Indigo Powder is a natural hair dye made from the dried, ground leaves of the indigo plant (Indigofera Tinctoria). Used together with henna, it colours grey hair and darkens the strands to shades of brown-black without synthetic dyes, ammonia or PPD. Azlok Indigo Powder is a cosmetic-grade herbal powder, free from artificial colours and preservatives.
What Indigo Powder is
Also sold as Neel Patti Powder, Indigo Leaf Powder or Indigo Leaves Powder, this is a light green to green powder milled from indigo plant leaves. On its own it deposits a deep blue-black pigment; combined with henna it gives natural, dimensional dark tones. People choose it mainly to cover greys, and many find it adds body and a healthier look to the hair over time.
Common uses
- Colouring grey and white hair to brown-black shades
- Refreshing and deepening existing henna colour
- Adding a natural darkening tint to already dark hair
- An ingredient in homemade and commercial herbal hair-care blends
How to use it: the two-step method
Indigo alone rarely gives a lasting black on grey hair. The reliable approach is to apply henna first, then indigo.
- Step 1 – Henna: Mix henna powder with warm water into a smooth paste and let it rest for a few hours so the dye releases. Apply to clean hair, leave for 1–2 hours, then rinse with plain water (no shampoo).
- Step 2 – Indigo: Mix Indigo Powder fresh with warm water into a paste. Let it stand for about 10–15 minutes only. Apply immediately over the henna-treated hair and leave for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Rinse: Wash out with water and skip shampoo for a day so the colour sets. The final shade deepens over the next 24–48 hours.
If you want a one-step brown, you can mix henna and indigo together, but for true black the two-step method works best. A pinch of salt in the indigo paste can help colour uptake for some people.
Tips for better results
- Use indigo paste fresh — unlike henna, it does not benefit from long resting and loses potency if left too long.
- Warm water (not hot) gives a smoother paste and better release.
- Wear gloves and drape an old towel; the pigment stains skin, nails and fabric.
- Results vary by hair type, porosity and starting colour, so do a strand test first.
- Reapply every few weeks as new growth appears, since herbal colour fades gradually rather than showing a hard root line.
Safety notes
Indigo Powder is for external cosmetic use on hair only. Do not ingest it. Always do a patch test on the inner elbow 24–48 hours before full use to rule out sensitivity. Keep the powder away from eyes; rinse well if it gets in. Store out of reach of children. If you have a scalp condition or are pregnant, check with a doctor before use. This is a hair colourant, not a medicine, and makes no health claims.
Buying and storage
Azlok Indigo Powder is sourced in India and available in 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg and 20 kg packs, starting at ₹199 — the smaller sizes suit home users, while the bulk packs work for salons and formulators. Keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, away from moisture and direct sunlight, and it stays good for around two years. Because it is a pure leaf powder with no preservatives, buy a size you will use within its shelf life for the freshest pigment.
FAQ
Can Indigo Powder be used alone to get black hair?
On grey hair, indigo alone usually gives a bluish or uneven result. For a natural black, apply henna first and indigo second. Used alone on already dark hair it adds a deepening tint.
How long should I leave Indigo Powder on my hair?
Typically 45 minutes to an hour after applying the fresh paste. Longer contact can deepen the shade slightly, but the colour also matures over the next day or two.
Is Azlok Indigo Powder natural?
Yes. It is a cosmetic-grade powder made from indigo plant leaves, free from artificial colours and preservatives.
Why is the powder green and not blue?
The dry leaf powder is light green to green. The characteristic blue-black colour develops only when it is mixed into a paste and applied, as the pigment oxidises.
How often can I use it?
Most people reapply every three to four weeks to cover new growth. Since it is gentle and herbal, it can be used regularly, but always patch-test if you switch brands or batches.