Indigo, like henna is a plant based dye. Derived from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, also known as true indigo. We mentioned indigo hair dye when we talked about henna and for good reason, when combined with henna, this natural hair dye offers a true black, as well as a range of browns.
Many are becoming avid enthusiasts of natural hair dyes as they are finding them to be a much more pleasant experience. Not to mention that the hair dye being a natural product of the Earth which can easily break down the substance safely.
However, you could have a reaction to indigo and should test it on a small and inconspicuous spot to ensure you do not have a reaction. Many companies are offering mixtures of these natural herbs into specific colors just like chemical hair dye. Where you can choose the color you want and buy it in a kit. Many are mixing their own special blends combining henna and indigo, sometimes with other herbs to brighten or darken the effects so they have their own signature colors.
It is amazing the wide range of colors available with indigo and other natural hair dyes. Other natural sources are being explored for healthy hair dying alternatives and you can be certain that many of them will contain the dried leaves of indigo. Interestingly the dried leaves should be green when by themselves. Soon, maybe we will see natural hair dyes like indigo replacing chemical dyes completely.
That would be a major win for both the planet and us. When using a natural hair dye like indigo, make sure to cover your face and the tops of your ears as well as the back of your neck and any other exposed skin with a heavy cream such as vaseline to prevent your skin from being stained. While it is amazing the staying power these dyes have, that same feature could be a complete nightmare if it dyes your skin.
Natural hair dyes do take longer, indigo often requires a henna base or is mixed with henna and applied to the hair and required to sit for several hours as the hair absorbs the dye. This can be a bit inconvenient, or you could make it a home spa day and leave it in all day while also pampering yourself in other ways such as a nice yogurt and oatmeal face mask.
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