How to Use Henna and Indigo to Cover Grey Hair Naturally

How Henna and Indigo Work for Grey Hair Coverage

Henna and indigo have been used together for generations as plant-based hair colourants. If you want to cover grey hair naturally and achieve deeper shades such as brown, dark brown or soft black, the traditional two-step method is one of the most widely used approaches.

This guide explains how the process works, how to use henna and indigo separately, and how SatyaaVeda's Organic 2-Step Hair Colour Kit simplifies the traditional routine.

Why Henna Alone Doesn't Create Dark Shades

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) creates a warm brown to copper-brown base on grey or white hair. It can look beautiful on its own, but henna alone is not intended to create a deep brown or black result. To learn more about henna's history, botany and traditional uses, read Henna: The Ancient Art and Modern Science.

Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) is traditionally applied after henna to create deeper shades. When indigo is layered over a henna base, the result can range from dark brown to soft black depending on the method used, your starting hair colour and the proportion of henna retained in the second step. For a deeper look at indigo's history and its journey from an ancient dye to a natural hair colourant, read The Immortal Indigo.

The Traditional Two-Step Method: Henna First, Indigo Second

The logic behind the two-step method is simple:

• Step 1: Henna base creates the warm foundation.
• Step 2: Indigo base is applied over it to create a deeper final shade.

Immediately after the henna step, the hair may appear brown or copper-brown. This is normal. The colour can deepen and settle over the following 24 to 48 hours.

How to Use SatyaaVeda Organic 2-Step Hair Colour Kit

The kit contains 2 powder packets, 1 application brush, 4 pairs of gloves and 2 caps. The two powders follow the traditional henna-and-indigo principle: the Brown Base is the henna step and the Black Base is the indigo step.

Step 1: Prepare and Apply the Henna (Brown Base)

1. Take the required quantity of the Step 1 Brown Base powder according to your hair length and density.
2. Use a non-metallic bowl and add lukewarm RO water.
3. Mix until you achieve a smooth, ketchup-like consistency.
4. Cover the mixture and soak it for at least 12 hours or overnight.
5. Ensure your hair is clean and oil-free. Shampoo and towel-dry before application.
6. Apply the henna base evenly, paying particular attention to grey roots, the hairline and temples.
7. Leave it on for 2 hours.
8. Rinse thoroughly with plain water only. Do not shampoo.

Your hair may initially appear brown or copper-brown after this step. This is normal and provides the base for the indigo application.

Step 2: Prepare and Apply the Indigo (Black Base)

1. After 2 to 3 hours, or on the following day, take the required quantity of the Step 2 Black Base powder.
2. Use a non-metallic bowl and add lukewarm RO water to form a smooth paste.
3. Do not soak the indigo mixture. Prepare it immediately before use and apply it straight away.
4. Apply evenly over the hair, ensuring good coverage of previously grey areas.
5. Cover your hair with the provided cap and leave it on for 2 hours.
6. Rinse thoroughly with plain water.
7. Shampoo your hair the following day.

How to Get a Dark Brown Shade Instead of Soft Black

The two-step system can also be adapted for a deeper dark brown result.

When preparing Step 1, make slightly more of the henna mixture than you need for the first application and keep some of the pre-soaked henna aside. At the time of Step 2, mix the reserved pre-soaked henna with the freshly prepared indigo paste and apply the mixture to your hair.

The additional henna in the second step helps retain more warmth beneath the indigo, which can produce a dark brown shade rather than a soft black result.

Final colour can vary depending on your natural hair colour, percentage of grey hair, hair texture and application.

Three Ways to Use Henna and Indigo with SatyaaVeda

Option 1: Use Organic Henna and Organic Indigo Separately

This is the traditional approach for those who prefer to control each stage independently.

• SatyaaVeda Organic Herbal Henna Powder
• SatyaaVeda Organic Indigo Hair Colour

Option 2: Choose the Henna + Indigo Combo

If you prefer to purchase both components together, the SatyaaVeda Organic Herbal Henna & Indigo Combo provides separate henna and indigo powders for a traditional two-step routine.

Option 3: Use the Organic 2-Step Hair Colour Kit

The SatyaaVeda Organic 2-Step Hair Colour Kit provides a ready-made two-step system based on the same henna-first and indigo-second principle.

The Goodness of 12 Organic Ayurvedic Herbs

SatyaaVeda Organic 2-Step Hair Colour is formulated with a blend of 12 organic Ayurvedic herbs:

Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Amla, Organic Bhringraj, Organic Brahmi, Organic Henna, Organic Hibiscus, Organic Indigo, Organic Methi, Organic Neem, Organic Reetha, Organic Shikakai and Organic Ziziphus.

The formulation combines the colouring role of henna and indigo with a traditional blend of herbs commonly used in Ayurvedic hair-care practices.

What Do USDA Organic and India Organic Certification Signify?

Organic certification is about verified standards and processes rather than simply calling a product “natural.” USDA organic standards require compliance with defined organic production and handling requirements overseen through authorized certification systems. India Organic certification is governed through India's National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and its standards, inspection and certification framework.

We will publish a separate guide explaining what USDA Organic, India Organic, ISO 9001 and ISO 22716 GMP for Cosmetics signify, what each certification covers and, equally importantly, what these certifications do not claim to guarantee.

Tips for Better Henna Colour and Coverage

• Start with clean, oil-free hair: Remove heavy oils and product buildup before application so the paste can be applied evenly.
• Follow the soaking time: For this kit's henna step, soak the Brown Base for at least 12 hours or overnight as instructed.
• Use the recommended water: Follow the kit directions and use lukewarm RO water for mixing.
• Get the consistency right: A smooth ketchup-like paste is easier to spread evenly and helps you avoid missed patches.
• Pay extra attention to grey roots: Section the hair and ensure the temples, hairline and stubborn grey areas are fully coated.
• Don't rush the colour development: Henna-based colour can appear brighter immediately after rinsing and deepen as it settles. Colour development after application is commonly observed with henna-based colouring systems. 
• Follow the product-specific instructions: Henna and indigo products can differ in formulation, mixing ratios and processing times, so this kit's instructions should take priority over generic online methods.

What Colour Will You Get?

The final result depends on several factors, including your starting hair colour, percentage of grey hair, hair texture and application technique.

• Henna step alone: typically produces a warm brown to copper-brown foundation on grey hair.
• Henna followed by indigo: produces a deeper result and can move towards soft black.
• Reserved henna mixed into the indigo step: can help retain warmth and produce a darker brown result.

Important Safety Information

It is recommended to perform a patch test before using the product. Follow the instructions on the box carefully for best results. Keep the product out of reach of children and store it in a cool, dry place. Once opened, keep it away from moisture.

If your hair has previously been coloured with chemical dyes, 2 to 3 applications may be required for best results. Results can vary depending on your previous colouring history and hair condition.

Which SatyaaVeda Product Should You Choose?

• Organic Henna + Organic Indigo separately: Best for those who prefer the traditional method and maximum control over each step.
• Organic Henna & Indigo Combo: Best if you want both traditional components together.
• Organic 2-Step Hair Colour Kit: Best if you want a complete, structured two-step system with application accessories included.
• Ammonia-Free Herbal Hair Colour: A separate option for those looking for a simpler, single-step colouring routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the first step look brown or copper-brown?

The first step is the henna base. A warm brown or copper-brown appearance after rinsing is expected before the indigo step is applied.

Can I get dark brown instead of soft black?

Yes. Keep some of the pre-soaked henna mixture aside and mix it with the freshly prepared indigo during Step 2. The additional henna can help retain warmth and create a dark brown result.

Can I use henna and indigo separately?

Yes. SatyaaVeda offers Organic Herbal Henna Powder and Organic Indigo Hair Colour as separate products for those who prefer the traditional two-step approach.

Why should indigo not be soaked overnight?

For this kit, the Black Base is intended to be mixed and applied immediately according to the product instructions. Follow those instructions rather than using a soaking method intended for another formulation.

Can henna and indigo cover grey hair?

Henna and indigo are commonly used together to colour grey hair. Results can vary depending on starting hair colour, percentage of grey hair and application.

Can natural hair colour cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Even plant-based ingredients can cause sensitivity in some individuals. Always perform a patch test and follow the product directions before first use.