Combining the botanical benefits with natural hair dyeing capability, indigo powder has been widely used in hair for ages. Extracted from indigo plant, a small herb, the medicinal uses of this wonderful herb are very well known. When used after the henna hair treatment, indigo powder could give a deep black dyeing color while nourishing your hair for a glossy and soft look. Here is all you need to know about indigo powder and how to apply it.
What is indigo powder?
The blue coloring agent lies in the nutritional composition of the indigo leaves. The compound that is responsible for the coloring effect is known as glycoside – a mixture of Indoxyl and glucose. The dye is made by soaking the leaves in fresh water and then fermenting it. Once the glucose is absorbed by the bacteria, Indoxyl or white indigo is released, which then oxidizes into a blue dye. While preparing the powder, the leaves are partly fermented and sun-dried to give a crisp texture and finally powdered.
Benefits of indigo for hair
1. Acts as a natural hair dye
It is a natural hair dye and can be used to replace artificial hair dyes. This plant-based nature of indigo powder is very gentle on your hair and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals like peroxide and ammonia.
2. Prevents greying of hair
Besides being used as an effective natural hair dye in the form of powder, the indigo leaves boiled in the coconut oil could be used as an amazing home remedy for greying hair. Also, regular use of this herb could not only reverse but also prevent the hair greying in the long term.
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3. Helps in hair growth treatment
The Indigo leaf hair oil could also be used for hair growth treatment. Also, regular massage with this leaf oil could help fight all types of scalp infections and also stimulate the root to promote hair growth.
4. Removes dandruff
When used as hair pack, this indigo powder could treat effectively the dandruff-causing scalp infections. Even when it is used as hair oil, regular massage can nourish the scalp and also help keep flaking to minimum.
5. Tackles dry hair
One of the best natural conditioners is indigo hair pack which can be used to cure dry and brittle hair. This applies to the indigo hair oil also, and with regular use, you can end up with smooth, soft, and bouncy hair.
Also Read: Some Brilliant Benefits of Guava Leaves for Hair Growth
How to prepare indigo hair dye
Making an indigo powder paste for hair is easier than making the henna hair pack. Measure the quantity of powder required for the hair, because indigo powder when mixed with water could not be stored for next time use. The standard measurement is 40 to 50 grams for very short hair, about 80 grams for a shoulder length hair and about 150 grams will be required for long hair.
Add the needed amount of indigo powder in a small non-metallic container – and as a rule of thumb, the glass bowls are your choice of container for mixing the hair dyes. Add slightly warm water to it and then mix well to form a very thick paste. Always soak the mixture for about 20 to 30 minutes, after which indigo powder would start releasing the natural dye. You would know when to apply it as the dye would start to collect at the corners of the small bowl.
Ways of applying indigo hair dye
Indigo hair dye can be best used after a henna hair treatment. You can also mix indigo powder into henna powder, which will give a dark reddish color. But it is suggested it do separately. It is recommended to do indigo hair treatment one day after you dye the hair with henna powder to get a deep black color.
Also Read: 12 Best Vegetables for Hair Growth: Don’t Forget to Try it Once!
Step 01: Before making the paste, brush your hair to make sure that there are no knots or tangles in your hair. Wear on an old shirt (which you may do not mind ruining) and then put a pair of plastic gloves to avoid staining the hands and nails.
Step 02: Separate the hair into multiple sections and then start applying the dye. Make layer of the paste with the dye brush and massage it with your hands. When you have covered all the sections use the leftover paste to massage the scalp, which would cover the remaining grey root and nourish your scalp.
Step 03: Once the head is covered with the dye, use the plastic cover or shower cap to avoid oxidation of hair dye. Leave it for 2-3 hours and wash it with plain water. Don’t wash with shampoo as it can wash the dye. Wait for about 48 hours before using conditioner and shampoo on the hair. Air dry hair to lock in the dark black color and avoid the moisture loss.
