Why use natural henna?

What's the difference between safe, natural henna and the cones that are available at most stores?

So I get this question a lot. What's all the commotion about "natural henna" or "safe henna". I am told that natural henna suppliers charge £2 for a cone with a measly 20 grams of henna paste, but you can buy a gigantic cone for £1 at the stores. My response has and always will be: "do you always opt for the cheaper option even if it means putting your own safety or the safety of your children at risk?"

The fact of the matter is, yes, you can purchase cheap henna from the stores, and get plenty of paste in one cone for £1, but this henna contains chemicals and PPDs (a harmful chemical often used in hair dyes). It goes without saying that this is extremely dangerous. Many have been known to suffer from severe irritation and I have seen girls with burnt skin and blisters after using this store bought chemical henna, within minutes of application.

Natural henna, on the other hand contains a few basic ingredients, which are pure and natural. These ingredients are: henna powder, sugar, water, and 100% essential oil. Natural henna nourishes the skin and gives a much deeper and richer stain that lasts longer, and all without artificial ingredients. Another plus point with natural henna is that a small amount goes a long way.

We live in a society now where information is widely available at our finger tips at at the click of a button. There is far greater awareness about the products we use -- especially those that we consume or apply to our skin. We give so much importance to the cosmetic products we apply on our skin, but henna is often overlooked. I have seen brides who will ask their makeup artist a hundred questions about the brands they use on their brides but they are quite happy to use the instant, chemical based henna that is available over the counter at stores.

You wouldn't eat an apple smothered with harmful chemicals, so why put them into your body through your skin.