Curly content is back because I just did the scariest riskiest thing and dyed my own hair with the most permanent, irreversible, and unpredictable dye- henna and indigo. I have never used indigo on my hair before- but have a horror story memory of dying my best friends hair in high school and I completely ruined her hair. It was hopeless, no amount of money or expertise could fix the awful, baby diaper green mess that I sentenced her to for the next 2 years until it grew out 😭
So why in gods name did I decide to do this to myself? Henna coats the hair to the point that it cannot receive any pigment at all let alone lighten it… Elinor you must have a good reason for jumping off this ledge right?
Listen, I’m a little daredevil at heart. And now I’m grown and can’t be gambling with my life my health and my money so please, mind your business I get a little thrill of the risk taking and this is my only mature outlet 🥲
Well there’s also my Sagittarius sun willing to bet on my beginners luck 🍀
But I digress. If you are interested in experimenting with the volatile pigments of natural henna and indigo-
Now that you’ve been warned- (PS I love you bc if you’re reading this far you are a little hair daredevil 😈 too)
I will share with you my exact steps to follow that got me this glorious, luscious, bountiful, bouncy, shiny, natural, but still highly dimensional, brunette/auburn ombré.
Comment Recipe below if you dare 🖤
Changing your hair color with henna and indigo is truly an adventurous experience, especially for someone like me who thrives on a little risk. One thing I learned quickly is that natural dyes like these don’t just change your hair color—they completely transform the texture and health of your curls. Henna, in particular, coats each strand, strengthening hair and adding shine while preventing it from absorbing other colors. This makes it different from conventional dyes but also means you have to commit to the color once applied. I remember preparing for the dye by closely following natural hair care routines: deep conditioning beforehand, avoiding shampoos with harsh chemicals, and ensuring my hair was as healthy as possible. The process itself is a sensory experience—the strong earthy scent of henna, the vivid blue-green tint of indigo, and the feeling of thick paste covering every curl. Waiting for the color to set feels like anxious anticipation because natural dyes can be unpredictable, but the vibrant auburn ombré effect was totally worth it. For those curious about trying this at home, it’s essential to test a small strand first. Indigo especially can sometimes turn unexpected shades, like the infamous green I caused in high school. Patience is key since the full color usually settles a day or two after washing out the dye. Also, mindset matters. Treat it as a fun experiment rather than a guaranteed transformation. The statement I found inspiring on my wall, "This is your sign to change your hair, to change your life," became my mantra during this journey. It’s more than just hair color—it's about embracing change, taking leaps, and finding joy in the process. If you decide to take this leap, remember to dance a little before you leave the house—it sets the right vibe and reminds you that magic is in the risks we take, even with hair dye!
