You’ll be using 50% henna powder and 50% indigo powder, so purchase the same amount of each. Choose a henna dye that works on hair, paying special attention to the color to ensure it’s a brown tone and not vibrant red. Look for henna powder at a big box store or online.
Make sure you’re using a microwave-safe bowl or cup to heat the water, and use an oven mitt to remove the water if the container is too hot to touch. Use a thermometer to take the temperature of the water. While water is the easiest liquid to use, you can also use apple cider vinegar or green tea, heating it up the same way you would water.
There isn’t a precise measurement because each different henna product will absorb liquid a little differently.
Don’t let the henna mixture sit overnight, as this long amount of time will make the color lose its potency.
If you didn’t measure how much henna you poured into the bowl, use your best judgement to try to make the two as equal as possible. Don’t combine the indigo powder with the henna mixture yet.
If desired, you can add 0. 5 tsp (2. 5 ml) of salt to the mixture to help the indigo powder stick to your hair.
Don’t let the indigo mixture sit for more than 30 minutes.
Try to use the hair dye immediately for the best results, as you can’t save it for later.
Use caution when working with boiling water to avoid injuring yourself.
Organic coffees don’t have the preservatives and added chemicals that non-organic types of coffee often have. Try to choose coffee that has a rich brown color.
You should see a thick consistency beginning to form.
Purchase coconut oil and aloe vera gel from your local grocery store or big box store.
You’ll leave this mixture on your hair for 30 to 45 minutes, rinsing it off with water once you’re finished. Avoid shampooing your hair for at least 24 hours after you dye it.
The best place to dye your hair is in the bathroom or kitchen, as these often have surfaces that clean easily. Place plastic garbage bags over the counter, or use layers of paper grocery bags.
Purchase coconut oil from your local grocery store or big box store. Wash the coconut oil off after you rinse out the hair dye.
How much hair dye you use for each strand will depend on the length of your hair—longer hair will need a larger scoop, while short hair will need less. If you run out of dye as you’re smoothing it along the strand, just scoop out a little more from the bowl.
The swirl should stay in place naturally due to the stickiness of the hair dye, but you can also use a clip to keep it in place.
Use a paper towel or cotton ball to remove any extra dye from around your face.
If you used henna to dye your hair, you’ll likely need to wait 30 minutes. Wait 30 to 45 minutes if you used the coffee mixture to dye your hair.
If desired, have a friend or family member help you rinse out the hair dye. Try to wait to shampoo your hair for at least 24 hours.
