Looking for a natural way to cover grey hair with henna and indigo? If your hair is naturally black or dark brown and white or grey strands keep showing up at the roots, you don't have to reach for chemical dye. Pure botanical hair colour - henna followed by indigo - can cover greys and give you a natural-looking shade anywhere from warm chestnut to deep black.
The secret is doing it in two phases. In this guide you'll find the exact henna and indigo recipe, how long to leave each paste on, and how to control your final shade.
Who is the henna and indigo method for?
The two-step henna and indigo process is recommended for naturally black to dark brown hair with white or grey roots or strands. Depending on how long you leave the indigo on, you can achieve one of three natural shades:
- Chestnut - a warm brown
- Dark Chocolate Brown - a rich dark brown
- Black - the deepest result
Why use henna first, then indigo?
Indigo on its own doesn't bind well to grey or white hair. Henna does - it stains light strands a red-orange colour. Indigo then layers over that red-orange base and deepens it into brown or black. Henna lays the foundation; indigo sets the final shade. That's why the two-step method gives far better grey coverage than indigo alone.
Step 1: How to mix and apply henna for grey hair
Henna needs time to release its dye, so start this step the night before (or 8-12 hours ahead). Use a pure hair-grade henna such as Jamila Henna Hair Quality.
Henna paste recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Instruction |
|---|---|---|
| Henna powder | 100 g | Mix into a smooth paste |
| Lemon | 1-2 lemons | Add to henna before soaking |
| Water | 300 ml | Mix well and soak for 8-12 hours |
How to apply henna
Spread the henna evenly from roots to ends. Leave it on for 2-6 hours, then shampoo and wash it out.
Don't panic at this stage - your white or grey hair will look red or orange after henna. That's exactly what you want before the indigo goes on.
Step 2: How to mix and apply indigo powder
Unlike henna, indigo should never be left to sit. Mix it only when you're ready to apply. For best results use a pure indigo powder like Jamila Indigo Powder (Indigofera tinctoria).
Indigo paste recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Instruction |
|---|---|---|
| Indigo powder | 100 g | Mix only when ready to apply |
| Lukewarm water | 300 ml | Make a smooth paste and apply immediately |
How to apply indigo
Once the henna is washed out, apply the indigo paste over the red-orange hair. Leave it on for the time that matches your desired shade (see the timing chart below), then rinse with plain water and condition.
Henna and indigo timing chart: chestnut, brown or black
The henna time stays the same; the indigo time is what decides your final hair colour.
| Desired shade | Henna time | Indigo time |
|---|---|---|
| Chestnut | 2-6 hours | 20 minutes |
| Dark Chocolate Brown | 2-6 hours | 40 minutes |
| Black | 2-6 hours | Up to 2 hours |
Tips for the best henna and indigo results
- Adjust the lemon: use 1-2 lemons per 100 g of henna, depending on the lemon's size.
- Add a pinch of salt to your indigo powder.
- Skip the shampoo on the first wash after indigo.
- Be patient: indigo will release colour in the second wash, so your shade will keep settling over the next day or two.
Important things to know before you start
- Indigo paste must be used immediately after mixing.
- Botanical hair colour can't lighten existing dark hair. It colours greys and deepens tone, but it won't take dark hair to a lighter shade.
- Results vary with hair texture, any previous chemical colour, and how much of your hair is grey or white.
- Always do a patch test before a full application.
Cover grey hair naturally, the botanical way
With two simple pastes and a bit of planning, you can cover greys with 100% botanical colour and choose a shade that looks like your own - whether that's a soft chestnut or a glossy black. Start with the henna the night before, time your indigo to your target shade, and give it a wash or two to fully develop.
Ready to try it? Get everything you need in the Jamila Hair Colour Kit, or shop Jamila Henna and Jamila Indigo Powder separately.