Indigo: Need Advice on getting "Blackest" Results

[Lady Esquire]

Back in the day, my indigo applications always came out super black and luscious. But for the past year or so, not so much. My henna applications always come out fine but the indigo never seems to be black enough. I did switch brands, so that could be it. I bought enough to last a long time. I just finished that stash and now I'm ready to go back to my old supplier (www.hennaforhair.com).

What do you think I'm doing wrong?
What brands do you recommend?
Do you have certain techniques to get the best results?
What mixtures do you use for best and blackest results?

_________________________________________________

Update: I ordered from the allindiastore on Amazon after suggestions from LHCF ladies. But to compare and to use up the stash I already had, I used the old brand. The results with my old brand were so so. That was in May.

Yesterday, (July 11th) I used the allindiastore brand. The results were the blackest I've had in a long long while!

• Mixed henna with water & organic molasses. (1 hour)
• Shampoo'd w/Silk Elements Moisturizing Neutralizer.
• Mixed indigo with water & organic molasses. (5-6 hours overnight)
• Shampoo'd w/Silk Elements Moisturizing Neutralizer.
• Shampoo'd w/Nexxus Therrappe
• Conditioned w/Redken Smooth Down

Next time, I'll add the dash of salt to the indigo to compare results.

 

[Tiye]

I've only used one kind/brand of indigo. It's from the all india store on amazon. I just add a spoonful of bringraj + boiling hot water, let the paste sit on my pre-hennaed hair for three hours and it comes out "soft dark black" (yes that's a tone! ) which I am happy with coz I wasn't looking for jet/blue black. In fact the first time I was a bit worried about what I'd do if it came out jet black. If henna for hair gave you the exact results you wanted then it's probably nothing you're doing wrong and you simply need to switch back.

 

[Lady Esquire]

I've only used one kind/brand of indigo. It's from the all india store on amazon. I just add a spoonful of bringraj + boiling hot water, let the paste sit on my pre-hennaed hair for three hours and it comes out "soft dark black" (yes that's a tone! ) which I am happy with coz I wasn't looking for jet/blue black. In fact the first time I was a bit worried about what I'd do if it came out jet black. If henna for hair gave you the exact results you wanted then it's probably nothing you're doing wrong and you simply need to switch back.

Hi Tiye, thanks for replying. I used to let my indigo sit for a long time, but it caused breakage. I find when I sit for about 20-30 mins I avoid breakage. So that could explain the lack of a deep black. I don't apply my henna/indigo often, so that could be it too.

Mine comes out a soft black too, but it used to be a deep, shiny black and that's the tone I really like and trying to achieve again.

 

[Fhrizzball]

Do you use salt in your mixture? That can help it stick more. It may just be the brand though or which crop year you used?

 

[Lady Esquire]

Never used salt. I will try that. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[JJamiah]

I use the same brand Tiye uses from Allindiastore.com on Amazon.com. I only add hot water and salt to mine comes out black.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

My "Blackest" Results come from the 2 Step Method but using Less Henna(Step 1) /More Indigo(Step 2) mixed with a little Salt, and very warm water and allowing the Indigo to sit for about 5-10 minutes after it's mixed.

Comes out Perfect Every time.

 

[Lady Esquire]

I like the "less" henna technique. I will do that.

I've never used salt, so thanks for sharing. I'll post back in a few weeks when I do another indigo application.

 

[Papoose]

Can you guys post more details about your henna and indigo process? I really want to try it. I must admit, I'm too lazy to do a search through the board. You can post here or PM me. Thanx!

 

[Angelicus]

It may be the quality of the henna that you are using in step one. Make sure that when you henna, you have no leave-ins or oily stuff on your hair. Try adding amla powder to mix #1 too so that you can have a darker hue of red before applying indigo.

1. use kosher salt in the indigo mixture. For every 100g, use about a teaspoon of salt.
2. do not let the indigo sit (I know someone recommended it but try not to).
3. refrain from using hot water (I know, I know, someone recommended to use hot water but try not to).

 

[AimWard]

Back in the day, my indigo applications always came out super black and luscious. But for the past year or so, not so much. My henna applications always come out fine but the indigo never seems to be black enough. I did switch brands, so that could be it. I bought enough to last a long time. I just finished that stash and now I'm ready to go back to my old supplier (www.hennaforhair.com).

What do you think I'm doing wrong?
What brands do you recommend?
Do you have certain techniques to get the best results?
What mixtures do you use for best and blackest results?

What are you using to wash the henna out with? I found that co-washing the henna out or using sulfate free poos that have things like shea butter in them (ie. Jessicurl cleansing cream, shea moisture, etc.) keep the indigo from sticking well. Someone on the curlnikki forums informed me of this. I started washing my henna out with a different poo and the indigo comes out blacker and doesn't fade as quick.

 

[Jetblackhair]

I add a little salt to my Indigo mixture to get jet black results. Just be sure to not put too much, I did this once and my scalp starting burning.

 

[Lady Esquire]

It may be the quality of the henna that you are using in step one. Make sure that when you henna, you have no leave-ins or oily stuff on your hair. Try adding amla powder to mix #1 too so that you can have a darker hue of red before applying indigo.

1. use kosher salt in the indigo mixture. For every 100g, use about a teaspoon of salt.
2. do not let the indigo sit (I know someone recommended it but try not to).
3. refrain from using hot water (I know, I know, someone recommended to use hot water but try not to).

I've added molasses which is crazy sticky. That could be it!

I agree with not letting the indigo sit. I used to do that years ago and it caused breakage. The right amount of time for me is usually 15-20 mins. Hmmmm, amla? I used amla back in the day, and I did get a nice deep black. Thanks for that reminder.

What are you using to wash the henna out with? I found that co-washing the henna out or using sulfate free poos that have things like shea butter in them (ie. Jessicurl cleansing cream, shea moisture, etc.) keep the indigo from sticking well. Someone on the curlnikki forums informed me of this. I started washing my henna out with a different poo and the indigo comes out blacker and doesn't fade as quick.

This last time around I don't think I used anything, for fear that a shampoo or conditioner would interfere with the indigo. But I'm not sure...can't remember. If I did, I probably used Nexxus Therrappe Moisture Shampoo. What shampoo did you switch to?

 

[IDareT'sHair]

I never shampoo my Henna/Indigo out. I always use a "Cheapie" i.e. VO5, Suave Tropical Coconut or White Rain Conditioner.

I start on Freshly Co-Washed Hair to avoid any potential 'dryness'.

I do my 1 step with less Henna. I just want the Stain and to give the Indigo something to bind to.

Right before I apply my Henna, I add a Splash of "Oil". I was using Amala Oil, but ran out so now I use what I have on hand.

Wrap Hair Tightly in Saran Wrap for about 2-3 Hours. Then Co-Wash that out with Conditioner.

Then, I mix my Indigo w/a Little Salt. Warm (not boiling Hot) Water. I apply it within 5-10 minutes after mixing.

Apply, Wrap Hair again Tightly in Saran Wrap and a Coupla' Plastic Caps. Leave on Several Hours and Cowash Out.

I always Deep Condition Afterwards usually under my Steamer with something Uber Moisturizing.

It comes out "Perfect" every single time. The Blackest and the Shiniest Ever!

 

[Tiye]

It may be the quality of the henna that you are using in step one. Make sure that when you henna, you have no leave-ins or oily stuff on your hair. Try adding amla powder to mix #1 too so that you can have a darker hue of red before applying indigo.

1. use kosher salt in the indigo mixture. For every 100g, use about a teaspoon of salt.
2. do not let the indigo sit (I know someone recommended it but try not to).
3. refrain from using hot water (I know, I know, someone recommended to use hot water but try not to).[/QUOTE]

^^ Why no hot water?

 

[Angelicus]

^^ Why no hot water?

Hey!

• Room temperature water or warm water is a must for the best dye release.
• Hot water makes fermented indigo create a dull, less intense color. It pretty much kills the dye. You're probably thinking: Well we boil water and add indigo to make blue jeans... but your hair is not jeans lol.
• Not to mention, hot water + indigo = stinky! Less "hay in the middle of the barn" smell if you use room temp water.

 

[JJamiah]

http://www.mehandi.com/shop/hairindigo/black.pdf

Here is a PDF print out file for Henna/Indigo process

Good night!

 

[Lady Esquire]

http://www.mehandi.com/shop/hairindigo/black.pdf

Here is a PDF print out file for Henna/Indigo process

Good night!

I have that but I need to look over it again. Haven't read it in forever. Thanks.

 

[allmundjoi]

What are you using to wash the henna out with? I found that co-washing the henna out or using sulfate free poos that have things like shea butter in them (ie. Jessicurl cleansing cream, shea moisture, etc.) keep the indigo from sticking well. Someone on the curlnikki forums informed me of this. I started washing my henna out with a different poo and the indigo comes out blacker and doesn't fade as quick.

Thanks. Didn't know this. I use SM Moisture Retention prior to henna/indigo. Will switch up.

Sent from my DROIDX using DROIDX

 

[Papoose]

http://www.mehandi.com/shop/hairindigo/black.pdf

Here is a PDF print out file for Henna/Indigo process

Good night!

Thanx!

Sent from my PC36100 using PC36100