Totally don’t mean to come off as a jerk.
1. It’s a whimsical idea. I get it. But, NO. SUPER HARD NO. Non-Toxic and Organic doesn’t mean NON HARMFUL. Speaking as a paramedic, Organic compounds are some of the deadliest compounds on earth, if you study chemistry. Sure, henna is safe for a human, but your chameleon is about 1/1000th of your size. It very well could be harmful or LETHAL for him, a creature that, in the entire span of his evolution, has never once been exposed to henna. Who knows what will happen? Why risk the health and possibly the LIFE of a creature that is directly dependent on YOU to survive, for no other reason than to paint a design on a creature that is already a painting in motion and needs ZERO beautification? Nope. No reason. No.
2. Chameleons are EXTREMELY fragile animals. That’s why we spend huge $$ on fancy setups to simply keep them alive. They are cool, and sometimes tough and full of attitude, but are one of the most fragile animals on the planet. Very simple changes in PH (chemistry), atmosphere, and temperature can Damage or KILL them. QUICK. Chameleons also aren’t great at recovering from any kind of trauma. They are notorious for having weak kidneys, which are vital for filtering toxins. Even low water supply can damage their kidneys. With any kind of toxic exposure, they may suffer medical issues for a long time, or die immediately. If they get stressed out even from simply handling them when they don’t want to be handled (let alone trying to paint them with henna), they may mistrust you, for a long time. Once your chameleon mistrusts you, it’s a long journey to get that trust back, IF YOU DO. IF. Capitol IF.
3. Chameleons are already one of the most beautiful animals on the planet. Their natural colors and patterns top most other animals. I see no reason why you should put your chameleon (or yourself) at risk to paint on a human-designed design. Appreciate the cham for its natural beauty.
4. A LOT of people don’t realize that chameleons BITE, and DRAW BLOOD, very very easily. I’m a big tough guy and have never been a bleeder. I scared my chameleon one night on accident, and he TORE my thumb open, I didn’t need stitches, but it bled, A LOT. They have rows of VERY VERY sharp teeth, no matter what type of chameleon you have. They are INSECTIVORES/CARNIVORES, and their teeth are designed to SHRED tissue. If you spook them, they will respond with teeth, and you will bleed.
I’d highly recommend that you don’t, if that was a serious question. I mean no disrespect. Just DON’T, for numerous reasons. Respect the animal, appreciate the animal, care for the animal, don’t stress the animal.
If you want to paint a cool design on your chameleon, take a picture of your chameleon, pull up photoshop or sketch, and have at it. That way, you have a cool picture, and you didn’t put your chameleon at risk. Then share the picture here, and people will think it’s cool!
If you choose to ACTUALLY put henna on your chameleon against the advice of the people here that care for them and love them, I’d strongly recommend that you don’t share it with us. The feedback would NOT be positive, at all. Trust me, I’m a moderator on another forum. People don’t forget, especially on forums.
No offense intended, at all. Just a friendly but stern warning.
The point: Think of and enjoy the animal as it is, in it’s natural glory. Don’t think of how you can improve it, because you can’t.
