Indigo & Two-Step
Indigo and the two-step method
These guides explain how henna and indigo are combined for brown shades, and why black results usually call for a two-step method. They compare one-step ratios, including the dark-brown blend, with applying henna first and indigo afterwards, so you can choose a route that matches your target shade rather than relying on a shade name alone.
They also cover indigo preparation and the blue or green cast that can appear on grey or light hair when indigo is used without a henna base. Start with your current hair colour and desired depth, then read the relevant method and check the powder’s instructions. Indigo is mixed with warm water, rested for about 20–30 minutes and used promptly; a strand test can help you assess the result.
Henna share of the mix, by target
- auburn (reddish brown)70% henna / 30% indigo
- medium brown50% henna / 50% indigo
- dark brown25% henna / 75% indigo
- dark chocolate brown30% henna / 70% indigo
- blacktwo steps
Shade names follow the supplier. 25/75 (dark brown) has slightly more indigo than 30/70 (dark chocolate brown), so strand test both.
Source: Henna Sooq preparation guides; approximate rows marked on the planner.
Henna and indigo ratio for dark brown hair
For a one-step dark brown, use about 1 part henna to 3 parts indigo: roughly 25% henna and 75% indigo.
Read the guide- Henna and indigo ratio for soft black (dark chocolate) hairHenna Sooq lists about 30% henna and 70% indigo for dark chocolate brown, the nearest one-step shade to soft black; true black uses two-step: 100% henna, then 100% indigo.
- Henna and indigo ratio for jet black hairFor a black result, apply 100% henna first, rinse, then apply 100% indigo, ideally straight away and within about 72 hours.
- Two-step henna and indigo method: when to use itChoose the two-step henna and indigo method when you want black hair colour, especially with substantial or resistant grey, and can manage two separate applications.
- Indigo powder on grey hair: why it turns green or blueIndigo can turn grey hair blue or green because unpigmented hair lacks the henna base that helps create brown or black results.
- How to get rid of green tint after indigoA green tint after indigo often comes from using indigo on light or grey hair without a henna base; wait 24–48 hours, then warm it with henna if needed.
- Indigo powder for hair: how to use step by stepMix indigo powder with warm water, wait about 20–30 minutes, apply it promptly, then rinse according to the product instructions.