Buzz
Dyeing your hair is an excellent way to achieve your desired hair color. Unfortunately, most hair dyes contain chemicals that can irritate the skin and scalp. You can avoid this by using indigo leaf powder, which is made from crushed indigo plant leaves, making it entirely natural. With indigo powder, you can achieve a dark hair color without relying on harsh chemicals. Generally, those with lighter hair will need to use henna as a base, while those with darker hair can use indigo powder alone.
Steps
Use henna as a base
Purchase or prepare henna powder. You can either make your own henna powder or save time by buying it from Middle Eastern or Indian grocery stores. Ensure you have enough powder to cover your entire hair. Typically, 200g is sufficient for shoulder-length hair. For specialized henna, you might need to visit a henna art studio.
Mix the henna powder. If you have light-colored hair, you’ll need to use henna as a base. Place a small amount of henna into a bowl. Pour in some hot water, then add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. Stir until the mixture thickens. Continue adding liquid until you achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency. Once the mixture is thick enough, cover it with plastic wrap.
Wait a few minutes for the henna to cool before applying. You should apply henna to your hair while it’s warm but not hot. After a few minutes, remove the plastic wrap and check if the henna has cooled down.
Apply cream to your ears and hairline to protect your skin. You don’t want henna staining your face or ears during the dyeing process. Any thick cream will work for this purpose.
Apply the henna to your hair. Work in sections by dividing your hair into three equal parts. Apply a generous amount of henna paste to each section. The paste should be thick enough to saturate your scalp.
Cover your head. Once you’ve applied henna to all sections of your hair, wrap your head with plastic wrap and leave it on for 2-4 hours. This step ensures the henna fully penetrates your hair.
Prepare for dyeing hair with indigo powder
Purchase indigo powder. You can find indigo powder at major retailers or beauty supply stores. High-quality indigo powder is also available on websites like Amazon. Buy 100g of indigo powder for every 6 inches of hair length.
- You can dye your hair in the bathroom for easier cleanup.
Wash your hair thoroughly. Shampoo your hair well, then let it air dry or use a blow dryer. You can use your regular shampoo and conditioner. Ensure all dirt and henna residue, if used, are completely washed out. This step will make the dyeing process smoother. Start dyeing when your hair is still damp, as a bit of moisture helps the dye adhere better.
Divide your hair into sections. Use a comb to detangle your hair. Once combed, divide your hair into several sections for easier application. The most common method is to split your hair into 4 sections. To do this, divide your hair into two parts, then split each part in half. Separate the front and back sections first, then divide the left and right sides; this will give you 4 distinct sections.
- Use hair clips or pins to secure each section.
Wear gloves. Indigo can stain your hands and turn them blue. To avoid this, wear rubber gloves before applying the indigo paste. Latex gloves, kitchen gloves, or gardening gloves will all work.
Apply the indigo mixture
Mix the indigo paste. It’s best to do this right before dyeing your hair. Pour warm water into a medium-sized bowl, then sprinkle in the indigo powder and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Mix thoroughly until the paste reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
Apply the indigo paste to your hair. Now that the indigo mixture is ready, use your hands to apply it evenly to your hair. Make sure to cover all sections you want to dye dark.
Wrap your hair. To ensure the indigo mixture stays warm and penetrates your hair, wrap your head with plastic wrap or a shower cap after applying the paste. Leave it on for about an hour.
Rinse out the mixture. Remove the plastic wrap and rinse the indigo mixture from your hair using cool water.
- Avoid shampooing your hair for 2-3 days after dyeing.
- It takes about 2 days for the indigo mixture to oxidize. Once oxidation is complete, you’ll see the true color.
Tips
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the indigo mixture for a darker color.
- Do not store indigo powder in the freezer, as it will lose its dyeing properties. Keep it in a dry, dark place.
- This method works best on chestnut brown and red hair. Blonde hair may turn blue-green.
- Avoid washing your hair for 1-3 days after using indigo powder, or the color may fade.
- The indigo mixture cannot be stored, so only mix enough for one use.
- The indigo paste has a consistency similar to wet sand. You can add 1-2 egg whites to make it easier to apply.
Warnings
- Indigo can permanently stain clothes, carpets, pets, and furniture, so be cautious.
- If you have gray hair, it may take on a different color than the rest of your hair.
- Avoid using indigo powder if you don’t want an overly dark color.
- If your hair has been recently dyed or bleached, indigo may not cover it evenly.
- Indigo dye is permanent. You’ll need to wait for it to grow out.
- Indigo can slightly dry out your hair. If using it frequently, alternate with henna, which conditions hair and doesn’t lighten black color.
What You'll Need
- Indigo powder
- Old towels, clothes, and newspapers
- 2 eggs
- Mixing bowl and spoon (non-metallic)
- Plastic wrap
- Warm water
- Henna
