Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) is a herb that belongs to a species of the bean family. It is one of the oldest known dyes that was used extensively as a natural colouring agent and medicine. It is an indigenous plant to Asia and parts of Africa. Indigo powder is obtained from the crushed leaves of the plant that serves as organic dye not only for hair but for all types of fabrics. Indigo was valued as a precious good and referred to as ‘blue gold’. Over the time, people discovered the use of indigo to colour hair naturally and the dye became famous as Indigo hair colour. Packed with several natural components indigo powder strengthen hair follicles and renders a natural black colour to the hair.
How Is Indigo Powder Obtained?
Indigo powder is produced by soaking the leaves of the plant overnight in water, which turns the water into a sluggish blue mixture. This mixture is then sun-dried until all the leaves completely dry up and become crisp. Once the leaves are dried, they are grounded to obtain the indigo powder. This simple process of turning green leaves into vibrant blue dye by fermentation is simply wonderful! As no chemicals are added in this process, the Indigo dye obtained is completely safe and valuable for hair.
Well, using natural hair colours lend your mane the tint one desires without any damage and enhance hair’s health. Read on to know about some of the well-known benefits of using Indigo powder in your hair care routine.
Also Read: Henna For Healthy Hair: Fantastic Benefits Of This Herbal Wonder For Long And Lustrous Tresses
Benefits of Indigo Powder
Prevents Hair Fall
Indigo powder works amazingly well for all those who suffer from hair fall. Blending indigo powder with hair oil and massaging the mixture gently on the scalp strengthens the hair follicles and avert hair fall. Regular use of an indigo hair pack also treats baldness and rebuilds hair volume and growth.
Eliminates Dandruff
Applying indigo powder aids to get rid of greasiness and grime on the scalp. Also, it prevents the scalp from becoming oily, dry or scaly, which generally leads to dandruff. Using indigo powder regularly can help avert excessive dryness and itchiness on the scalp and lowers the risk of all kinds of fungal infections.
Promotes Hair Quality
Constant exposure to pollutants, overuse of heating equipment or harsh chemical colouring can make the hair look dull and brittle. Fret not, regular use of indigo powder helps to sustain hair and make it bouncy, lustrous, and thicker. Apart from this, it prevents scalp infection and using it with coconut oil nourishes the scalp with vital nutrients and makes the mane stronger and healthier.
Soothes Hair
Indigo powder not only improves hair colour but also soothes hair scalp and follicles. It offers a cooling and refreshing sensation which makes you feel relaxed and calms the body and mind.
Also Read: 5 Essential Summer Hair Care Routine, You Should Follow
Treats Premature Greying Of Hair
Indigo powder is a sure shot natural remedy to reverse premature greying of hair and renders hair natural black colour. Using chemical-based dyes can speed up the greying and makes the hair lose its pigment. Also, indigo powder with natural colouring properties strengthens the hair follicles and is safe for all types of hair. Furthermore, blending different proportions of indigo powder with henna can provide you with a range of attractive shades like brown, light brown cherry, and mahogany to mention a few, without damaging hair.
How To Use Indigo Powder?
As indigo powder is a blue dye, applying it directly to the hair will leave a bright blue tint. Thus, to get darker shades like brown or black, you need to prime hair with henna treatment before using indigo powder.
Follow the below steps to colour your hair black:
Step 1 - Treatment With Henna.
- In a bowl soak henna powder with black tea or black coffee concoction overnight
- Add yogurt or egg for additional conditioning
- Apply the henna paste on clean hair and let it stay for 45 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with water, do not use shampoo
Step 2 Treatment With Indigo
- After rinsing the hair, allow it to dry
- Mix indigo powder in water to form a fine paste
- Apply on the hair with one section at a time, right from the roots to the ends and apply the remaining paste all over the head. Allow it to stay for 45 minutes to 2 hours to get a rich black tinge.
- Wear a shower cap to avoid spilling the dye
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo the next day
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Correct Way To Use Indigo Powder On Hair?
To colour your hair naturally using indigo, especially for black or dark brown shades, follow the two-step method:
Step 1:
Mix henna powder with water or tea and let it sit for 6–8 hours.
Apply to clean hair and leave it on for 2–3 hours.
Rinse thoroughly (no shampoo).
Step 2:
Mix indigo powder with warm water (add a pinch of salt for better results).
Use immediately (no need to wait for dye release).
Apply to freshly henna-coloured hair.
Leave for 1–2 hours, depending on desired intensity.
Rinse thoroughly, do not use shampoo for 24–48 hours.
Can Indigo Powder Reverse Grey Hair?
No, indigo powder does not reverse greying. It masks grey hair by naturally dyeing it a deep blue or black shade when used after henna. Greying is typically caused by genetics or aging and cannot be reversed by topical products.
What To Mix With Indigo For Hair?
Warm water is the base for activating indigo.
Salt (optional) helps to enhance dye release and adherence to hair.
Do not mix indigo with acidic substances like lemon or yogurt (they interfere with dye strength).
If blending for brown shades, you can mix indigo directly with henna (one-step method), but the result may not be as dark as the two-step method.
What Are The Side Effects Of Indigo?
Natural indigo is usually safe, but potential side effects include:
Allergic reactions (itching, redness, rashes).
Dryness or brittle hair occurs with frequent use.
Rarely does respiratory irritation occur if powder is inhaled.
Risk of scalp sensitivity in those with skin conditions.
A patch test is always recommended before full use.
Can Indigo Damage Hair?
Indigo is generally non-damaging when used properly, especially if it's 100% natural. However, overuse or poor-quality products with chemicals may dry or damage hair.
Not conditioning properly afterwards can leave hair rough.
Can I Use Only Indigo Without Henna?
You can, but it will dye hair blue or greenish, especially on grey or light hair.
For black or dark brown colour, indigo must be applied over henna-treated hair.
Why Add Salt To Indigo Powder?
Salt helps to enhance dye uptake by the hair shaft.
Improves colour intensity and binds well to previously hennaed hair.
Recommended: 1 teaspoon of salt per 100g of indigo.
When To Apply Oil After Indigo?
Wait at least 24–48 hours before oiling your hair.
Indigo continues to oxidise and deepen in colour after application. Oiling too soon can interfere with colour development and make it fade faster.
(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specialising in tailoring personalised diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasising the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
From natural dye to herbal medicine: a systematic review of chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and clinical applications of indigo naturalis, Yang Qi-yue 1, Zhang Ting 2, He Ya-nan 2, Huang Sheng-jie 2, Deng Xuan 2, Han Li 2,3,✉, Xie Chun-guang
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7734464/
The Importance of Natural Indigo Dye and Its Revitalization and Ethiopian Potential for Indigo Growing
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369902309_The_Importance_of_Natural_Indigo_Dye_and_Its_Revitalization_and_Ethiopian_Potential_for_Indigo_Growing
