#Sakura is too visually unique to risk running around without a henge

[brighteuphony]

Why is anbu Sakura's hair black? Is it dyed for better disguising herself with the environment, or does she have a different family in that au?

So in the ANBU!au, ANBU masks all come with a specific array of seals that can be customized at user request. In Sakura's case, its impossible to maintain anonymity with pink hair, so a Henge Seal helps deal with that.

Not all ANBU masks have a Henge- because not everyone has extremely unique features that need to be hidden.

Her ANBU mask seals also feature:

Chakra Key and Disguise : This keys the mask to her specific chakra signature (so it can't be stolen) and helps disguise it. Mandatory to all ANBU.

Poison Filters/Detection Seals: These seals help recognize and filter common airborne poisons. They don't help against ingestion or infection, and don't detect more exotic toxins. Mandatory to all ANBU.

Meshed Eyes/Enhanced Vision Seals: Helps the wearer see more clearly at night, though the mesh is optional- as some users might need clear vision to use dojutsu.

Scent Blocking Seals: These help nullify specific scent markers, as agents are often sweating due to physical exertion. The seal isn't mandatory, but scent blocks of some sort are. It's also highly encouraged to use neutral bodywash and shampoo before missions.

Vocal Distortion Seals: These seals help modulate the user's voice without putting a strain on their vocal cords, as the distortion is handled by the mask. Not mandatory, but Sakura really doesn't want to be recognized.

All seals need to be occasionally recharged/rewritten at ANBU HQ- as they will eventually wear off.

Additionally, these seals are usually invisible to the naked eye, though a skilled fuinjutsu specialist can usually make them visible. The masks are also very damage-resistant and can handle quite a bit of abuse before they start chipping. Since the seals are separate, it's possible to lose only a portion of the mask's seals and keep the others active as long as most of the seal is there.