Catnip for split ends?

Thanks Kazazi, ktani,

for the link and for the info!
I can't find any latin name on the catnip package, just a little blib about 'targeted scratching'. Rather funny to read that in this context. Anyhow, I'll keep experimenting and if it improves and/or I find some good 'stuff' here, I'll let you know!

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Originally Posted by Sia

Thanks Kazazi, ktani,

for the link and for the info!
I can't find any latin name on the catnip package, just a little blib about 'targeted scratching'. Rather funny to read that in this context. Anyhow, I'll keep experimenting and if it improves and/or I find some good 'stuff' here, I'll let you know!

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My current catnip, Hagen brand, does not say on the package what species of catnip it is either. I emailed them for that information.

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Originally Posted by tabitie

I just used catnip over commercial shampoo per Ktani's instructions (over very rough, damaged, chemically treated hair). Here are my results (photos: see my album).

I shampood, clarified with a white vinegar and water rinse (1-2 tbp per cup for shine and smoother cuticles), then applied catnip. Brewed a double does for my thick hair (550 mL water and 2 tsp catnip from PetMeds.com). Kept hair under shower cap and towel for 1.5 hours, adding more for coverage. Kitty sniffed my head!

RESULTS:

It amazed me I could get the comb through. I've never used a natural conditioner and am a dimethicone hair smoothing adict. The properties of catnip are truly remarkable! While not as "slippery" feeling as commercial shampoos, it does give you that same feeling. No tangles, good texture considering my texture without this would be terrible due to the chemical processing.:poot::cheese::cheese:

However, I am not a convert. My curls look like a caucasian afro right now. This does not compliment my face as I don't have Nicole Kidman's or Andie MacDowell's china-doll features. My medium-fine, thick curly hair is going to need a conditioner a lot heavier than this! :(

I can see how catnip would be a miracle product for those with short thin hair (guys), natural blondes, people with very fine hair or straight hair they want to fluff up and have a "cloud" of body. Many thanks to ktani for this.:)

I think there are many people whose hair would suit them great with catnip-only. I'm not one of them. :D :cool:

Next I will try amla or fenugreek/meshi to see if I can weight myself down a bit!

See my albums for pictures and previous posts about the miracle of ACV rinses. New discovery for me. Whoop!

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I've been using 2 tsp of catnip in 600 mL of water without my hair becoming a cloud around my face. However, my hair is medium-coarse and less curly, so that could be more of a reason for the difference than the dilution. :)

I believe that at least one person has used conditioner after rinsing out the catnip with really good effects, so that might be something to try if you need conditioner but still want to use catnip.

Coconut oil is excellent to add weight and still wash out when you want it out.

Has anyone used a premade catnip hydrosol before? (such as the one available from Mountain Rose Herbs)
Would this have more or less benefits than if you were to brew a catnip tea yourself?

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Originally Posted by Leisje

Has anyone used a premade catnip hydrosol before? (such as the one available from Mountain Rose Herbs)
Would this have more or less benefits than if you were to brew a catnip tea yourself?

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Offhand, I would say no. A hydrosol, depending on how it is defined by the maker, is usually water, alcohol or not and the oil (essential) of the plant.

Here is some information on what is known as a hydrosol, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrosol. You need to read the label of ingredients carefully.

Some feedback on the catnip soak: my hair feels and behaves like hair again!

I have been doing the catnip thing at least twice a week (soaking for anywhere up to 1 hour) now for several months. That, combined with consistent self-trims/dustings every month or so, has succeeded in reducing my straw-like ends. Even though my length is still the same as it was 10 months ago, my ends look more like hair now, and they swing more like hair too, instead of moving in a big, dry clump! I've still got a ways to go but I'm gonna keep on with the catnip as much as I can. The new catnip I'm using (bought in a tub as opposed to a poly bag) is way fresher and I think more potent. I'm still using conditioner though...not able to dump that security blanket yet.

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Originally Posted by MsBubbles

Some feedback on the catnip soak: my hair feels and behaves like hair again!

I have been doing the catnip thing at least twice a week (soaking for anywhere up to 1 hour) now for several months. That, combined with consistent self-trims/dustings every month or so, has succeeded in reducing my straw-like ends. Even though my length is still the same as it was 10 months ago, my ends look more like hair now, and they swing more like hair too, instead of moving in a big, dry clump! I've still got a ways to go but I'm gonna keep on with the catnip as much as I can. The new catnip I'm using (bought in a tub as opposed to a poly bag) is way fresher and I think more potent. I'm still using conditioner though...not able to dump that security blanket yet.

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This is great news! If you are still using conditioner and getting this level of results, it is likely to me, that your conditioner is washing out enough each time, not to be a problem for you. Some conditioners and the amount of it you do use may and obviouly do, allow that.

I used a couple of conditioners, when I was still experimenting with them, that washed out fairly easily for me. However, as I have said, my best results with catnip, started to occur, when I gave up all conditioner.

How frequently do most folks use the catnip? I was thinking that once a week would work, but I am hoping to get response for the split ends, and I love the apparent detangling...so I like to use it more often...but I don't what to use it too much...

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Originally Posted by ElenTikvah

How frequently do most folks use the catnip? I was thinking that once a week would work, but I am hoping to get response for the split ends, and I love the apparent detangling...so I like to use it more often...but I don't what to use it too much...

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I have used it each and every time I wash my hair and have done so for almost 4 years.

To me, there is no too much use of catnip.