Using indigo powder after henna is a great way to achieve a rich black tone naturally. You’re on the right track thinking about using it as a follow-up because indigo requires a henna base to really bind to the hair strands effectively. The method isn’t too complicated, but paying attention to a few details will help you get the results you want without any hiccups.
First, after applying henna and rinsing it out, you should ideally wait 24 hours before applying indigo to allow the henna color to settle. This also increases the indigo’s ability to bind and gives a longer-lasting color. Since you’ve got concerns about sensitivity, doing a strand test is always wise. It’ll help you see how long to leave the indigo on your hair and check for any reactions.
When it’s time to mix, you’ll want to prepare the indigo powder by mixing it with enough warm water to form a yogurt-like consistency. Keep it simple; avoid adding acidic substances like lemon juice, which can irritate sensitive scalps. You’ll generally need about 100 grams for shoulder-length hair, but adjust according to thickness and length.
Apply the indigo paste generously, starting from the roots to the ends, ensuring every strand is covered. Once that’s done, wrap it in a shower cap to prevent drying. That said, you’ll want to leave the paste on for about 1-2 hours. Leaving it longer deepens the color, but again, your strand test will guide you here.
When rinsing, just use plain water first to remove the indigo. Try to avoid shampoo immediately after; it’s best to let the color fully develop over the next 24-48 hours. If done carefully, this should lead to a lovely, deep black shade and hopefully will keep your scalp calm too.
