Henna is a popular way to express yourself and add some flair to your look even when traveling. But can you take henna on a plane? And what are the TSA rules for henna?
Here is a quick answer: You can ✓.
However; henna paste needs to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, while powdered henna more than 12 ounces / 350 grams will be subject to additional screening.
In this post, I will answer all these questions and more. I will also share some tips and tricks on how to use henna safely and effectively while traveling.
How Much Henna Powder You Can Take? TSA Rules
The TSA clerks regulate what you can and can’t bring on flights within and from the U.S.
They don’t provide any information about henna powder or henna tubes on their website, however; the good news is that, you can pack henna powder on a plane carry-on and checked bags, but there are some tips that you need to keep in mind when traveling with powders in general.
You will need to remove any amount of henna powder greater than 12 oz / 340 grams from your bag and place it in a separate bin for additional screening.
The TSA guys might open your container, this is why they advise to pack any large amount of powders in checked baggage.
What about Henna tubes?
The TSA considered Henna tubes and pastes liquids, so they will need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
This is what the TSA liquid rule “ If you can pour it, pump it, squeeze it, spread it, smear it, spray it, or spill it, it’s subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule”
So due to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule any henna tube needs to be in 3.4 oz/ 100 ml or less placed in a clear quart sized bag with your toiletries, when transported in hand luggage.
Remember that when you pass the security checkpoint you are not obligated to have your henna or other liquids inside your quart sized bag.
The @AskTSA Service
If you have other concerns regarding transporting henna on planes, you can always get an answer from the @AskTSA customer service by tagging them on X (formerly Twitter) or sending them a message on Facebook messenger.
Here are some answers I’ve found.
Daisy wonders if her powdered henna is okay to bring in carry-on.
The AskTSA team replied that Henna powder is allowed in carry-on bags.
And as I mentioned early Henna tubes along with other liquids like petroleum jelly or oil are limited to 3.4 oz or less.
Here is a confirmation from the @AskTSA team.
Nola wanted to bring her henna materials, which includes henna tubes and a squeeze bottle.
They replied that her lovely creamy henna paste is allowed in carry-on bags, but containers must be 3.4 oz or less and placed in a single quart sized bag with other travel size liquids, gels and aerosols.
Henna and Airlines Rules
All airlines in the U.S obey the TSA instructions for traveling with both powdered and henna liquid, so it doesn’t matter if you are traveling with American airlines, United, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue or even with other regional airlines.
Again, all types of henna are good to go in both carry-on and checked baggage, tubes of henna will not be permitted in carry-on if it exceeds 3.4 oz / 100 ml regardless of the airline you are flying.
Can You Take Henna in Checked Baggage?
Yes, you can pack henna in your checked bag.
In fact, some travelers prefer to place henna in their checked bags, as it saves them the space, brings more henna, while avoiding the hassle of the security checkpoint.
However, there are some cons of taking henna in checked baggage, like running the risk of henna getting spilled or leaked and making a big mess inside your suitcase.
Can You Bring Henna on International Flights?
Yes, you can bring henna for personal use on international flights. However, you need to be more careful and cautious when traveling with henna to a different country.
Before you bring henna on international flights, you need to do some research and planning.
Check the customs regulations of your destination country, and see if they have any specific rules or restrictions for henna.
You also need to check the customs regulations of any transit or stopover countries, and see if they have any specific rules or restrictions for henna.
For example Canada and UK does not have any specific rules or restrictions for importing henna, so you can bring it in both carry-on and checked baggage.
However, they advise travelers to pack henna in a clear plastic bag and keep it in its original packaging. you might also need to declare your henna at the customs (when traveling with a large quantity), and show the receipt if needed.
You Can Bring Plastic Bottles, Fine Applicator Tips, Tinting brush And Piping Bags Too
Plastic bottles and tinting brush are allowed in both your carry-on and checked bags without any restrictions.
You can also take piping bags and fine applicator tips, just ensure they are well protected and sheeted to avoid any injuries or harm for security officers and luggage inspectors.
Can You Bring Henna On a Plane: The Final Thoughts
You can bring all types of henna and hair dye on an airplane in carry-on bags or checked bags. If you pack liquid henna in hand luggage it must be in tubes or bottles smaller than 3.4 oz and be packed in your toiletries bag.
If you need to take more liquid henna than the 3.4 ounces limit then you can pack it in your checked.
You will need to remove any powdered henna greater than 12 oz / 340 grams from your bag and place it in a separate bag for additional screening.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
