Barber shops and salons in Qatar, as well as supermarkets, continue to sell black henna to customers, despite a new government ban against a toxic chemical found in it, local media is reporting.

As of June 1, it became illegal to sell products with a certain percentage of Para-Phenylendiamine (PPD) in Qatar.

The chemical, which can initially cause itching, hives and swelling, can escalate to respiratory problems, renal failure and even death, experts told the Gulf Times.

But people here continue to use black henna, which contents include more than six percent PPD, on skin, when it is intended for hair dyes.

The Peninsula reports:

The problem is that most people don’t know if they’re allergic to it until they have already received lasting damage from a reaction.

Qatar has banned application of black or coloured henna on the skin, eyelashes and eyelids effective from June 1…

Dealers must put a warning sticker on each packet advising that black henna should only be used as a hair dye. Women’s salons are required to put up a 20X40 board advising customers not to use black/coloured henna on the skin, eyelids and eyelashes.

Have you ever had a problem with black henna?

Credit: Photo by NikiSublime