How Safe Is It to Use Henna (Mehndi) During Pregnancy?

Henna or Mehndi is an integral part of many Indian cultures and traditions. Henna is applied on the hands and feet on many festive occasions and celebrations. Henna has been in Indian culture for a long time, and it signifies beauty and prosperity. However, it is also widely popular as a natural hair colouring agent and a good hair conditioner. If you are pregnant and wondering whether you can use henna during pregnancy, then you are in the right place. In the following article, we shall discuss the pros and cons of using henna in pregnancy.

Can Pregnant Women Use Henna?

Yes, pregnant women can safely use henna. However, it is recommended to use the pure henna in its natural form and avoid the one that has chemicals in it. The chemical mix henna variants available in the market may give better colour, but the chemicals may cause problems for you or your baby.

However, there are some studies that suggest the avoidance of henna or mehndi for pregnant ladies. A 2016 study concluded that use of Lawsonia inermis (henna plant) during pregnancy may lead to abortion. Therefore it should be considered as contraindication or must be used with great caution (1).

Are There Any Benefits of Using Henna in Pregnancy?

Yes, there are certain benefits of using henna or mehndi while pregnant.

1. Ocassion

It marks a festive occasions and wakes up the festive spirit. It looks so beautiful and you can make multitude of designs. Plus, it is not at all permanent or painful unlike tattoos. You are in the super festive mood, then you can also get a henna design on the babybump. Pregnant henna tattoo belly photograph can be a nice addition to your pregnancy photoshoot.

2. Cooling Effects

Henna or mehndi has a cooling effect. When applied on the hands or feet, it can help soothe the swelling pain.

3. Reduces Stress

For some people, applying henna is a art which can help promote relaxation.

4. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Henna is known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant proprerties.

Conditions When You Should Avoid Applying Henna in Pregnancy

Though using henna in pregnancy is completely safe, you should avoid using henna if you or your previous-born kid has any of the following conditions:

• G6DP deficiency (1)
• Anaemia
• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Any blood or immune system-related problem.

Which Henna Is Safe in Pregnancy?

Henna obtained from the henna plant is the safest form of henna that you can safely use in pregnancy. The natural henna will leave red, orange, brown, cinnamon, brick, coffee or chocolate colour on the skin. The natural henna never leaves a black stain. If it does, then it may indicate the presence of chemicals and thus should not be used in pregnancy. The colour of natural henna may stay from one to four weeks.

Using Henna for Colouring Hair

If you are fond of colouring your hair, you may have to skip this routine in pregnancy, as chemical dyes may pose a threat to you or your unborn baby’s health. Though there is not enough scientific evidence to support this claim, however, it is advisable to give chemical dyes a miss during pregnancy. Many health experts recommend dyeing hair until after week 13 to be safe (2). You may use semi-permanent pure vegetable dyes, like pure, unadultered henna to colour your hair during pregnancy (3) (4). Henna hair dye during pregnancy is not only extremely safe, but it also nourishes and makes your hair shine. The only drawback is that you can only dye your hair in a single colour, and you may have to keep it on your hair for almost four hours to achieve the desired colour.

Applying Henna on the Skin While Pregnant

Are you wondering if mehndi can be applied to hands during pregnancy? The answer is yes; you can apply henna safely during pregnancy. In many customs, henna is applied on the hands and even on the belly to celebrate pregnancy. The pure form of henna has no side effects, and thus, applying mehndi during pregnancy is extremely safe for you or your baby. However, you may apply henna for its other beneficial properties. It brings down the body temperatures and helps cool your system. It is beneficial for curing cracked heels and fungal infections, and it also nourishes the nails. To achieve a rich, darker colour, you may leave the henna on your hands for a longer time. Applying clove oil or mustard oil after you wash off the henna from your hands helps develop a darker colour.

Is Black Henna Safe for Pregnant Ladies?

There are many variants of henna available on the market, and one such variant is black henna. Black henna should be strictly prohibited in pregnancy and non-pregnancy cases because of the following reasons (5):

• Black henna contains PPD or paraphenylenediamine (5); this is a chemical that is usually used in chemical dyes.
• PPD has been proven to cause blisters, burns and other skin reactions and allergies that may be harmful to you or your unborn child.
• It is suggested that you exercise great caution while selecting henna during pregnancy to avoid any health complications.

If you were using black henna before pregnancy to dye your hair, you should stop this practice as soon as you get pregnant. Pregnancy makes you more susceptible to falling ill or having an allergic reaction due to a weakened immune system.

Precautions to Take While Using Henna

Henna is safe and does not cause any complications, however as a mommy-to-be you have to be doubly sure for the sake of your unborn baby. Your immune system is compromised, and thus, you need to be more cautious about your health. Therefore, you may exercise the following caution while using henna during pregnancy:

• Though natural or pure henna is very safe, if you are sensitive or prone to allergies, it will be a good idea to do a patch test. You may apply henna on a small portion of your skin for approximately half an hour. If there is no reaction, then you may safely apply henna.
• It is recommended that if you wish to apply henna on your hair for colour or conditioning, you may get it done from a parlour or ask someone to help you. This is because applying henna can get tedious and may tire you unnecessarily.
• Sit in a comfortable room and on a comfortable chair during the process of henna application as it usually takes a long time. You may make use of extra pillows or stools to provide support to your legs or arms.
• Do not cover your hands after applying henna. The cooling effect of henna will help your body feel relaxed and cool.

• You may take help, even while washing henna from your hair, to avoid unnecessary exertion.
• In case you experience any kind of discomfort, joint pain, discharge or bleeding, you should seek immediate medical help.
• In case you had experienced any reaction after applying henna before you were pregnant, there is a strong likelihood that you may still have it. Therefore, refrain from using henna during pregnancy.

When to Take Medical Help?

Though the henna application does not pose any threat to you or your unborn baby, if you notice any of the following symptoms then it will be wise to take medical help:

• Bleeding
• Dizziness
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Increasing blood pressure
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting

All the above-mentioned symptoms may indicate some medical complications. It is recommended that you get in touch with your doctor to avoid any complications. If you have any medical condition, then it will be a good idea to consult your doctor before applying henna to your hands or hair.

It is suggested that you opt for natural and pure henna for hair and hand application. The various variants available in the market are marketed has ‘natural’ and ‘pure’ but many are contaminated with chemicals and dyes that may cause serious medical complications that may harm you or your baby. So, if you have suspect the henna being unadulterated, its better to avoid it during pregnancy (6). Only buying good quality and authentic henna from a popular brand is the best idea.

References/Resources:

1. Esteki. R, Miraj. S; The Abortificient Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Lawsonia Inermis on BALB/c Mice; Electron Physician; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965209/; June 2016

2. Is It Safe To Dye Your Hair While You’re Pregnant?; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dyeing-your-hair-while-pregnant

3. Is it safe to use hair dye when I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/is-it-safe-to-use-hair-dye-when-i-am-pregnant-or-breastfeeding/

4. Hair Treatment During Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/hair-treatments-during-pregnancy/

5. Can You Get a Tattoo While Pregnant?; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/tattoos/?ref=popsugar.com&=___psv__p_45139596__t_w_

6. Agrawal. S; CAN I PUT HENNA / GET TATTOOS DURING PREGNANCY?; Gynec Doctor; https://www.gynecdoctor.com/blog/henna-tattoos-during-pregnancy/; April 2019

Also Read:

Skin Care while Pregnant
Wearing Make up when Pregnant
Using Perfume and Deodorant in Pregnancy?
Is Calamine Lotion Safe to Use during Pregnancy?

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