Overview
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.
Benefits
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Indigo Powder cleanses your scalp and enhances blood flow which ensures necessary nutrients reach your hair roots and scalp. This eliminates chance of dandruff formation and provides long-term relief from scalp itching and dandruff.
Indigo Powder reverse damage caused due to pollution, dirt, and other environmental factors. It makes your hair soft and smooth by restoring natural texture and health of your hair. It rejuvenates hair follicles and detangles frizzy, dry, and damaged hair. It does so by providing complete nutrition to your hair strands.
Indigo Powder is an excellent moisturizer for dry and brittle hair. It is observed that dry and brittle hair comes off easily and also contributes to rapid hair loss. Use Indigo Powder for making hair masks. By providing the essential nutrients to your hair roots, it keeps them hydrated for a long time.
The color of your hair sustains for a long time if you have used Indigo Powder for dyeing. Natural dark pigment of Indigo Powder will protect hair color. Indigo Powder protects hair color by preventing them from coming off. They also act as a natural emollient and help the color to remain there for a long time.
How To Use
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:
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 of the dye
Rinse thoroughly with water
Wash your hair with a mild shampoo the next day.