Sheik Salma wrote in with a distressing query: "Sir, I have been using Henna on my hair for the last 10 years with disastrous effects. It has led to hair thinning and my scalp is visible very clearly on the front. Please explain what I should do now."
In this article based on his educational video, Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — explains why commercial henna can be so damaging, and which hair colours are safer.
The hidden danger in market henna
Commercial henna brands available in the market are often laced with harmful chemicals that cause long-term damage to the hair — including widespread hair thinning and shades of baldness, even in people with no family history of baldness.
"One should never trust Henna brands available in the market. Though they claim it is natural, it is often not so in reality. The hair roots on the scalp may face permanent damage after coming in contact with them over a period of time," explained Dr. John Watts.
Whether sold as Kali Mehndi or Black Henna, no one can be sure whether these products contain chemicals, because such information may not be disclosed by the brands.
Why even a transplant may not fix the damage
Here is the most sobering point: Dr. Watts noted that even a hair transplant may not provide a proper solution in such cases, because the donor hair at the back of the scalp may itself be unsuitable. "Chemical henna dyed hair cannot be considered as good and healthy hair grafts as they might already have been damaged," he warned.
If you must use henna
If social pressure makes commercial henna unavoidable, apply it with the utmost caution. "The best way to apply Henna is to avoid letting it touch the scalp. Only let it touch your hair," said Dr. Watts. And if you experience irritation or itching after use, stop immediately and consult a dermatologist.
Safer, dermatologically tested alternatives
Dr. Watts suggests avoiding market henna altogether and opting for dermatologically tested hair dyes. "There are some safe dermatologically tested brands available in the market including ALTRIS HD BLACK COL, vegetal bio colour and Indus Valley hair colours but they are a little costly," he informed.
One thing to know: these dyes may not give the desired black shade immediately. "One needs to use several coatings in quick intervals of 4-5 days to gain the proper dark shade but they are safe for use," he explained.
The bottom line
For Salma — and anyone in her situation — Dr. Watts advised starting medical treatment immediately under a dermatologist to recover from the chemical henna damage. "They are the best experts to advise you which hair dye would suit your hair," he said. Coloured hair is a choice; permanently damaged roots should not be the price.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is market henna really natural and safe?
Often not. Commercial henna brands are frequently laced with harmful chemicals that can cause hair thinning, baldness and permanent damage to hair roots over time.
Which hair colours does Dr. John Watts consider safer?
Dermatologically tested brands such as ALTRIS HD BLACK COL, Vegetal bio colour and Indus Valley hair colours — though they cost a little more and need several coatings at 4-5 day intervals for a proper dark shade.
How should henna be applied if I cannot avoid it?
Apply it with utmost caution so it touches only the hair and never the scalp. Stop immediately and see a dermatologist if irritation or itching occurs.
Can a hair transplant fix henna-damaged hair?
Not always. Chemically damaged hair may make donor grafts poor quality, so a transplant may not provide a proper solution in such cases.
