How important is the microwaving in SMT?

[baobhan sith]

I kind of missed that part out, and am wondering how much difference it will make? I've finished my conditioner so can't do another one... :rolleyes:

[SimplyViki]

I am not positive, but I believe the purpose of the microwaving step is to de-activate any lightening properties of the honey.

[baobhan sith]

Well because I have brown hair I used dark treacle instead of honey, so if that's the only purpose i should be fine.

[Carolyn]

I never nuke mine. I just mix it up and slap it on my hair. Then I use my heat cap. Walking to the kitchen to nuke it is too much effort.

[Spike]

I nuke it because I make up a (relatively) large batch and keep it in the fridge. WOOOOO, ice-cold SMT right after a warm and steamy shower makes my hair stand on end!!!!

(Which would be great for S&D missions, mind, but not so much on the relaxing spa experience.)

[Bene]

I nuke it because I love my natural color, and I've heard that honey bleaches.




edit:


I am not positive, but I believe the purpose of the microwaving step is to de-activate any lightening properties of the honey.

Yeah, what she said! :D

[Syaoransbear]

Hasn't most honey already went through a heating process to purify it?

[Madame J]

Actually, the little bit that you microwave an SMT after mixing everything is not enough to deactivate the honey. The honey needs like 45-60 seconds in the microwaving (or other heat source) to deactivate the peroxide-producing enzymes. I'm pretty sure the purpose of heating in the original recipe is to warm up the mixture to better help it penetrate the hair shaft. A nice thing to think of, but the heat of your head will warm it, too.

[spidermom]

I never microwave mine either. I don't even own a microwave.

[Bene]

Actually, the little bit that you microwave an SMT after mixing everything is not enough to deactivate the honey. The honey needs like 45-60 seconds in the microwaving (or other heat source) to deactivate the peroxide-producing enzymes. I'm pretty sure the purpose of heating in the original recipe is to warm up the mixture to better help it penetrate the hair shaft. A nice thing to think of, but the heat of your head will warm it, too.


I only microwave the honey. I'm afraid if I do the whole thing, it'll be too hot to use. I also find that the honey is runnier after nuking it, which makes it easier to mix.

[redneckprincess]

i dont microwave the honey for my SMt and it dosent lighten my hair

[chrissy-b]

Sometimes I heat mine, sometimes I don't. Haven't noticed a change in color either way, but the heated SMT seems to work better for me. I don't own a microwave either so I usually mix it up in a small container and set the container in hot water and stir. Works great.

[Katze]

I don't heat mine either, too lazy.

SMTs have never lightened my or DH's hair. I use them about twice a month on me, every few months on him.