Henna and Indigo Hair Dye
Using henna and indigo for hair coloring can result in black, raven black, blue-black, purplish black or burgundy black hair. The exact color result depends upon your original hair coloring as well as how you use your henna and indigo in this process. Henna and Indigo application can be done in either a two-step or one-step process.
For a two-step process, your first step is to follow the instructions provided for using natural henna powder.
Mix your indigo with water 4 to 8 hours before using. Cover and allow the paste (about the consistency of yogurt) to sit for the 4 to 8 hours.
Always wearing plastic gloves, apply the indigo to your previously hennaed hair. I have my indigo ready to use immediately following rinsing the henna from my hair in a back to back process. You can do it this way or wait and apply your indigo later. Apply the indigo to your hair making sure to cover hair from roots to ends. Separating our hair into smaller sections will aid in this. When your hair is covered with the indigo, cover your hair with a plastic cap. Then cover with a towel or scarf. Allow the indigo to remain on your hair until desired color is achieved. Performing a harvested hair test will help you determine how long this will take.
Repeat applications of your henna and indigo will deepen the color results over time.
You can apply your henna and indigo in a single step. I recommend this for people who are not wishing to color gray hair and people with dark brown or black hair.
Mix your henna paste in a bowl and allow it to develop. Mix your indigo paste at the same time in a separate bowl. The longer your henna paste sits and dye is released, the more red the outcome will be. Allow your henna paste to sit for between 2 and 6 hours depending upon your desired results. When your henna paste and your indigo paste have each been allowed to sit a sufficient amount of time, mix the two together. Apply to your hair and allow to remain on your hair maximally 8 hours. A harvested hair test will allow you to determine if less time is required. For most people, fewer than 8 hours is required. The time frames range from 1 hour to 8 hours depending upon the individual. The timing has to do with your desired color results and how well and how fast your hair takes color. A 50/50 henna and indigo mix will typically create the black shades described above. Different people will get different results in terms of blue-black or burgundy-black or black.
The one-step process creates a more gradual coloring of the hair and with each application, your hair will deepen and darken in color. If you chose the one-step process to cover gray, understand that your white hair may not become completely black with the first application. But with patience and repeat application, all of your hair will darken to the desired color.
Enjoy!!!
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EveryDay Mehndi- Copyright www.everydayhenna.com. All rights reserved.
Hi I color my hear but I want to try the henna for my hear I have loupos and I don’t want the cimicals .in my hear can I use he nna want a light brown. Please let me know. Thanks
Hello! Yes, you can definitely use henna to color your hair. Henna is a natural plant-based dye that is safe for people with lupus and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. It also conditions and strengthens your hair. You can find henna kits at health food stores or online. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully for best results.
You should only let the indigo and water mixture sit for 20 mins or so-dye releases immediately sometimes and if you let it sit for hours it wont release into your hair as much.
^This^. I’ve done 2-step henna/indigo on my hair for many, many years. You should only let it sit for 10-20 minutes (def no more than 20 minutes) before you start to apply it. Indigo is a fussy herb and demises very quickly after mixing.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s helpful to know that indigo should not be left for too long before application. This way, we can achieve the best results and make the most out of the dye.
Tina, that’s a good tip! Allowing the indigo and water mixture to sit for only a short period of time ensures that the dye is released effectively and can penetrate the hair better.
what is the best method of dyeing the hair with henna and indigo powder,that is to apply henna and indigo paste separately or to mix the henna and indigo paste together then applying to the hair?
There are different methods people use, but it ultimately depends on personal preference. Some prefer to apply henna and indigo separately to have more control over the color, while others find that mixing them together gives them the desired shade. It’s worth experimenting to see which method works best for your hair and the result you want to achieve.
How long I have to keep indigo paste in my (already applied Heena) hair? Should I wash it after dry? Or is there specific amount of time I have to keep it?
The recommended time to keep indigo paste in your already applied henna hair is around 1-2 hours. It’s important to follow the instructions provided with the product you are using, as different brands may have slightly different recommendations. After the desired time, you can rinse it off with water, and there’s no need to shampoo again unless necessary.
Can the same paste be used on skin for making henna tattoos?
While henna can be used for making tattoos on the skin, it’s generally not recommended to use the same paste that is intended for hair. Henna for body art typically has different ingredients and ratios to ensure it adheres well to the skin and develops a rich color. It’s best to purchase a separate henna paste specifically made for body art.