Jet Black Hair Using BAQ Henna and Indigo
If you don’t mind spending several hours dying your hair color naturally, this is an old technique you may prefer.* Perhaps you simply want jet black hair or to cover gray hair, using a traditional method of ancient ingredients and avoid the harmful effects of chemical hair dye. If you are pregnant or nursing, then this is the recommended method for hair color if you desire jet black hair. If you are a man who wants to avoid dangerous chemical progressive dyes and get jet black hair, then this is a preferred hair dye method for you too.
If you simply don’t have the time and want to naturally dye your hair in about 90 minutes, use 100% Lustrous Henna in Soft Black (no jet black hair shade yet).
Traditional Two-Step Overnight Method
Gather Supplies: This is a very messy process and works best with a helper. However, many folks henndigo* their own hair without any problems (myself included).
- BAQ Henna Powder (Body Art Quality Henna Hair Dye)
- Pure Indigo Powder
- Acidic Mixing Liquid: Orange or Lemon Juice, Chamomile or Green Tea, Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
- Mixing Bowl and Spoon
- Measuring Cup
- Old Towels , Rags
- Paper Towels
- Saran Wrap or Plastic shower Cap
- Plastic Gloves
- Plastic salon cape (optional to protect clothing from accidental spills)
- Newspaper (optional to cover work area and floor for accidental spills).
Jet Black Hair: BAQ Henna-Indigo Application STEP ONE
Prepare the Henna Paste
Depending on length of hair: Mix approx. 1 cup henna powder* with 1 cup of water; then add about ½-1 cup of acidic liquid (lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, green tea or chamomile tea). Slowly add liquids until the henna hair dye paste has a yogurt texture.
Cover with plastic wrap/cap and leave overnight or 12 hours at approximately 70 degrees (or warmer).
Set-Up Work Space
This is a very messy process, so protect your skin, clothes and the entire work area including the floor. Use a plastic salon cape or pin an old towel or rag around neck to avoid staining clothing and skin. Apply light coat of A&D ointment (or Vaseline) along hairline and temples to prevent unwanted staining on skin.
Apply the Henna Paste
- Divide hair into at least 4 sections (depending on thickness and length). Clip each section to keep away from section being worked on. Wear plastic or vinyl gloves while applying henna paste to avoid unwanted staining.
- Working with one section of hair at a time apply henna paste beginning at the roots.
- Continue applying henna paste through the section of hair in small chunks making sure each area is thoroughly covered.
- Work henna paste all the way to the ends of the hair.
- Move on to the next section of hair.
- When all your hair is evenly covered with henna paste, pile it on the top of your head and pin or clip the pile of hair to hold it in place.
- Wrap your head with saran wrap and/or a plastic shower cap to prevent the paste from drying out or staining furniture.
- Leave henna on your hair at least 2 hours for best results, some people prefer to leave it on longer.
- HINT: Henna hair dye works best with a bit of warmth. For richer, deeper color use the saran wrap followed by covering with plastic cap keep your hair warmer. A blow dryer used briefly can initiate the heating process, if desired.
Rinse Out the BAQ Henna Paste
Use plain warm water to rinse henna paste from hair. (Use a strain in sink drain to prevent clogging with paste). Keep rinsing until paste is out and water runs clear.
Don’t be alarmed. A deep red base is normal. When you the appropriate amount of indigo paste, your hair will become jet black. If you use a smaller amount of indigo, it will become a rich brown shade.
Using indigo to achieve jet black hair color is covered in the upcoming blog post:
Jet Black Hair from BAQ Henna, Part 2.
*Strand Test: If this is your first time working with henna, do a strand test. Although allergies are extremely rare, it's best to test. Also, a strand test allows you color results on a strand of your hair. This important, since color results depend on your hair color and hair treatment history. Choose a strand of hair underneath or in the back of your head and do the strand test.
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*Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.
