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how to apply indigo powder on hair
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Skin and Hair Disorders
Question #24040
26 days ago
44

how to apply indigo powder on hair - #24040

Emma

I am dealing with pretty unruly hair lately and have been looking into natural ways to manage that. I’ve heard a lot about indigo powder and its benefits. I wanna go the natural route, so I really wanna know how to apply indigo powder on hair properly. My cousin used it last week and said it made her hair super shiny, but she didn't explain the process well. I have a lot of grays showing up too, and I heard that indigo powder can help with that as well, but I’m not sure about the mixing part. Do I need to do a prep like some blending with water or something? I worry about ruining my hair because I’ve had too many bad dye experiences in the past. Is there a specific way to mix it? Like, do i leave it on for a long time or just a short bit? Honestly, I’m kinda nervous about how to apply indigo powder on hair without messing it up! Any tips or personal stories would really help, or is there like a specific ratio I need to follow? Really wanna make this work, because I want healthier looking hair but I am also scared, you know? Thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

Using indigo powder on your hair can be a great natural method to manage unruly hair and cover grays, aligning with Ayurvedic principles. Indigo, a natural dye, is often paired with henna for those looking to darken hair naturally. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make best of it: 1. **Henna First, Then Indigo:** This two-step process is beneficial for dyeing gray hair dark brown to black. First, apply henna paste to your hair. Mix henna powder with water until you get a yogurt-like consistency. Let it rest for a few hours until dye release. Apply, then leave in for 1-2 hours before rinsing off with water. 2. **Prepare the Indigo Paste:** For the indigo, mix the powder with warm water just before application. The consistency should mimic a thick yogurt. Add a pinch of salt to help the color bind better. Mix well before applying to avoid lumps. 3. **Indigo Application:** Apply the indigo paste swiftly after rinsing henna but while the hair is damp (not wet). Make sure to wear gloves, as it can stain skin. Cover with a plastic shower cap as this retains the moisture. 4. **Timing:** Leave indigo on your hair for about 1-2 hours. The duration influences the depth of color, but be cautious not to extend too much if your hair is delicate. 5. **Rinse Carefully:** Rinse the indigo out with just water. Avoid using shampoo directly after, wait at least 24-48 hours to allow the color to settle and deepen. For dosage, if your hair is at shoulder length, you'll typically need about 100 grams of indigo powder. Adjust proportionally depending on length or volume. This natural dyeing process may seem daunting at first, but given your concerns, it tend to be more gentle compared to chemical dyes. Indigo is consistent with Ayurveda’s aim to support overall hair health, and maintaining its natural sheen. If your experiences in the past have deterred you, starting with a strand test to see how your hair reacts might ease -- any worry, letting you refine the ratio you’re using before full application. As with any natural product, sensitivity could vary, so a patch test on your skin can prevent unexpected reactions. Good luck!
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Question #16465
133 days ago
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Benzoyl Peroxide Gel - Can Ayurveda Help with Acne Without Causing Dryness? - #16465

David

I’ve been struggling with acne for years, and nothing seems to give long-term relief. I tried antibiotics, changed my diet, and even went on birth control for a while, but the breakouts always come back. My dermatologist recently prescribed benzoyl peroxide gel, saying it will help kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation. I’ve been using it for a few weeks, and while it does seem to dry out the pimples, my skin feels irritated, red, and super flaky. Some areas are even peeling, and my skin feels tight all the time. The problem is, every time I stop using benzoyl peroxide gel, the acne comes back worse. It’s like my skin becomes dependent on it, and I’m stuck in a cycle of dryness, irritation, and more breakouts. I read that Ayurveda focuses on treating acne from the inside rather than just applying things externally. Could my acne be linked to poor digestion or toxins in my blood? If so, how can I balance my system naturally so I don’t have to keep relying on benzoyl peroxide gel? Another thing I’ve noticed is that my acne gets worse in hot weather, and I also tend to get acidity and heat rashes easily. Does that mean I have too much Pitta in my system? Are there cooling herbs or foods that can help calm my skin from within? Also, I read that certain Ayurvedic oils and pastes can help clear acne without drying out the skin. Are there any alternatives to benzoyl peroxide gel that actually work without making the skin peel? I’m also curious about how my lifestyle might be affecting my skin. I drink coffee daily, eat a lot of spicy food, and stay up late working on my laptop. Could these habits be making my acne worse? If I switch to an Ayurvedic approach, how long would it take to see results compared to benzoyl peroxide gel? If anyone has successfully cleared acne using Ayurveda, please share what worked! What treatments, herbs, or daily routines helped the most? Should I continue using benzoyl peroxide gel along with Ayurvedic remedies, or is it better to stop completely?

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Doctors’ responses

Your acne sounds like a classic Pitta imbalance, which can be aggravated by heat, stress, spicy food, caffeine, and irregular sleep. Benzoyl peroxide gel dries out the surface but doesn’t address the root cause, which is likely internal inflammation and toxin buildup (Ama) in your blood and digestion. Ayurveda focuses on cooling and detoxifying the system to prevent breakouts long-term. Since you also experience acidity and heat rashes, your acne may be linked to excess Pitta in the liver and gut. Start with a Pitta-pacifying diet: avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods, caffeine, and excessive dairy. Include cooling foods like cucumber, coconut water, soaked almonds, and fennel tea. Herbs like Neem, Manjistha, and Guduchi help purify the blood and reduce skin inflammation. You can also take Triphala at night to improve digestion and eliminate toxins. For topical care, switch to gentle, Ayurvedic alternatives instead of benzoyl peroxide gel. Use rose water or aloe vera gel as a toner and apply Sandalwood and turmeric paste to reduce inflammation without over-drying. Ayurvedic oils like Kumkumadi oil or Jojoba oil help balance the skin’s natural barrier while preventing breakouts. Avoid harsh cleansers and opt for a mild neem or besan (gram flour) cleanser instead. To prevent flare-ups, focus on stress management and better sleep. Try cooling pranayama (breathing exercises like Sheetali and Anulom Vilom) and go to bed before 11 PM. If you gradually reduce benzoyl peroxide gel while following Ayurvedic remedies, you should see improvements within 4-8 weeks, but full balance can take longer. Have you noticed any specific triggers that make your acne worse? Identifying and avoiding them will help speed up the healing process.
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Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
130 days ago
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Your acne is likely linked to excess Pitta, which causes heat and inflammation in the skin. This can be aggravated by spicy foods, coffee, late nights, and stress. Ayurveda focuses on internal healing by detoxifying the blood and balancing digestion (Agni). Herbs like Neem, Manjistha, and Sariva help purify the blood and reduce inflammation. Drinking coriander or fennel-infused water and including cooling foods like cucumber, coconut water, and ghee can also help calm Pitta. Externally, instead of benzoyl peroxide, you can try applying a paste of sandalwood and rose water or use Kumkumadi taila to heal scars and even out skin tone. Avoid harsh, drying products as they can trigger more oil production and worsen breakouts. Gentle exfoliation with besan (gram flour) and turmeric can help remove dead skin without irritation. If your digestion is sluggish, taking Triphala at night can aid detoxification and prevent toxin buildup that may contribute to acne. Ayurvedic results take time but work at a deeper level; you may start seeing improvements within a few weeks. It’s best to slowly reduce benzoyl peroxide use while incorporating Ayurvedic remedies rather than stopping abruptly. Balancing your lifestyle—reducing stress, sleeping early, and staying hydrated—will also play a major role in long-term skin health.
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Alright, sounds like you've been through quite a rollercoaster dealing with your acne. It can be super frustrating when nothing seems to work long-term, and it’s like a constant battle with your skin. From what you're describing, it sounds like you might indeed have an imbalance in Pitta, especially since you have heat rashes and acidity on top of everything else. Pitta governs heat and metabolism in the body, and when it's outta balance, you can see skin issues like acne, rashes, and redness. Let's consider a few things here. First, about your digestion—yes, it can play a huge part in skin health, from an Ayurvedic view. Poor digestion can lead to the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body, which can exacerbate acne. So, think about incorporating some cooling and detoxifying foods. Try eating more fresh fruits like pomegranates and apples and cooling veggies like cucumbers and bitter gourd. Drink cumin-coriander-fennel tea a few times a day, that's known for balancing Pitta and aiding digestion. Regarding herbs, Neem, Manjistha, and Guduchi are pretty impressive when it comes to purifying blood and supporting skin health. You can find them in powdered or capsule form. Also, Triphala at bedtime can promote regular bowel cleansing, which can indirectly benefit skin health by removing toxins. For external applications, consider trying sandalwood paste or aloe vera gel, both are soothing and moisturizing, without the harsh drying effect. There’s also Kumkumadi Tailam, an Ayurvedic oil, praised for improving skin texture and tone—gently massage a few drops onto the skin at night. Lifestyle? Well, it might be time to take a good look at your habits. Coffee, spicy food, and late-night screen time aren’t doing the Pitta any favors. Switch to lighter teas or herbal infusions, seek cooling spices like fennel and coriander, and aim for earlier, more restful evenings. Your skin will thank you! You’re asking about timeline for seeing results, right? Unlike benzyoyl peroxide which works quick but can be harsh, Ayurveda takes a holistic approach. It doesn’t just banish symptoms but aims for lasting balance. Be patient—with consistent lifestyle and dietary changes, many see improvements within a few weeks to a couple of months. It won’t be overnight magic, but it’s worth it in the long haul. Regarding the gel, see how your skin reacts as you add ayurvedic treatments. You might taper it gradually, to let your skin adjust and avoid a rebound effect. Remember, everyone’s different and it’s crucial to be in tune with your body and what it needs. If something feels off, or your skin gets worse, don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can guide you based on your specific condition. Good luck, hope you find the balance you need!
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