Henna and Indigo Application

by EveryDay Mehndi

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 henna'd 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 timeframes 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!!!