There is no such thing as black henna. In order for henna to produce a black color, chemicals that are unsafe for your skin must be added. Black henna should be avoided. A chemical dye known as PPD, which is not authorized for use on the skin by the FDA is often added to the natural henna to produce a black color. It can cause liver and kidney damage, as well as scarring of the skin. Black henna is not – and never was – intended for use as tattoo dye. Actually, it is hair dye. It is not meant to come in contact with skin for long periods of time and even the hair dye can be dangerous to those with an allergy to PPD. The problem is that most people don’t know if they are allergic to it until they have already received lasting damage from a reaction. In January of 2007, two families filed a lawsuit against a distributor of black henna after their children were scarred after receiving black henna tattoos while on vacation. The PPD burned and blistered their skin so badly that the children have been permanently scarred. So, don’t assume that black henna must be safe just because the tattoos are offered to children. I make my own henna using lemon juice, sugar and organic essential oils. I NEVER use ‘black henna’.