Introduction

Welcome to the world of natural beauty and hair care – where centuries-old secrets meet modern-day elegance. Today, we unravel the mystique of Indigo Powder, a time-honored remedy for achieving that gorgeous, dark hair color. Harvested from the leaves of the Indigofera tinctoria plant, a chemical-free alternative to synthetic dyes, it is created by powdering dried indigo leaves. Paired with henna, it offers a stunning natural black hue.

 

 

Beyond its role in hair dyeing, Indigo Powder boasts an impressive list of benefits for your locks. Traditionally valued for preventing premature greying and treating baldness, this unassuming powder is a powerhouse in hair care. Incorporating it into your hair routine isn't just about coloring – it's about nurturing your hair from roots to tips.

In this article, we invite you to explore the diverse world of Indigo Powder – a natural solution for those seeking vibrant, chemical-free hair care. Let’s dive into its secrets, discover its benefits and side effects, learn how to use it, and make it a delightful part of our hair care routine.

 

What is Indigo Powder?

Indigo powder is derived from dried leaves of the Indigo plant, resulting in a fine greenish-blue powder, rich in indigo pigments. It has been used for centuries as a hair dye and stimulant for hair growth. Due to these powerful properties, indigo powder has shot to popularity within the modern beauty and wellness industry.

It is commonly mixed with coconut oil to combat hair loss when applied to the scalp, or applied after Henna to give a natural black color. Besides this, the dark pigment can also be applied as a temporary tattoo and fabric dye.

 

 

How to make Indigo Powder for Hair? 

Indigo powder is crafted through a process. First, indigo leaves are soaked in water overnight, resulting in a sluggish blue mixture. This concoction is sun-dried until the leaves crisp up. Once dry, they are ground to create the vibrant indigo powder. Remarkably, this transformation from green leaves to blue dye occurs naturally through fermentation, without the need for any chemical additives. The indigo dye obtained is a safe and natural alternative to chemical-based hair dyes. 

How to use Indigo Powder?

Indigo powder is on its own a blue dye, but here's the trick – pair it with henna!

Indigo alone may give a bright blue tint, but first treat your hair with henna to achieve darker shades like brown or a stunning black. Let's dive into the simple steps for a dark black result using Indigo powder as a dye:

Step 1: Henna Treatment

1. Soak the henna powder in black tea or coffee overnight for a potent mixture.
2. Enhance conditioning by adding yogurt or egg to the henna paste.
3. Apply the henna paste to clean hair and leave on for 45 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water (avoid shampoo).

 

 

Step 2: Indigo Application

1. Once your hair is rinsed and dry, it's time for the indigo.
2. Create a smooth paste by mixing indigo powder with water.
3. Apply the indigo paste section by section, from roots to ends, leaving it on for 45 minutes- 2 hours for a rich black tint.
4. Wear a shower cap to avoid any potential spills during the process.
5. Rinse thoroughly with water and wait until the next day to shampoo.

Things to Remember

1. Perform a strand test to ensure the desired color. Understand that indigo develops fully over 24-48 hours, so be patient.
2. Guard against potential staining by wearing old clothes or using a protective cape. Cover surfaces with newspaper or plastic sheets to prevent any accidental staining.
3. Maintain your newly colored hair with sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos, such as our Honey & Coconut Cleanser.
4. To prolong the vibrancy of your color, minimize the use of heat styling tools.
5. Protect your hair from prolonged sun exposure by wearing a hat or using UV protectant products.

 

 

What are the Benefits of Indigo Powder for Hair?

Indigo powder not only transforms your hair's color but is also a powerhouse for hair health:

1. Prevents Hair Fall:
   Indigo hair packs strengthen the hair follicle, prevent hair fall and effectively treat baldness by helping to rebuild hair density and volume.
2. Eliminates Dandruff:
   It aids in removing greasiness and grime, while also preventing scalp issues, reducing dryness and itchiness.
3. Promotes Hair Quality:
   It sustains the hair, making it bouncy, lustrous, and thicker. One of the best parts is it also nourishes the scalp with essential nutrients.
4. Soothes Hair:
   The pack provides a cooling and refreshing sensation, which ultimately calms the body and mind.
5. Treats Premature Greying:
   Once you start applying the pack consistently, it can reverse premature greying naturally., it also helps to strengthen the hair’s natural growth without harmful chemicals.

What are the Side Effects of Indigo Powder for Hair?

While indigo powder is generally safe, understanding these potential side effects helps make an informed decision. 

1. It might cause allergies, resulting in redness, swelling, or rashes. While this is rare, it is important to watch for symptoms like itchiness, headache, or dizziness.
2. Some people can experience scalp irritation, which may lead to discomfort. 
3. It can strip natural oils, causing dry and brittle hair, especially without proper moisturization.
4. Achieving the desired color can be tricky without combining with henna.
5. It can be challenging to remove after its application, limiting flexibility for changing hair color.
6. Some may notice changes like increased frizz or roughness in hair texture, which depends on hair type and porosity. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor before use to determine suitability for your hair type. 
7. Improper application may result in patchy or uneven color distribution.

Always perform a patch test and consult professionals if needed. 

Usage of Indigo Powder Suggested by our In-House Experts

Ohria Ayurveda offers a hassle-free approach for luscious, dark tresses. Create a mix of Ohria Indigo Powder with lukewarm water, a pinch of salt, and a dash of our Keshya Hair Oil. Let it sit for 10 minutes – no need for overnight soaking. Apply this concoction on henna-colored hair, covering roots to strands. Pile your hair into a bun, wait for 30 minutes, and rinse thoroughly or use a mild cleanser. 

A cautionary note: As indigo is a natural product, perform a patch test on a few strands before applying it to the entire head. Enjoy the simplicity and effectiveness of Ohria Ayurveda's approach to vibrant hair!

Conclusion

As we wrap up, remember the magic of Indigo Powder isn’t just in the application – it’s a journey towards embracing the natural beauty of your hair. Ohria Ayurveda invites you to move further in this journey with our hair care range, made from the purest natural ingredients. 

Remember, it can be a time-consuming process to achieve the best hair quality and it requires patience. To know more about the Ayurvedic methods of hair maintenance, contact us here.