The Curly & Kind Guide to Colouring Greys Naturally with Henna + Indigo 🌿

A gentle, plant-powered method to colour hair to achieve rich black colour. Follow the steps below for fool proof results and 100% grey coverage.

At Curly & Kind, we believe your hair journey should feel nurturing, intentional, and keeping in mindwhat’s good for both you, your hair and the enviornment. If you’ve been searching for a natural way to cover greys without compromising your curl pattern, strength, or health — welcome. You’re in exactly the right place.

Henna and indigo offer a beautiful, time-honoured alternative to chemical dyes. They strengthen, shine, and support your curls while delivering gorgeous, long-lasting colour. And the best part? You can do it all safely at home.

Let’s walk through the full two-step method so you can achieve your dream black shade — naturally, confidently, and curl-kindly.

🌿 Why We Love Henna + Indigo

These two botanical powders have been used for centuries across the world, and for good reason. Together, they create a deep, natural black that grips onto greys very well indeed — all while caring for the hair.

Benefits at a glance

• 100% natural & chemical-free

• Amazing grey coverage

• Strengthens and thickens each strand

• Adds shine, smoothness, and definition

• Soothing for many sensitive scalps

• Long-lasting, rich, dimensional colour

• Safe during pregnancy (when pure)

Follow the steps below for the best results.

⭐ STEP 1 — Henna Application (Day 1)

Henna lays down the warm foundation your greys need before taking on that gorgeous black tone.

1. Prepare Your Henna — The Night Before

Henna loves time. Mixing it 12–24 hours before use ensures a strong, vibrant dye release.

✔ You’ll need:

• Fresh, high-quality henna

• Warm water

✔ Optional boosters:

• A warm shot of coffee for a richer tone

• A squeeze of lemon to encourage dye release

Mix to a pancake-batter texture, cover, and leave out overnight. This slow magic is what makes henna so effective and long-lasting.

2. Apply Henna — Day 1

Start with dry, clean hair — no oils or heavy products.

✔ How to apply:

1. Section your hair into small, easy-to-handle pieces.

2. Apply henna from root to tip, fully soaking those greys.

3. Use your gloved hands to work it in evenly.

4. Cover with a shower cap (double up if needed).

5. Leave for at least 3 hours — longer gives deeper results.

3. Rinse Henna

• Rinse with water only (no shampoo yet).

• Co-wash if you need a little help.

• Dry completely.

Your hair will look copper-orange — don’t panic! This is the essential base that makes indigo grab beautifully.

⭐ STEP 2 — Indigo Application (Day 2)

Indigo is where the magic happens. It deepens that copper into a rich, natural black.

1. Prepare Indigo — Fresh on the Day

Indigo is a quick-acting queen — mix it right before applying.

✔ Mix with:

• Pure indigo powder

• Warm water

Use immediately — no waiting required. The paste should feel thick but spreadable.

2. Apply Indigo — Day 2

Start again with dry hair.

✔ How to apply:

1. Section your hair just as before.

2. Apply generously from roots to ends.

3. Indigo can be runnier than henna — protect your clothes and shoulders.

4. Leave on for at least 3 hours.

   
   

3. Rinse Indigo

• Rinse well with water

• Follow with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo + conditioner

• Style as usual (we recommend gentle products to preserve that shine and ensure longetivity of the colour. For a 100% natural styling gel for your hair, the Curly & Kind Flax Seed Gel will give your shiny new locks the best definiton and moisture - shop the gel here)

You should now see a gorgeous, deep black tone

🌱 TOP TIPS for best results

• Choose fresh, good-quality henna and indigo.

• Store powders somewhere cool, dry, and dark.

• Henna loves acidity (coffee/lemon) — whilst indigo does not need any additions.

• Avoid oils or heavy serums before colouring.

• Do a patch test if you’re sensitive.

• Wear gloves unless you want very coloured hands and nails!

💬 FAQs

1. Will henna or indigo loosen my curls?

No — they don’t chemically relax the hair.Henna may make strands feel stronger and smoother, which some interpret as “looser,” but your curl pattern remains yours.

2. Can I go back to chemical dye after henna/indigo?

If your products are pure (no metallic salts), you absolutely can. Henna can make chemical dye take differently because it coats the cuticle, but after 2–3 months it becomes much easier to colour over.

3. Can I mix henna and indigo together instead of doing two steps?

You can — but for deep black and serious grey coverage, the two-step process wins every time.

4. Does henna make hair dry?

Not inherently. It strengthens, which can make hair feel firmer. Keeping up your usual hydration routine will balance everything out.

🌟 Who This Routine Isn’t For

• Those wanting any shades other than deep black. If your henna or indigo promises browns, blondes, or lighter shades there is likely something mixed in it.

• Anyone who prefers low-commitment colour

• People who don’t want a two-day process

• Those who want very easy, low-maintenance results

  
  

🌿 Extra Curly & Kind Tips

• Adding amla to your henna helps reduce warmth and supports curl definition.

• Avoid “henna bricks” — these have added metallic salts which can cause a reaction especially if switching back to chemical colouring at later stages (we hope you'll stick to this though :)

• Do your deep conditioning a week before the colour, not the day of.

Your hair journey is yours — unique, beautiful, and worthy of gentle care. Your hair in all it's form is gorgeous. Silver, Grey, Black, Brown, Blonde whatever it be. However, should you wish to cover your greys, using henna and indigo is more than just that; it’s a ritual of patience, intention, and plant-based goodness. With the right method, you’ll get stunning grey coverage, long-lasting shine, and the confidence of knowing your hair is being treated with kindness.