Abu Dhabi: The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has warned women's beauty salons against adding any petroleum or hazardous substances to henna.
In order to avoid serious health problems arising from those use of those substances, the municipality urged salons not to buy ready-made henna mixtures from hawkers as it is always difficult to make out the substances used in making the product.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the municipality warned that it would act in the best interests of the community and take appropriate action against salons violating health standards.
Once proven that a salon added harmful substances to henna, the municipality said the affected product would be immediately confiscated and appropriate legal action taken against the salon.
The legal action may include the closure the salon or cancellation of its commercial licence, as well as a hefty fine.
Meanwhile, the municipality called on women visiting salons to ensure that the henna used is natural and free from any hazardous substances. Women have been called upon to report any violations.
Khalifa Mohammad Al Rumaithi, acting director of the Public Health Division, said that this move emanated from the municipality's desire to guarantee the community's health and safety.
"The municipality continuously monitors salons and applies strict health stipulations on facilities, employees and substances used. Tools used are subjected to strict tests to ensure their compliance with the health standards and approved safety conditions in place," he said.
Awareness levels
Emily Alcaraz, manager of a beauty salon in the capital, said that there had been awareness among most salon owners about the health risks of using adulterated henna.
"We know about the risks, and so we don't buy henna from hawkers. We only use henna bought at the bigger salons, which in turn import their henna from authorised dealers. Our current supplier brings henna from India," she said.
