and scalp.

Arguments Against Use During Pregnancy

However, there are studies that suggest avoiding henna during pregnancy. A 2016 study concluded that the use of Lawsonia inermis (the henna plant) during pregnancy may lead to abortion. Henna also contains a compound called coumarin, which can cause jaundice and other issues for babies. In addition, some people have reported adverse reactions to henna, such as increased tiredness, nausea, and tea-coloured urine, which may indicate a coumarin overdose or a G6PD deficiency.

Therefore, while henna is generally considered safe, it is recommended to use it with caution during pregnancy, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or experience any adverse symptoms.

Natural Henna Colours

Natural henna colours include red, orange, brown, cinnamon, brick, coffee, and chocolate. These colours are achieved by mixing henna with other natural ingredients. For example, mixing henna with indigo (which has a blue colour) can create shades of brown. The specific percentage of herbs mixed with henna will determine the final shade.

It is important to note that henna only comes in red naturally, and achieving other shades requires mixing it with additional herbs. The colour of natural henna may stay on the skin for one to four weeks.

In conclusion, while henna can be a natural alternative to traditional hair dye, it is essential to consider the potential risks and take the necessary precautions, especially during pregnancy.

Henna is a good conditioner and can help with swelling and pain

Henna is a popular natural hair colouring agent and a good hair conditioner. It is widely used in India to mark festive occasions and is considered safe for pregnant women to use. However, it is recommended to use pure henna in its natural form and avoid variants with added chemicals, as these may pose a risk to the health of the mother and baby.

Henna has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It can help soothe swelling and pain when applied to the hands or feet. It also has a cooling effect on the body and can help cure cracked heels and fungal infections. The pure form of henna can be safely applied to the skin and hair during pregnancy, but it is always advisable to perform a patch test beforehand, especially if you are prone to allergies.

Henna is also available as a hair conditioner, often in the form of a cream or powder that can be mixed with water. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when using these products. Some people also create their own recipes for henna hair treatments, incorporating additional ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and hot coffee.

While henna is generally safe for adults when used on the skin or hair, it can cause side effects such as redness, itching, burning, swelling, blisters, and scarring. These side effects are typically the result of an allergic reaction to an added ingredient, most commonly found in "black" henna. In rare cases, more severe allergic reactions can occur, including hives, a runny nose, wheezing, and asthma.

Henna can be mixed with indigo, walnut and woad to create different colours

The safety of using henna during pregnancy is a topic of discussion among many people. While some sources claim that it is safe to use henna during pregnancy, others suggest avoiding it due to potential risks. It is always advisable to consult a medical professional for personalised advice.

Now, when it comes to creating different colours by mixing henna with other natural ingredients, here is some detailed information:

Henna and Indigo

Mixing henna with indigo is a popular way to achieve beautiful brown and black hair colours. The process can be done in one step or two steps, depending on the desired colour and the percentage of grey hair. For maximum control over the colour and ensuring the best colour take on 100% grey hair, it is recommended to apply henna and indigo separately in two stages. However, if you don't have grey hair or have less than 10% grey hair, you can combine the henna and indigo pastes in one step to save time. The longer you leave the indigo in your hair, the darker the colour will be.

Henna, Walnut and Indigo

This combination creates a chocolate brown tone on hair. It includes L-arginine, vitamins, and minerals, which improve blood circulation in the scalp and strengthen the hair roots. The addition of thyme and nettle provides antioxidant and purifying functions, enhancing the shine of the hair. However, this mixture is not recommended for blonde hair.

Precautions and Recommendations

When using henna and other natural ingredients to colour hair, it is important to remember that the pigmentation may vary depending on the base colour and condition of the hair. It is always a good idea to do a patch test before applying any new product to your hair or skin. Additionally, when mixing henna with other ingredients, follow instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and effective process.

Avoid henna if you have a blood or immune system-related problem

While henna is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, there are some conditions under which it should be avoided. One such condition is having a blood or immune system-related problem.

Pregnancy itself causes changes to the immune system, which is why it's important to be cautious when it comes to potential allergens or irritants like henna. During pregnancy, the immune system is suppressed so that the mother's body does not attack the foreign fetus. This suppression, however, can make pregnant women more susceptible to certain illnesses, such as the flu or common cold. In some cases, pregnancy can also make women more susceptible to viral illnesses like malaria.

If you have a blood or immune system-related problem, it is important to be extra cautious when using henna or any other substance that could potentially cause an allergic reaction. Henna obtained from the henna plant is the safest form to use during pregnancy, as it is pure and natural. However, even natural henna can cause adverse reactions in some people. For example, a 2016 study concluded that the use of Lawsonia inermis (henna plant) during pregnancy may lead to abortion. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women with blood or immune system-related problems avoid using henna altogether.

It is always best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before using henna or any other substance during pregnancy, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. They can advise you on the risks and benefits and help you make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions