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Sharjah intensifies actions to curb black henna use

Sharjah - Women are asked not to use harmful henna, commonly used especially on occasions and holidays

The Sharjah Municipality is continuing the crackdown of salons using black henna which pose health risks to ladies. According to an official at the Sharjah Municipality, inspections were intensified before and during Eid, and will continue until the violation has disappeared. The violation will result in fines of Dh2,000.
"Most of the salons mix dye with henna to give the dark black colour. This practice is very dangerous to women's health," said the official. The black henna contains toxic substances like perfume oils that contain harmful alcohol to darken the colour and give a faster drawing. There are also other harmful ingredients such as camphor oil, citrus oil, henna stone and walnut powder, whose mixture cause irritation to sensitive skin.
He called on women not to use harmful henna, commonly used especially on occasions and holidays, and to report any irregularities observed or monitored at salons. He urged women to make sure the henna used is natural and free from harmful additives.
"Chemicals are being added to henna to change their colours . Black henna contains substances called BB and D which are common causes of skin allergies. Its use on skin is banned by the Food and Drug Administration in the USA after it has been proven that these dyes cause an allergic reactions around the painting area, including itching, swelling, and rash which may occur immediately or years later."
He stressed the municipality's inspection is continuing to detect such illegal services being provided to customers. Most of the inspection visits are conducted during the night. "When the municipality receives complaints from customers about the violation of a salon, women inspectors are sent to discreetly investigate the complaint."
He said the municipality does not tolerate those who harm public health and will not hesitate to take the necessary measures against the violators.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com