Catnip for split ends?

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Originally Posted by Darkhorse1

I'm not saying you will feel the oils, but that is what is coming out of the catnip when it is heated--that is the same as stewed--pouring hot water over it. it's emitting an oil out of the catnip, which is what makes you feel softness.

I was curious to know what was in catnip to make skin/hair alleged to be so soft. This makes total sense to me as catnip itself is just a mint that makes my kitties very happy. :D

One thing that works best on mosquitos---unused bounce sheets. Makes me wonder what the heck is in those things in the first place :O

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Catnip does contain oils and pantothenic acid and many other things. I have not determined exactly what or why or how it works the way it does for me and based on reports here, others. I know how it works for me, in terms of the method I need and prefer to use, to get the results I have reported.

And every report on these boards can be said to be alleged, including any of yours, if that is the approach you prefer to take.

I do not doubt reports. I may question methods but that is not the same thing.

As to pictures, admittedly, there can be problems with lighting. That has been and is still addressed in the Honey thread. However, I do not need to see pictures to believe someone's report. That, to me, is not the spirit of this community. Any pictures can be altered. Not going there, either.

Photos are tricky to show results. However, people's perspectives can make them see things that may not be there. I'm not saying that people's experiences with catnip aren't real, or same with the honey thread, but I've seen some photos that I don't notice a difference. Does that mean there isn't any? I can't say because it isn't my hair.

I was curious to know what was in catnip once boiled or stewed that made it a popular natural choice as a rinse. I found it was popular on the web on many natural sites as alternatives to those who couldn't use conventional conditioner (whether due to allergies or what not). Once I did the search on catnip and what happens when boiled/stewed, I found that it emitted an oil and other substances. I was very interested in the mosquito repellent. That'd be a great discovery to get rid of DEET.

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Originally Posted by Darkhorse1

Photos are tricky to show results. However, people's perspectives can make them see things that may not be there. I'm not saying that people's experiences with catnip aren't real, or same with the honey thread, but I've seen some photos that I don't notice a difference. Does that mean there isn't any? 1. I can't say because it isn't my hair.

2. I was curious to know what was in catnip once boiled or stewed that made it a popular natural choice as a rinse. I found it was popular on the web on many natural sites as alternatives to those who couldn't use conventional conditioner (whether due to allergies or what not). Once I did the search on catnip and what happens when boiled/stewed, I found that it emitted an oil and other substances. I was very interested in the mosquito repellent. 3. That'd be a great discovery to get rid of DEET.

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1. Exactly so. It comes down to the person reporting and what they think. Sometimes they are not sure until they see pictures and even then sometimes not. That usually happens when the results are slight. I tell people to ask others around them IRL, when that happens, to get a different perspective. People around them see the hair in different light, including natural light.

2. I do not think catnip changes when boiled water is applied to it, in terms of the chemistry. Boiled water just draws out the constituents. I have not seen any websites that recommend it as a conditioner but I have not looked recently. 4 years ago I did and found none. People can be allergic to catnip too.

I discovered catnip here but the reference came from a website that said it was good for "growth and shine". People experimented with it briefly here, then the interest declined. No one used it the way I do now. That was developed over 2 years roughly, experiment after experiment.

No one used it to stain hair. I found references on the net for that but not how to do that. No one here used catnip long enough then, to report back about split ends. That was a happy surprise to me. I had no clue that it could do that but it only did that, when I increased the timing and bagged it. It still works best for me, used that way, following shampoo.

I have a huge list of constituents and only realized the possible significance of lauric acid recently. http://www.liberherbarum.com/pn0450.HTM

3. It does not look likely for that, given the source I quoted. I consider them to be very reliable and the information they quote too.

I will be the first to say that catnip did not keep the mosquitos at bay for me. http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...ns/thbrood.gif


However, I have not been bitten by any mosquitos on my head.

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Originally Posted by Shiva

I will be the first to say that catnip did not keep the mosquitos at bay for me. http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...ns/thbrood.gif


However, I have not been bitten by any mosquitos on my head.

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LOL, you are a riot!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry, I only got through 21 pages of the original thread, so I hope my question hasn't already been answered...have mercy, I'm so sleepy!

Does catnip change anything about the hair that would affect it permanently? I know that henna does, so that if you want to perm over hennaed hair, for example, you're out of luck.

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Originally Posted by Candide

I'm sorry, I only got through 21 pages of the original thread, so I hope my question hasn't already been answered...have mercy, I'm so sleepy!

Does catnip change anything about the hair that would affect it permanently? I know that henna does, so that if you want to perm over hennaed hair, for example, you're out of luck.

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Welcome to LHC!

No worrries or apology necessary. It is a long thread. This may help. The Catnip Article, http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&articleid=118

No, it does not. It will wash out completely when one stops reapplying it, based on my experience, with how well it washes out with shampoo.

Shiva--I hear you. I've been bitten in places mosquitos shouldn't dare venture. However, the study they said, found that it was more effective than DEET. I wonder how that study was conducted.

Stewed would be having boiling water poured over catnip (Dry). That would allow whatever is inside the nip to be opened up, hence the oils and other substances. This is what gets kitties high--I read that it's their saliva that draws out the scent (Which to me, smells like regular tea), and gets them hyper.

I'll find that link about catnip and what is emitted from it.

Well I found some Cosmic Catnip at a local pet store and picked up a 1oz tub of it. So far I've done the catnip treatment twice, both in different ways.
I should note that both times the tea was brewed overnight, sitting for 10+ hours.

The first time I used catnip, I let my length soak in a bowl of it, so that it was completely emersed. I think I did that one for about 30 minutes, and then I rinsed it out. I did notice some smoothness from this treatment, but not a whole lot.

The second time I soaked my hair in the tea, and then I bagged it in a ziploc freezer bag, held on with a claw clip. Some of the tea dripped off my hair and made a little puddle in there, so it was semi soaking all the time as well. This time I left the treatment on for 1 hour. And I chose to not rinse it out. This made my hair feel fantastic! Very soft, very full, and smooth. Even my damaged ends felt normal. I think I am going to continue doing treatments this way. I really like it.

I find it amazing something so inexpensive and readily available works so well. My fine/thin hair does not like any sort of conditioning, laying flat and lifeless unless washed daily. And lots of broken hair and split ends. Until I started catnip tea soaks. They have truly changed my hair for the better. Thank you, Ktani, for doing all the research.

To be honest, I tried this as I tried pretty much everything mentioned in these boards! Megatech, shampoo bars, CO, WO, oiling, vinegar rinses, etc. I have found that indian herbs on the scalp and catnip teas soaks on the length make my hair shiny, soft, and full. Hair I am happy with. All thanks to the many wonderful people on this board willing to experiment and post their results. I LOVE this place!

Cosmic catnip--my cats LOVE that stuff! Hahaha.

Glad you've found something that works for you. I just don't have time to do all that and find cone conditioners work amazing for my needs. They are easy to purchase and use, so I stick with that. :)

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Originally Posted by Leisje

Well I found some Cosmic Catnip at a local pet store and picked up a 1oz tub of it. So far I've done the catnip treatment twice, both in different ways.
I should note that both times the tea was brewed overnight, sitting for 10+ hours.

The first time I used catnip, I let my length soak in a bowl of it, so that it was completely emersed. I think I did that one for about 30 minutes, and then I rinsed it out. I did notice some smoothness from this treatment, but not a whole lot.

The second time I soaked my hair in the tea, and then I bagged it in a ziploc freezer bag, held on with a claw clip. Some of the tea dripped off my hair and made a little puddle in there, so it was semi soaking all the time as well. This time I left the treatment on for 1 hour. And I chose to not rinse it out. This made my hair feel fantastic! Very soft, very full, and smooth. Even my damaged ends felt normal. I think I am going to continue doing treatments this way. I really like it.

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Great news!

I do not like it left in but the bagging (body heat) definitely makes a difference for me, in terms of optimal results.

Thanks, Ktani!

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Originally Posted by Candide

Thanks, Ktani!

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My pleasure!

Ktani, I've been looking at the possibility of using a sulfate free shampoo but wondered if the ingredients in some of them are likely to affect the use of catnip, particularly the coloring. I seem to remember that Corn oil Soap, Aloe Vera and Camomile might be a problem but I'm not sure about the other ingredients.

The Shampoo I've been looking at contains:
Deionized Water , Coconut Oil-Corn Oil Soap , Hydrolyzed Soy Protein , Organic Aloe Vera , Carrgeenen , Roman Camomile Oil , Organic Rosemary Oil , Organic Sage Oil , Extracts of Camomile , Nettle , Horsetail , Coltsfoot , Fennel , Hops , Balm Mint , Mistletoe , and Yarrow , Panthenol (Vitamin B-5) , Inositol , Niacin , Aubreys Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract , Vitamins A , and , E) , Carrot Oil

my current shampoo is Alberto Balsam Tea Tree Tingle with Mint
**INGREDIENTS**
Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (peppermint Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-39, Polyquaternium-7, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Benzophenone-4, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Triethanlamine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Parfum (Fragrance), Cl 19140 (Yellow 5), Cl 42090 (Blue 1), Cl 15985 (Yellow 6)

I'd be grateful for any thoughts you may have. If the sulfate free one is likely to cause problems then I'll probably stick with the Alberto Balsam.

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Originally Posted by KarpatiiSiv

Ktani, I've been looking at the possibility of using a sulfate free shampoo but wondered if the ingredients in some of them are likely to affect the use of catnip, particularly the coloring. I seem to remember that Corn oil Soap, Aloe Vera and Camomile might be a problem but I'm not sure about the other ingredients.

The Shampoo I've been looking at contains:
Deionized Water , Coconut Oil-Corn Oil Soap, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Organic Aloe Vera , Carrgeenen , Roman Camomile Oil , Organic Rosemary Oil , Organic Sage Oil , Extracts of Camomile , Nettle , Horsetail , Coltsfoot , Fennel , Hops , Balm Mint , Mistletoe , and Yarrow , Panthenol (Vitamin B-5) , Inositol , Niacin , Aubreys Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract , Vitamins A , and , E) , Carrot Oil

my current shampoo is Alberto Balsam Tea Tree Tingle with Mint
**INGREDIENTS**
Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (peppermint Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-39, Polyquaternium-7, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Benzophenone-4, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Triethanlamine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Parfum (Fragrance), Cl 19140 (Yellow 5), Cl 42090 (Blue 1), Cl 15985 (Yellow 6)

I'd be grateful for any thoughts you may have. If the sulfate free one is likely to cause problems then I'll probably stick with the Alberto Balsam.

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It can be difficult to tell for sure sometimes. I avoid any polyquaternium numbered ingredients in products because they are film formers (they always made my hair more prone to breakage in the past) but when it comes to that, it is about the percentage used. I have put in bold ingredients that I know of that can coat hair. However, it comes down to the whole formulation and in the end, you have to see how the product works with your hair and catnip.

Mistletoe and coltsfoot are both toxic but again what percentage is in there, I am not sure of at all.

Thank you Ktani, I think for the time being I'll stick with my old shampoo as I have been getting good results with colouring and conditioning from catnip whilst using it. The other shampoo does appear to have a fair number of ingredients that could interfere with the catnip, which is what I suspected. I note what you say about the polyquaternium numbered ingredients but I do only use the absolute minimum amount of shampoo so hopefully this won't cause me problem.

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Originally Posted by KarpatiiSiv

Thank you Ktani, I think for the time being I'll stick with my old shampoo as I have been getting good results with colouring and conditioning from catnip whilst using it. The other shampoo does appear to have a fair number of ingredients that could interfere with the catnip, which is what I suspected. I note what you say about the polyquaternium numbered ingredients but I do only use the absolute minimum amount of shampoo so hopefully this won't cause me problem.

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If you are getting good results with it and using catnip, then do not worry about it. That is my particular preference and past history. My shampoo has one cone and I have no problems with it and no build-up. It is the entire formulation that from my experience, one needs to consider.

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Originally Posted by kdaniels8811

I find it amazing something so inexpensive and readily available works so well. My fine/thin hair does not like any sort of conditioning, laying flat and lifeless unless washed daily. And lots of broken hair and split ends. Until I started catnip tea soaks. They have truly changed my hair for the better. Thank you, Ktani, for doing all the research.

To be honest, I tried this as I tried pretty much everything mentioned in these boards! Megatech, shampoo bars, CO, WO, oiling, vinegar rinses, etc. I have found that indian herbs on the scalp and catnip teas soaks on the length make my hair shiny, soft, and full. Hair I am happy with. All thanks to the many wonderful people on this board willing to experiment and post their results. I LOVE this place!

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On my behalf, you are most welcome! I am still amazed at what catnip does for my hair, and for my skin too, lol.

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Originally Posted by KarpatiiSiv

The Shampoo I've been looking at contains:
Deionized Water , Coconut Oil-Corn Oil Soap , Hydrolyzed Soy Protein , Organic Aloe Vera , Carrgeenen , Roman Camomile Oil , Organic Rosemary Oil , Organic Sage Oil , Extracts of Camomile , Nettle , Horsetail , Coltsfoot , Fennel , Hops , Balm Mint , Mistletoe , and Yarrow , Panthenol (Vitamin B-5) , Inositol , Niacin , Aubreys Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract , Vitamins A , and , E) , Carrot Oil

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Off topic, but what is that shampoo? I like the sound of the ingredients list. :)

Ktani help please.. The longer my hair is getting the more the splits ends. Some of my splits go up 2 to 4 inches. I have tried everything oiling and butters but no luck. I read your article on Catnip thank you for putting in the time for us.:cheese: But I must be blind were does it say how many times a week you should use the Catnip tea to repair or stop split ends from happening? In the beginning of you using Catnip how many times a week did you use it? Also did the split ends stop right away? I only wash my hair once a week, but put oil or butter every other day. How many times would you recommend to stop split ends from happening right away? Thank you

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Originally Posted by Catladyintown

Ktani help please.. The longer my hair is getting the more the splits ends. Some of my splits go up 2 to 4 inches. I have tried everything oiling and butters but no luck. I read your article on Catnip thank you for putting in the time for us.:cheese: But I must be blind were does it say how many times a week you should use the Catnip tea to repair or stop split ends from happening? In the beginning of you using Catnip how many times a week did you use it? Also did the split ends stop right away? I only wash my hair once a week, but put oil or butter every other day. How many times would you recommend to stop split ends from happening right away? Thank you

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I reported my experience with catnip and others have reported theirs.

For me, at the time. I was experimenting with what I eventually reported here and I had build-up on my hair, so the time frame is not the same as it may be for you, with what I do now. I also cannot guarantee your results.

So, first question, I washed my hair 2 x per week.

I only wash my hair every 5 days to 1 week now and still get no split ends.

You can if you wish, use catnip more often. Others have and you may find like them, that your results get better over time. That is what I found to be true for me, when I started to use the method I reported here.

Thank you Ktani. I know there is no guarantee but I am willing to give it a try. Do you think 3 times a week is to much? Also should I still oil or butter my ends? Thanks again Ktani:)

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Originally Posted by Catladyintown

Thank you Ktani. I know there is no guarantee but I am willing to give it a try. Do you think 3 times a week is to much? Also should I still oil or butter my ends? Thanks again Ktani:)

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You can do both. It is best from my experience though, if the hair has not coating on it when you catnip, so do not use too much oil.

You can use catnip as frequently as you like but I do think that you should patch test first, just to make sure that you are not allergic to it.

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Originally Posted by Catladyintown

Thank you Ktani.

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You are most welcome!

Okay guys I finally found some loose catnip here and bought it with a wee secret grin on my face knowing what I wanted to use it for :) I'm going to have a good read of this thread before I start, but the one important thing for me is that I don't want the catnip to change my hair colour!
** Do I need to do anything different than listed in ktani's helpful article where it suggests to steep the tea for 8-9 hours and leave it applied in a bag for an hour?
** Any other redheads found it doesn't dye your hair anyway?

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Originally Posted by Quahatundightu

Okay guys I finally found some loose catnip here and bought it with a wee secret grin on my face knowing what I wanted to use it for :) I'm going to have a good read of this thread before I start, but the one important thing for me is that I don't want the catnip to change my hair colour!
** Do I need to do anything different than listed in ktani's helpful article where it suggests to steep the tea for 8-9 hours and leave it applied in a bag for an hour?
** Any other redheads found it doesn't dye your hair anyway?

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I'm not actually a redhead but I do have a lot of red in my hair. I have been following the 8-9 hour steeping and bagging for an hour routine for about 3 months now and the only staining I have noticed has been on my white hair which I was trying to get anyway. The red tones in my hair do not appear to have been affected.

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Originally Posted by Quahatundightu

Okay guys I finally found some loose catnip here and bought it with a wee secret grin on my face knowing what I wanted to use it for :) I'm going to have a good read of this thread before I start, but the one important thing for me is that I don't want the catnip to change my hair colour!
** Do I need to do anything different than listed in ktani's helpful article where it suggests to steep the tea for 8-9 hours and leave it applied in a bag for an hour?
** Any other redheads found it doesn't dye your hair anyway?

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Just a quick note. Catnip is more like a stain. It is not a dye to me as such and it washes out easily, from my experience, with conventional shampoo. On hair your colour, I do not think that it would be that noticeable.

I steep it for 8-9 hours for a deepened colour primarily. However, you can steep it for much less time and from my experience, still get split end prevention.

Another thing I particularly like about the 8-9 hour brewing time is the convenience.

Like now, I can brew the tea, go off to school, and strain the tea tonight. I do not time it to the minute or hour, or I can brew it overnight, depending on how much sleep I get, lol.

It has been 7 days since I last washed my hair and it is still not oily. My scalp gets oily primarily because of my diet.

I am quite happy to go out in public today, wearing my hair down as usual, knowing that it looks perfectly presentable.

Thanks KarpatiiSiv and ktani for your quick and helpful replies :) I am now sitting here with wet hair just treated by catnip! I will check back to let you know how it goes. I just tried a fairly short steep time (around 40 min) as well as short application time just to see how that goes.

I usually have to use heaps of conditioner and didn't use any this time :)

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Originally Posted by Quahatundightu

Thanks KarpatiiSiv and ktani for your quick and helpful replies :) I am now sitting here with wet hair just treated by catnip! I will check back to let you know how it goes. I just tried a fairly short steep time (around 40 min) as well as short application time just to see how that goes.

I usually have to use heaps of conditioner and didn't use any this time :)

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On my behalf, you are most welcome!

And my results! :)

Well I have to say I do like catnip!! Last night after my hair dried it was so soft and tangle-free, unbelievable without conditioner!! :)

I put it into a sock bun to sleep and I have to say the next morning it was a bit more lank, or I don't know how to call it. Perhaps it was a bit dry too - I didn't measure anything exactly, just put about 1/2 tsp of catnip to maybe 200ml of water. I wonder if it was almost too strong for me. Anyway I smoothed a drop of olive oil through and then put it back into a sock bun for the (very hot and humid) day. Now I'm home and have taken it down, it's much softer and nicer looking than this morning.

So my conclusion is that catnip is a sure winner for me so far (just waiting to see if it does make my hair stronger and less white dots would be great) but next time I will be more careful with the measurements, and also use a little conditioner afterwards. It was great to try it without the conditioner just to see the difference though!! :)

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Originally Posted by Quahatundightu

And my results! :)

Well I have to say I do like catnip!! Last night after my hair dried it was so soft and tangle-free, unbelievable without conditioner!! :)

I put it into a sock bun to sleep and I have to say the next morning it was a bit more lank, or I don't know how to call it. Perhaps it was a bit dry too - I didn't measure anything exactly, just put about 1/2 tsp of catnip to maybe 200ml of water. I wonder if it was almost too strong for me. Anyway I smoothed a drop of olive oil through and then put it back into a sock bun for the (very hot and humid) day. Now I'm home and have taken it down, it's much softer and nicer looking than this morning.

So my conclusion is that catnip is a sure winner for me so far (just waiting to see if it does make my hair stronger and less white dots would be great) but next time I will be more careful with the measurements, and also use a little conditioner afterwards. It was great to try it without the conditioner just to see the difference though!! :)

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I found measurement made a huge difference for me (my measurement is not perfectly exact though). I started out with a heaping tsp to a cup of water and that was too strong for me. I eventually settled on my current recipe, 1 level tsp to just under 300 ml (about 10 oz) of water and that is perfect for both my hair and skin. My ends are soft and not dry at all.

It does from my experience, and that of others, take time to see the results you want.

I am pleased for you that you are pleased with catnip, so far.

Well I've only done two catnip treatments but I feel like there are results already! I actually had to do the "search" part of S&D! I do seem to have fewer white dots than usual, yay! Also my hair is very very soft and tangle free, woohoo!

Also I'm wondering if it's possible to do too much catnip? Or is there any benefit from doing it say, 3 times a week, compared to once a week? Did anyone notice if this affected you either positively or negatively? So far I've spaced it out to once a week but if it helps I wouldn't mind doing it more often ^^

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Originally Posted by Quahatundightu

Well I've only done two catnip treatments but I feel like there are results already! I actually had to do the "search" part of S&D! I do seem to have fewer white dots than usual, yay! Also my hair is very very soft and tangle free, woohoo!

Also I'm wondering if it's possible to do too much catnip? Or is there any benefit from doing it say, 3 times a week, compared to once a week? Did anyone notice if this affected you either positively or negatively? So far I've spaced it out to once a week but if it helps I wouldn't mind doing it more often ^^

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I have been doing catnip treatments non stop for 4 years next month. No problems for me, only much better hair.

I washed my hair 2 x per week in the past, about once a week now but no matter. Catnip for me just improves my hair, no negatives at all.

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Originally Posted by Quahatundightu

Well I've only done two catnip treatments but I feel like there are results already! I actually had to do the "search" part of S&D! I do seem to have fewer white dots than usual, yay! Also my hair is very very soft and tangle free, woohoo!

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Great news that you are so pleased with your results! I am happy for you!

I try to soak my hair in catnip tea twice a week. So more often will not hurt you. Just try it and see what happens. My hair loves it.

Ktani I just wanted to say a big thank you.:cheese: I wanted to use catnip for this week before I posted the results. I have used catnip 3 times already and I can see a big improvement in my split ends. So what I am planning on doing is using catnip 2 or 3 times a week for a couple of months before I go down to once a week. So I founded my routine I will be using herbs for wash, Caramel treatment once a month and catnip 2 or 3 times a weeks. I just wanted to say thank you very much for your article and your help on dealing with my split ends.:D

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Originally Posted by Catladyintown

Ktani I just wanted to say a big thank you.:cheese: I wanted to use catnip for this week before I posted the results. I have used catnip 3 times already and I can see a big improvement in my split ends. So what I am planning on doing is using catnip 2 or 3 times a week for a couple of months before I go down to once a week. So I founded my routine I will be using herbs for wash, Caramel treatment once a month and catnip 2 or 3 times a weeks. I just wanted to say thank you very much for your article and your help on dealing with my split ends.:D

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You are most welcome! I would watch the herb washes for possible build-up and maybe just use them on the scalp depending on your results. I did not see an improvement in my split ends right away but like I said, I had build-up on my hair at the beginning and I had not perfected my catnip routine yet.

I am glad that you are so happy with your results so far.

My routine and results are based on conventional shampoo and catnip. Others use the herb washes. See what works best for you.

Ktani I just use herbs on my scalp and not the whole length. I tried using herbs on the whole length a couple of times and my hair got to heavy and I believe started breaking. So that is why I only use herbs on my scalp. I notice I don't need a lot of oils or butters on my ends like before.:D