How to Use Henna and Indigo to Cover Grey Hair Naturally
How Henna and Indigo Work for Grey Hair Coverage
Henna and indigo are traditional plant-based hair colourants used together to create shades ranging from warm brown to deeper brown and soft black. This guide explains the traditional two-step method, application precautions, aftercare, and SatyaaVeda product options.
Why Henna Alone Does Not Create Dark Shades
Henna (Lawsonia inermis) generally creates a warm brown to copper-brown foundation on grey or white hair. Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) is traditionally applied over the henna base to develop deeper shades. For reliable blackish coverage, complete Step 1 before Step 2; indigo alone on untreated grey, white, or very light hair may create bluish, greenish, or uneven tones.
For additional background, read Henna: The Ancient Art and Modern Science and The Immortal Indigo.
How to Use SatyaaVeda Organic 2-Step Hair Colour Kit
The kit contains two powder packets, one application brush, four pairs of gloves, and two caps. The Brown Base is the henna step; the Black Base is the indigo step.
Step 1: Prepare and Apply the Henna Brown Base
- Take the required quantity according to hair length and density.
- Use a non-metallic bowl and gradually add lukewarm RO water.
- Mix to a smooth, lump-free, ketchup-like consistency.
- Cover and rest overnight, or for at least 12 hours, for colour release.
- Shampoo to remove oil, dirt, and buildup, then towel-dry until damp.
- Wear gloves and divide the hair into sections.
- Apply from roots to lengths, thoroughly covering the roots, hairline, temples, and grey areas.
- Cover with the provided cap and leave for at least 2 hours.
- Rinse thoroughly with running water. Do not shampoo at this stage.
- Pat dry gently.
The hair may initially appear reddish-brown, brown, or copper-brown. This is expected and forms the foundation for Step 2.
Step 2: Prepare and Apply the Indigo Black Base
- Complete Step 1 first. Apply Step 2 on the following day, allowing the henna base to develop.
- Mix the required quantity of Black Base with lukewarm RO water in a non-metallic bowl.
- Mix to a smooth, ketchup-like paste.
- Do not soak the indigo mixture. Prepare it immediately before application and use it straight away.
- Wear gloves and apply the indigo over the henna-treated hair from roots to lengths.
- Thoroughly cover the roots, hairline, temples, and grey areas.
- Cover with the provided cap and leave for at least 2 hours.
- Rinse until the paste and residual herbal particles are completely removed.
- Do not shampoo immediately. Pat dry gently and allow the colour to develop.
The final colour may deepen over the next 24–48 hours.
Aftercare: When to Shampoo
Wait 24–48 hours after Step 2 before your first shampoo. Thereafter, you may use SatyaaVeda SLS & Paraben Free Black Rice Shampoo with Aloe Vera, Neem & Tulsi.
Herbal colouring treatments may feel drying for some hair types. If your hair feels dry, use a suitable deep-conditioning treatment. The SatyaaVeda Sulphate-Free Green Tea & Aloe Vera Conditioner can be used as a nourishing conditioning treatment.
How to Get Dark Brown Instead of Soft Black
Keep some pre-soaked henna aside during Step 1. During Step 2, mix the reserved henna with freshly prepared indigo and apply the mixture. The additional henna may retain more warmth and produce a dark brown result rather than soft black. Results vary with starting hair colour, grey percentage, hair texture, and application.
SatyaaVeda Product Options
Option 1: Organic Henna and Organic Indigo Separately
This traditional approach gives you control over each stage.
Option 2: Organic 2-Step Hair Colour Kit
The SatyaaVeda Organic 2-Step Hair Colour Kit provides a structured two-step system with application accessories.
Option 3: Single-Step Alternative for Faster Colouring
If you prefer a single-step application and a faster routine, you may opt for SatyaaVeda Ammonia-Free Herbal Hair Colour with 9 Ayurvedic Herbs.
- Available shades: Black, Brown, Dark Brown, and Burgundy.
- Quantity: 60 g powder.
- Application: One step, approximately 45 minutes.
- Ammonia-free formulation.
This product is not completely chemical-free and is not an organic-certified product. It is a separate single-step option for customers who prioritise faster application rather than the traditional two-step henna-and-indigo process.
The Goodness of 12 Organic Ayurvedic Herbs
SatyaaVeda Organic 2-Step Hair Colour is formulated with Organic Aloe Vera, Amla, Bhringraj, Brahmi, Henna, Hibiscus, Indigo, Methi, Neem, Reetha, Shikakai, and Ziziphus.
Tips for Better Coverage
- Start with clean, oil-free hair.
- Section the hair and fully coat roots, lengths, hairline, temples, and grey areas.
- Follow the henna soaking time and do not soak the indigo.
- Use the recommended lukewarm RO water and paste consistency.
- Follow the henna-first, indigo-second order.
- Rinse thoroughly and wait 24–48 hours before shampooing or judging the final shade.
- Follow product-specific instructions because formulations and processing times may differ.
What Colour Will You Get?
- Henna alone: warm brown to copper-brown foundation.
- Henna followed by indigo: deeper brown to soft black.
- Henna mixed into the indigo step: potentially warmer dark brown.
- Indigo alone on untreated light or grey hair: potentially bluish, greenish, or uneven tones.
Important Safety Information
Perform a patch test and preferably a strand test before first use. Avoid eye contact and rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs. Powders may stain skin, clothing, towels, and surfaces; use gloves and protect surrounding areas. Keep out of reach of children and store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. If hair has previously been coloured with chemical dyes, two to three applications may be required for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the first step look brown or copper-brown?
The first step is the henna base, so a warm brown or copper-brown appearance is expected before indigo is applied.
Why must indigo be applied after henna?
Henna creates the warm foundation over which indigo develops a deeper shade. Indigo applied directly to untreated grey, white, or very light hair may produce bluish, greenish, or uneven tones.
Can I get dark brown instead of soft black?
Yes. Mixing some reserved pre-soaked henna into freshly prepared indigo 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 separately.
Is there a faster single-step option?
Yes. SatyaaVeda Ammonia-Free Herbal Hair Colour with 9 Ayurvedic Herbs is available in Black, Brown, Dark Brown, and Burgundy. It is a 60 g powder intended for one-step application of approximately 45 minutes. It is not completely chemical-free and is not organic-certified.
How long should I wait before shampooing?
Wait 24–48 hours after Step 2 before your first shampoo.
Can plant-based hair colour cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Plant-based ingredients can cause sensitivity in some individuals. Always perform a patch test and follow the product directions before first use.