Written by Editorial Team
Henna has been an integral part of Indian customs and traditions. Henna signifies beauty, prosperity, and good fortune. Festivals like Karva Chauth, Teej, Eid, Diwali, etc. are incomplete without getting beautiful henna patterns on the hands and feet. Is it safe to use henna during pregnancy?
Godh bharai is another function when pregnant women adorn themselves with beautiful Mehendi designs. When it comes to safety, it is best to refrain from chemically prepared henna as an alternative to chemical-based hair colors. which may affect you and your baby in pregnancy. Read on to know more.
Of late, there are various varieties of henna and henna tattoos available in the market. Some of these packaged henna brands contain chemicals that give you dark color, hence when you are pregnant, it is best you avoid packaged henna and opt for natural homemade henna paste.
Natural henna, derived from the plant itself and free from any chemicals, is considered harmless in pregnancy. Black henna is also gaining a lot of popularity recently.
But black henna can be very harmful to you and the fetus as it contains a dye called para-phenylenediamine, also known as PPD. It can cause severe allergic reactions along with blisters, sores, permanent scarring and you may even develop extra sensitivity towards sunlight.
Dyes and chemical-based hair colors can prove to be allergic and may cause damage, especially when you are pregnant. Though research is yet to find a significant link between hair colors and pregnancy, most women are advised to skip the chemical-based dyes at least during the first trimester.
The dyes can be absorbed by the scalp and they could pass through the placenta and you’re your baby. The best solution for this is to use henna instead, but the only natural ones. Henna is a natural herb and gives ample color to your hair. It will keep your scalp cool and healthy and color the hair without damaging it.
The color will not strip off the natural oils but will nourish them from within. The only drawback of using henna as hair color is that you don’t have plenty of options to pick your favorite color. Also, you need to keep it in your hair for a good 3-4 hours for the color to transfer.
Henna is a natural organic conditioner. It could be applied as it is if you want. However, when combined with other ingredients it gives your hair extra nourishment and even rid your hair of dandruff.
You could add eggs to the henna paste before applying. If you are allergic to eggs you can avoid it. You can even add coconut oil, tea, or coffee, which will give your hair extra shine. You could also add shikakai, a few drops of aloe vera, or even amla as well.
If you want a deep red color you could even put in some beetroot. Since all these are natural products none of them will cause any harm to your baby. Just make sure you don’t go overboard and add a lot of products. The inclusion of 2-3 ingredients is more than enough.
Applying mehendi to grace a special occasion is a common tradition in many households. It is believed that henna brings good fortune and happiness. In some customs, women apply henna patterns on their belly as well to celebrate being pregnant.
Pure natural henna in no way affects or harms the baby. In fact, it has many beneficial properties. It extracts the excess heat from your body and cools your system and even keeps you safe from various skin diseases and fungal infections. It heals cracked cuticles and even conditions the nails.
Just like for the hair, henna could be applied as it is, on the hands as well. If you want your henna to develop a darker color and stay put for longer you could add clove oil and or even tea water. You can also add lemon juice and essential oils like lavender oil and tea tree oil.
If you are thinking of preserving your pregnancy memories by donning a Henna tattoo on your belly or any other part of your body, think of all the side effects associated with it. It is definitely not worth the risk associated with it.
Henna mixed with any dye is not safe for the baby due to the presence of chemicals in it. Moreover, there are chances of contracting Hepatitis B and HIV if the needles are not sterilized.
Although henna doesn’t pose any threat to the expecting mother or the baby, there are certain precautions you should exercise like-
Applying henna on hands and hair is fine during pregnancy as long as you are using natural henna and you have no allergy to it. But chemical dyes are something you should definitely avoid during pregnancy.
Yes you can. However, opt for the natural ones made fresh from henna leaves. The store bought ones may not be a great option.
Henna is a natural coolant that has been used for generations to cool down your body naturally. Immunity is low during pregnancy. It is best to not leave henna on for long hours or overnight.
It depends on the henna. If you are using the store bought chemically altered ones for instant colour, yes they definitely can. The traditional ones – not so much.
Yes you can. Henna is a safer option than chemical based dyes. However, keeping it on your scalp for many hours may give you a cold.
Yes it can. Your body is very sensitive during pregnancy. It will react differently to chemicals, even the ones you are used to.
Read Also: Is It Safe To Get A Tattoo During Pregnancy?
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