Contraindications to a Henna Brows Treatment

Whilst henna brows are on the whole, a safe treatment, like with any beauty treatment, there are some things that we need to be aware of. Understanding the contraindications to henna brows is crucial for Brow Technicians to ensure the safety and satisfaction of your clients is crucial. This blog will help you to get clued up on the essential knowledge every Brow Technician should possess regarding the contraindications to getting henna brows, ensuring that you provide not only exceptional results but also maintain the highest standards of client care. So… what are they?

Allergic Reactions

Of course, the most obvious contraindication to henna brows is the potential for allergic reactions. Although henna is largely natural, some individuals may be allergic to its components. This includes a small amount of PPD, to which, in rare cases, some clients may be allergic. Symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling, or blisters around the eyebrow area. It's imperative for Brow Technicians to conduct a patch test at least 48 hours before the application to identify any adverse reactions.

Skin Conditions

Clients with certain skin conditions, especially those affecting the eyebrow area, such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, should avoid henna brows. The application of henna can exacerbate these conditions, leading to discomfort and potential skin damage. This is because the henna can be quite drying on the skin, and clients with already dry skin can experience further issues. Needless to say, any brow waxing, plucking, or threading on clients with a skin condition should be avoided.

Recent Brow Treatments

Clients who have recently undergone certain brow treatments, such as microblading, brow lamination, or a chemical peel near the eyebrow area, should wait before getting henna brows. These treatments can make the skin more sensitive, increasing the risk of irritation from the henna application. It’s also important to note that if a client has had henna brows within the past 6 weeks, then they should wait before having another treatment. As mentioned above, brow henna is naturally quite a drying process and therefore, waiting 6-8 weeks is recommended to avoid damaging the hair.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

While there is no direct evidence linking henna brows to adverse effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding, the lack of comprehensive studies means caution is advised. It's recommended that your client consult a healthcare provider before proceeding with the treatment. It’s also crucial that you check your insurance policy and understand whether you are covered to carry out brow henna treatments on pregnant clients.

Henna Tattoo Reactions

Individuals who have had reactions to henna tattoos in the past, especially those containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD), should avoid henna brows. PPD is a chemical added to henna to intensify the colour and longevity of the temporary tattoo but is known to cause allergic reactions in some cases. The PPD levels in So Henna and other brow henna products are minimal, but it is still something to be very cautious of.

Medications and Medical Conditions

Clients on certain medications that affect skin sensitivity or those with medical conditions impacting the skin's integrity should consult with a healthcare professional before considering henna brows. Medications such as Accutane, which increases skin sensitivity, can make the skin more prone to irritation from henna.

Best Practices for Brow Technicians

All of these contraindications can seem a little overwhelming, but to ensure the safety and satisfaction of your clients, follow these best practices:

Conduct a thorough consultation

Before performing any henna brow treatment, have a detailed discussion with your client about their medical history, skin conditions, allergies, and any recent facial treatments. It’s advised to examine their eyebrows and skin yourself, just to be on the safe side.

Perform a patch test

A patch test is non-negotiable. Apply a small amount of henna to an inconspicuous area and wait 48 hours to observe any adverse reactions before going ahead with the treatment. Should a client experience an allergic reaction, explain to them that unfortunately you will not be able to go ahead with a henna brows treatment. If a client experiences a severe reaction, advise them to seek medical help. Never give medical advice yourself.

Educate your clients

Provide your clients with all the necessary aftercare instructions, such as our So Henna Aftercare Leaflet. This ensures your clients maintain their henna brows and minimises the risk of complications. This includes avoiding makeup or skincare products on the area for 24 hours and using a nourishing oil to keep the hair moisturised.

Henna brows offer a fantastic opportunity for individuals to achieve fuller, more defined eyebrows naturally. However, as Brow Technicians, it's our responsibility to ensure that we're providing this service safely and effectively. By understanding the contraindications to henna brows and adhering to the correct advice, we can protect our clients from potential risks and ensure a positive, satisfying beauty experience. Remember, education and caution are key in delivering not only beautiful but also safe brow transformations.