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how to use indigo powder with henna
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Skin and Hair Disorders
Question #25096
28 days ago
51

how to use indigo powder with henna - #25096

James

I am really curious about how to use indigo powder with henna because I recently tried dyeing my hair at home, and it didn't go as planned! I have dark brown hair naturally, but I wanted to go for that rich black color. When I mixed the henna, it looked great at first, but then it turned out way too reddish for my liking. I read somewhere that using indigo powder with henna can help achieve that nice black hue. I tried to mix them together but ended up with a weird consistency — like too thick or something. Honestly, I don’t even know exactly how to use indigo powder with henna. Do you mix them together, or apply them separately? Anyone had success with this? I was also wondering if I need to do anything special to prep my hair or if there’s a specific sequence to it? Like, is there a waiting period or something important to know? I'm just really looking for some guidance here because I don’t wanna mess it up again. Thanks in advance for any help!

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Doctors’ responses

Using indigo powder with henna for dyeing your hair can indeed achieve that rich black shade you're looking for. It's a 2-step process, don’t worry if it didn’t go as planned the first time, there's a bit of technique to it. First, you'll apply the henna, then follow with indigo. Start with mixing the henna with warm water and a bit of lemon juice (for acidity, which can help release the dye) until it has a yogurt-like consistency. Cover it and let it sit for 8-12 hours or overnight to allow dye release. This process is crucial, but many people mistakenly skip it or don't wait long enough. Before applying henna, wash your hair, but don’t condition it. After washing, towel dry till damp. Part your hair into sections and apply the henna paste evenly from roots to tips. Once applied, cover your hair with a plastic wrap or a shower cap to keep it moist. Let it sit for 2-4 hours for a deeper color. Rinse your hair well with water, no shampoo. Once your hair is rinsed and semi-dry, prepare the indigo paste. Mix indigo powder with warm water, stirring to an even paste — no soaking time is necessary because indigo releases dye immediately. Apply indigo the same way you did henna, section by section. Keep it on for 1 to 2 hours depending on the shade you want. Rinse thoroughly again, do not use shampoo for at least 24 hours to allow the color to fully develop. For prepping the hair, remember, clean damp hair tends to take dye better. Consider adding a little salt to your indigo paste to improve color adherence. If you still end up with an undesired shade, sometimes it takes another application or two for the desired tone, especially if the initial henna was too reddish. Mistakes with mixing, like getting that weird consistency, usually come from a wrong liquid-to-powder ratio or improper paste setting time. Always aim for a spreadable consistency—not too thick or runny. Keep trying, you're on the right track to get that lovely black hue!
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