Using henna (also known as mahendi), indigo herbal powder, amla, aritha, and shikakai powders together can create a natural hair dye, treatment, and nourishing pack. Each of these ingredients offers various benefits for hair, such as conditioning, cleansing, strengthening, and coloring. Here’s how you can use them:

Ingredients:

• Henna powder: Natural hair dye, conditioning, and strengthening properties.
• Indigo powder: Provides a blue/black color, typically used after henna to create brown or black shades.
• Amla powder: Rich in Vitamin C, promotes hair growth, adds shine, and strengthens the hair.
• Aritha powder: Natural cleanser (shampoo alternative), helps with dandruff and scalp health.
• Shikakai powder: Cleanses the scalp, adds shine, promotes hair growth, and conditions hair.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare the Henna Mixture:

• Ingredients: 100g of henna powder (depending on your hair length).
• Mix the henna powder with warm water to make a thick paste. Add some lemon juice or vinegar to activate the color. Let the paste sit for 2–3 hours to allow it to release its color.
• For added benefits, you can also add a tablespoon of amla powder to the henna paste. Amla boosts henna’s conditioning and helps with color longevity.

2. Prepare the Indigo Mixture:

• Ingredients: Indigo powder (the amount depends on how dark you want the color).
• Mix indigo powder with warm water to create a smooth paste. Let it sit for about 15–20 minutes before applying (do not wait too long or the color may not take).
• Indigo needs to be applied immediately after mixing to achieve the desired color.

3. Add Amla, Aritha, and Shikakai Powders:

• Amla Powder: This can be added to both the henna and indigo mixes to strengthen the hair, promote growth, and enhance color.
• Aritha Powder: If you want to add a cleansing effect, mix a teaspoon or two of aritha powder into the henna or indigo mixture. This will help cleanse the scalp without stripping it of natural oils.
• Shikakai Powder: Add a teaspoon of shikakai to the henna or indigo paste for extra conditioning and to make the paste easier to apply and rinse out.

4. Application Process:

• Step 1: Apply the henna paste to clean, dry hair. Make sure to cover all your hair strands from root to tip. Once done, cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 1.5–3 hours (the longer you leave it, the more intense the color).
• Step 2: After rinsing the henna paste thoroughly with water (do not use shampoo yet), apply the indigo paste directly on top of your hair. You can apply the indigo paste as soon as the henna paste is washed out.
• Leave the indigo paste for 30–45 minutes, depending on how dark you want the color. Darker shades of brown or black require longer exposure to indigo.
• After 45 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Avoid shampooing for at least 24 hours to allow the color to settle.

5. Post-Treatment Care:

• Amla powder: You can use amla powder as a hair mask after the color has set to add shine and boost strength.
• Aritha and Shikakai: These can be used as a mild shampoo alternative. Mix the powders with water to create a natural cleansing paste, or boil them in water to make a liquid shampoo.

Benefits of the Combination:

• Henna + Indigo: Together, they provide a natural, chemical-free way to dye your hair brown or black, depending on the amount of indigo you use.
• Amla: Adds strength and enhances the color’s vibrancy, while also promoting hair health.
• Aritha: Gently cleanses the scalp and removes excess oils without causing dryness.
• Shikakai: Conditions hair and maintains the natural moisture balance.

Notes:

• Color testing: Henna can give an orange/red tint, and indigo gives a dark color. If you’re aiming for a darker brown or black, applying indigo after henna is key.
• Build-up: Henna can sometimes be drying, so make sure to follow up with a good conditioner or use shikakai or amla for added moisture.

By following this process, you can achieve vibrant, healthy, and natural-colored hair while nourishing it with these wonderful herbs.