Black Henna

The Florida Department of Health urges individuals to be aware of the risks associated with getting a "temporary black henna tattoo." The department has received reports of allergic reactions and injuries, including permanent scarring of the skin from temporary black henna tattoos that are popular with those who want to enjoy a "temporary" tattoo.

Natural Henna 

Natural henna tattoos have been applied to human skin for hundreds of years.  The application is usually for ceremonial purposes, such as a wedding, and natural henna tattoos are not known to produce any unfavorable health problems.  The product used to apply natural henna tattoos is a dye paste made from dried and ground leaves of a henna plant mixed with water and a natural dye fixative.  Natural henna tattoos are temporary and they are not applied with a needle, as are permanent tattoos. Many natural henna artists prefer to use a free hand design.  However, some henna tattoos are achieved by tracing over a design stencil that has been applied to the skin.  The tracing may be done using a dispensing applicator bottle or a brush.  The end tattoo design is either brown or reddish brown in color.  A little known fact is that the only approved use for henna by the Food and Drug Administration is in hair dye, not in products intended for direct application to the skin.