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American Tourist Issues Warning After Henna Disaster in Bangkok

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Picture courtesy of Daily Mail | Instagram/nicknayersina

 

An American tourist, Nick Nayersina, has issued a stark warning after his holiday in Bangkok took a painful turn due to a black henna face tattoo. The impromptu decision during a night out with friends led to a severe allergic reaction, causing blistering and oozing on his face, which may result in permanent scarring. Nayersina was unaware that black henna, unlike traditional henna, contains chemicals harmful to the skin.

 

Black henna is popular for its dark pigment, resembling a real tattoo. However, it contains paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical legal in hair dye only under strict conditions. When applied directly to the skin, PPD can cause severe burns and infections. While it's banned for skin use in Australia, the US, and Europe, it remains common in tourist areas where people seek budget-friendly tattoo alternatives.

 

After the incident, Nayersina realised his mistake and shared his experience on social media, warning others about potential dangers. He stressed the importance of being cautious in foreign destinations, especially when substances banned back home are easily accessible. Medical professionals informed him that while his skin may heal, there's a significant risk of permanent scarring.

 

Tourist hotspots like Thailand and Bali frequently see similar incidents, often exacerbated by alcohol lowering judgement. Unfamiliarity with local products and services can lead to unintended risks, highlighting differences in safety standards. Travellers occasionally rely on cheaper street vendors to expose themselves to substances like black henna without realising the hazards.

 

Nick's situation serves as a reminder to research local practices and products while travelling. Tourists should be careful about what they put on their bodies, no matter how harmless it seems. The blend of intoxication, unfamiliar environments, and budget considerations can turn a fun night into a long-term issue.

 

Nayersina hopes his cautionary tale will prevent others from making similar choices. As travel resumes globally, understanding potential risks is essential, reported the Daily Mail UK.

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • Black henna contains PPD, which can cause severe skin reactions.
  • It's banned in many countries but still used in tourist destinations.
  • Travellers should be cautious about using unfamiliar products abroad.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily Mail UK 2025-11-18

 

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Stupid enough to make a face tattoo, then live with the pain, man.

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Wow-He wanted it and has to serve the consequences. 

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Good guy for warning others. Should be banned everywhere. 

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Bad timing indeed. The Thai temperance society already has 15 days to use this as a(nother lame) reason that adults shouldn't be allowed to buy and drink alcohol when they want.

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idiot

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Decent design at least........imagine, having had a few beers, he'd gone for something, shall we say......a little risque 

 "stupid is as stupid does"

 

At least the tat isn't permanent, Dumb Ass  :cheesy:

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Anyone having any tattoos applied to their face is automatically disqualified from issuing a warning. End of story. 

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21 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Good guy for warning others. Should be banned everywhere. 

Why should he be banned everywhere?

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21 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Stupid enough to make a face tattoo, then live with the pain, man.

Would you believe, your comment received 4 dislikes so far. It must be from the same type of morons as the pictured dumbass in the opening post. 

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“ hey what getting a face tattoo? “

” you outa your mind ? “


6 beers later 

 

 

“ lets go do that face tattoo “

” yeah !, its only henna, what could possibly go wrong ? “

Hahahaha - no such thing as bad publicity Hangover 2 and State Tower back in the news thank you Muppet!

.  Take responsibility for your stupid actions fool.  

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21 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Stupid enough to make a face tattoo, then live with the pain, man.

No, ban the dangerous crap

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Top marks for getting a face tattoo. :stoner:

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10 minutes ago, Kandinski said:

Why should he be banned everywhere?

It be banned because it is a dangerous chemical, so people having fun on holiday die from poisen sprayed to kill bed bugs are stupid and people that are given cheap crap alcohol die because they are stupid very sad that some people are more stupid and senseless with their comments 

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I am mystified by all the comments saying how stupid he is to get a face tattoo.

 

he didn’t 

 

Henna is widely used as a temporary drawing on skin that wears off after a few days. That’s wildly different from choosing to have a face tattoo.

 

I have never heard of black henna rather than just “henna” - so yes, it’s clearly a dangerous substance that the vendor should not be painting directly on someone’s skin.

 

i feel for the guy. 

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Bangkok has him now

The gangster look trend

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22 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Anyone having any tattoos applied to their face is automatically disqualified from issuing a warning. End of story. 

Anyone who doesn’t have a clue of the difference of henna and a face tattoo is automatically disqualified from issuing a post.

 

It amazes me how simple some folk are.

32 minutes ago, BMW Overlander said:

Would you believe, your comment received 4 dislikes so far. It must be from the same type of morons as the pictured dumbass in the opening post. 

Yep, I know, but it´s from the usual suspects. However, at present time it´s 11-5 for the good, so it´s getting better. 😉 

 

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21 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Stupid enough to make a face tattoo, then live with the pain, man.

Henna tattoo is temporary? Washes off after about 10 days?

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21 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Stupid enough to make a face tattoo, then live with the pain, man.

I think it is supposed to wash off, a bit like those Arab ladies do, very intricate designs, usually on their hands, very beautiful, but removable - Not really for half your face. Some serious regrets if that doesn't come off.  Hope he manages to get shot of it.

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31 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

It be banned because it is a dangerous chemical, so people having fun on holiday die from poisen sprayed to kill bed bugs are stupid and people that are given cheap crap alcohol die because they are stupid very sad that some people are more stupid and senseless with their comments 

“Black henna is popular for its dark pigment, resembling a real tattoo. However, it contains paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical legal in hair dye only under strict conditions. “

 

Sounds like it’s already banned for everything other than hair dye. I wonder if the police will take action against the tattooist for using a banned substance

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17 hours ago, KhunLA said:

 "stupid is as stupid does"

 

At least the tat isn't permanent, Dumb Ass  :cheesy:

 

So you didn't read the part about permanent scarring?

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