How to Use Black Henna for Hair

There are many products that claim to be black henna hair dye that do not contain indigo, or come with an activator product. Beware; these products are harmful coal tar dyes that could ruin your hair and cause injury to your scalp. Black henna hair dye is really red henna with an application of indigo over the top. This makes your hair inky black with a blue-violet sheen. Henna and indigo also condition your hair, smoothing frizz and making the strands soft. True indigo and henna dye will be green in powder form and drip blue when the paste is mixed.

Things You'll Need

• Two bowls
• Lemon juice
• Water
• Popsicle sticks
• Plastic gloves
• Shampoo
• Comb
• Plastic wrap or shower cap

Instructions

1. Mix henna paste at least eight hours before you plan to use it. Stir together one to three cups of henna with enough lemon juice to make a thick paste. The longer your hair, the more paste you will need. Let it sit to release the dye.

2. Wash your hair as normal, but do not dry it. Comb it out, and remoisten your henna paste with a little water or lemon juice. Put on plastic gloves to avoid staining your hands.

3. Pick up a glob of paste and, beginning at the nape of the neck, smear the paste evenly onto your hair. Spread it from roots to ends, moving from the nape to your forehead. The layer should be very thick.

4. Coil your hair into a loose bun and tuck it under a shower cap or wrap it in plastic wrap. Allow the henna to set for three to five hours, then rinse and wash your hair as normal. Your hair should be a vibrant auburn color.

5. Mix the indigo powder as you did the henna paste, substituting water for lemon juice. Allow it to sit for eight hours before use and apply just as you did the henna.

Tips & Warnings

• Blondes or very light brunettes may not turn jet black right away. For best results, henna your hair two or three times before using the indigo.

• Purchase body-art-quality henna and indigo for hair dye as it is a better quality than those made for hair.

References

• Mehandi Henna for Hair
• Indigo as Hair Dye
• Henna and Indigo Application

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Black Henna Natural Hair Dye