I think that I read somewhere that GENUINE henna is safe, but the black stuff is not henna but a chemical mix that affects a lot of people this way.
I have to say that I agree with your friends reactions, obviousley I don't know how old your kids are though. But we live and learn.
Bet you don't let them next year

crumpy, see here:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/uk/newsid_3185000/3185909.stm

for info on henna & black henna.

baz.

Pretty scary stuff I looked the black henna up when I returned home and found that site.My child didn't have any reaction to it but my nephew did.Probably safer having the real thing !!but they are going to have to wait a few years as they are only 9 and hopefully by then they will have gone out of fashion.

I know it is not the same as getting one on holidays, but if they are desparate, go to a reputable tattooist in GB. They will enjoy their holidays just the same.

baz.

Hi
I have had genuine henna done when i was on holiday in india
the genuine stuff is normally in a little tube, comes out brown and smells very earthy
the black henna can sometimes scar people for life and leave them very sensitive to some of the ingredients on the henna

but if they are desparate, go to a reputable tattooist in GB.

even with parental consent is this legal at 9 years old?

Made me giggle Del.

Crumpy, please advise your sister or sister in law to not let your nephew have anything with black henna in it ever again. The reaction the first time is your body building up antibodies to the dye and the second time its put anywhere near the body it can be a very severe reaction. Sorry to sound alarmist but he could be severely scarred if he ever comes into contact with it again!

This really worried me as I had a tattoo done in Icmeler in 2000, I then used a hair dye last year that warned if you've ever had a black henna tattoo that you shouldn't use the dye. I did a skin test and thankfully was fine, but it really worried me as that tattoo could easily have been black henna and I wouldn't have known!

Hope he heals quickly.

C xxx

my son had a black "henna" tatoo a few years ago in greece i think about 5 years ago he started crying after they started and it burned him for ages he still has a faint scar now, me and my husband still feel awful, i wouldnt let children have one black or brown.

del,

In GB, you have to be 18 and sober for a tattoo, but don't know if this includes Henna, as it is not permanent, only painted on, and is not impregnated into the skin with needles.

baz

Fair enough, I was taking the quote as meaning a "proper" tattoo.

but if they are desparate, go to a reputable tattooist in GB