Benefits of Indigo
Most women are concerned about the use of chemicals on hair and look for organic options. And, one such option is the use of Indigo hair dye, a plant that has been used since centuries for coloring purposes, and is used with Henna (Mehndi) for giving hair, a black or purple shade.
History of Indigo
Its biological name is Indigofera tinctoria, and it has been used since the Mayan age. Hence, it is no surprise that the Aztecs were so drawn to the blue color and called it Indicum (From India). In 2016 in Peru, archaeologists found a 6000 years old indigo dyed fabric and they believe that the dye was a local plant found in South America.
Although, it was planted in China, Brazil, Mediterranean and in some parts of India but was actually considered a rarity like china silk because of the long distance and levy imposed by traders on the route and thus came to known as “ Blue Gold”. It is said that in 1095, during the crusades the price for Indigo actually increased by 30% due to the massive demand for it.
Indigo Hair Dye for textile
The popularity and the practicality of blue denim, actually boosted Indigo’s demand further in the 17th century because it was used as a natural dye to give it a deep blue colour.
It is pertinent to note that while indigo was planted in China, South America and India, it couldn’t fulfill the humongous demand for it. British were the main profiteers of the textile industry. So, to make it available to them they exploited the local people in their colonies like America and India. In South Carolina & India, profitable crops like rice, sugarcane and wheat were replaced with Indigo and several slaves were involved in this arduous process.
Treacherously, loans for land were given to farmers at high interest rates. And the price of the crop given was just 2.5% of the market price. This injustice turned local farmers into bonded labors for generations.
The modern industry was created by the East India Company and was fostered and developed by the company’s servants. It wasn’t until the discovery of chemical dyes by William Perkin and independence that it ended.
What is special about indigo hair dye?
After the discovery of synthetic indigo by William Perkins, the indigo industry was devastated gradually, and it became a thing of the past to grow & cultivate it. So, its important than when there are so many cheap synthetic variations available that you know how to choose natural indigo hair dye powder.
Organic Indigo
Indigo hair dye
Organic Indigo leaf powder is green in color and has a leaf/herb like fragrance. And after it is mixed with water, it bleeds blue. That is how you can check if it is organic indigo hair dye or not
For fabric
Indigo leaves are plucked from fields and then submerged in water for days which turns green, yellow& eventually blue. The residue is then dried up in cakes and is used to dye fabric.
Why it is expensive
It is a very labor-some process and very few people do indigo farming these days. Secondly, synthetic Indigo that is manufactured in China in large quantities has flooded the market and is very cheap. But synthetic should never be used on hair.
Haircare Concerns: natural indigo hair dye and for hair growth
Formulation: Powder
Indigenously available in :India, SouthAmerica and China
Aicha’s Experience
I got the indigo powder primarily for my mother. It was from a store, Organic Roots by Erum Agha, which claims to have organic indigo powder. The powder is green and has a leafy fragrance and appears like a true organic powder.
Dyes are chemical based even if these are free of ammonia which makes organic dyes popular through out the world. In Ayurveda, Indigo hair dye is favored as a hair dye that not only colors hair but also promotes hair growth.
Are there any side effects of indigo powder?
The process of dying hair through indigo is cumbersome. And even after the wash, you won’t get a light and clean feeling. The head feels heavy as it deposits on the scalp and comes out in brushing, literally making the comb blue-black. It will take 2- 3 wash to completely get rid of the deposits on the scalp. But, unfortunately, by that time the color would start to fade away as well. Hence, it is not that long-lasting.
But, then the feeling may go if you continue to get into the routine of dying your hair with indigo hair dye. Definitely, not something a quick and hassle-free procedure. However, it is worth giving it a go-to check if you like it.
How to use indigo hair dye ?
It is a lengthy process as compared to normal hair dye. Usually a two day process, if you intend to get a rich black shade on grey hair
Day 1 – application of henna:
Organic henna mixed with brewed tea or warm water soaked overnight in an iron bowl. The consistency should be medium, as it will get thicker overnight. Don’t panick if you find an orange or red shade on your hair because the next day indigo will dye it black.
Apply it for 3 hours and then wash it off with warm water
Day 2 – indigo powder to dye hair black:
The indigo powder should be mixed with warm water and a little bit of it should be used. After 15 -20 minutes, when the shade turns dark blue, then apply it over hair for another 2 – 3 hours and wash to off with water.
Further, it is better to apply a conditioner or hair serum after your wash-over of your hair with indigo as it tends to make hair dry.
For Blue Shade:
Just apply directly to get the perfect shade of blue.
For Hair Growth
Indigo oil is said to be really good for hair growth and strength.
It is said, massaging hair with indigo leaf oil gently can help accelerate hair growth as the natural ingredients present in the medicinal oil work to keep the hair intact and strengthen roots. Indigo powder nourishes the hair roots and makes each hair strand stronger and healthier.
Aicha’s Verdict
7.5/10
In my opinion, if you would like to use indigo for hair growth then use indigo oil that might also help in coloring or tinting the hair little bit without taking much of your time.
Indigo is a beautiful plant that has a painful history and has been linked with human rights exploitation. Though, I have never seen the indigo farm, it still haunts me whenever I sniff the herb that how many people were enslaved by the colonial masters because of this plant.