When you are looking for a healthy alternative for chemical hair dyes, one magical ingredient which is natural and safe is “Indigo Powder”. Indigo, which is from a plant called “Indigofera Tinctoria”, which transforms grey hair or brown hair to black hair, when paired with henna. 

Even though this works on white hairs and grey hairs, there are a lot of things to notice and some safety notes to check, when using this indigo powder in your haircare routine.

Indigo Powder Benefits: 

When you pair indigo and henna together, they help in transforming your brown hair, grey hair, and even the white hairs to black hair. This is generally a two-step process in haircare regimen.

• Using indigo makes your hair care non-oxidative and also plant-based. A safe option to color your hair without chemicals in them!

• Along with coating the strains of the hair, they also strengthen and give a natural shine to your hair when used regularly.

• A healthy scalp care, when your scalp is prone to oiliness. Studies have proved that they reduce the fungal infection when using plant-based products in your haircare routine.

• People with sensitive scalp or irritated scalp will also benefit when using plant-based haircare products. Ensure to always patch-test when using new products in your skincare or haircare routine.

Indigo Powder Usage in Haircare (1-step vs 2-step)

Option A: Single-Step Indigo (Deepening Dark Hair)

1. Take a required amount of indigo powder and mix with water. Mix until you get a thick paste.

2. Apply them on your clean scalp by dividing into sections.

3. Wait for 30mins to 1hr minimum. The longer it stays, the deeper the color stains.

4. Rinse them with plain water.

Option B: Two-step henna → indigo (best for greys)

1. Start with “Henna Powder”. Apply on your clean scalp, leave them for an hour and wash off!

2. Dry them on air, and wait for 24hrs.

3. Continue with “Indigo Powder”. Apply for one hour and rinse with plain water.

4. After 24hrs, oxidation happens and gives you a rich brown or black color.

Some of the tips and tricks to follow while using indigo paste in haircare includes:

• Adding a pinch of salt with indigo powder helps in gripping the paste without being watery.

• Divide into sections and apply all over for better coverage.

• Use a cap or towel for better absorption.

• Do not use oil or conditioner before dyeing. 

• After colors, before hair washing next time make sure to oil your hair.

Using Indigo for First Time: Side Effects, Safety, & Patch Test

Even though plant-based hair care products are safe, here are some of the safety measures to consider:

• Mix the paste and apply behind the ears or inner elbow. Wait for 24 - 48hrs, if no irritation or redness occurs you can use them.

• While indigo generally avoids PPD, there are times where PPD is mixed with indigo. When you are allergic to dyes or have respiratory issues, consult your dermat.

• Do not inhale them.

• Wear gloves before applying them on your scalp.

• Keep out of your eyes.

Does Indigo Powder help Dandruff, Hair Fall, or Growth?

There are myths where the claims are like using indigo powder in the scalp helps in reducing dandruff and itchiness in the scalp.

• Soothes Scalp & Balances Oil Secretion - There are sources claiming incorporating these powder helps in calming your scalp and reduces the oily secretion. Even though they are not clinically proven, you can consider them as anecdotal support.

• As claimed by many brands about anti-fungal effects, there is no proven evidence regarding scalp or hair outcomes.

• As they are plant-based, they help in making the hair glossy and fuller.

Is Indigo Powder Safe for Sensitive Scalp or Allergies?

Usually yes. As they are non-oxidative plant dyes, they are considered safe because rarely allergies occur when using indigo powder on the scalp.

Some of the Practical safety steps, especially for sensitive scalps:

• Choose pure indigo powder; And avoid products mixed with PPD/metals.

• Do a patch test; Apply behind ears or elbow and see if they are not reactive. When you face any redness or itchiness, ensure to consult your dermat.

Chemically Treated or Colored Hair: Can I Use Indigo?

Yes, you can use them. But you should check the technique before using it based on your deep or cool hair tone.

1) On bleached/light hair:

• Make sure to do a patch test; It’s because using indigo on bleached hair may give you a greenish tint.

• Using just indigo may not give you the needed color! But when you mix with henna, you will get a deep brown to black color.

2) Over permanent/oxidative color (non-bleached):

• Using indigo in over-permanent or non-bleached color, might take longer time and process than normal hair colored ones.

Conclusion:

Indigo, a nature’s true gift, that helps in enhancing your hair color naturally. As they are plant based and free from harsh chemicals, they help in darkening the grey hair, strengthens roots, and even helps in improving your texture gradually after usage.

When this has been combined with other herbal ingredients like henna, they give long lasting color which is deep and even helps in hair growth.

Get your hands  on a safe, effective, and sustainable way to maintain strong and healthy hair.

FAQs

Does indigo powder work on grey hair?

Yes, when you use the two step process, it helps in giving your rich and long lasting coverage for white hair and grey hair.

Is indigo powder safe?

When your indigo powder is free from PPD and other chemicals, then it’s safer. Make sure to patch tests to avoid allergies and irritation.

Can indigo cause allergies?

Rarely, yes. When you have skin infections like asthma, rhinitis, and even when you have irritated scalp, make sure to consult your dermat.

How long does color last?

Typically 3–6 weeks, depending on wash frequency and aftercare.

How often can I use indigo?

Every 3–6 weeks, or when fading bothers you. Frequent top-ups are fine if the scalp tolerates it.