I've never been a conditioner fan myself. I don't like how it feels on my skin. That's mainly why I'm trying out herbs on my head, and I've been liking using catnip. I haven't needed any oil or conditioner at all! It's wonderful.
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I've never been a conditioner fan myself. I don't like how it feels on my skin. That's mainly why I'm trying out herbs on my head, and I've been liking using catnip. I haven't needed any oil or conditioner at all! It's wonderful.
julya
It is great isn't it?
Now - try it on your skin!
I wash my face with it in the morning and use it on my hands.
I do not need to moisturize and no more hand lotion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
I still haven't tried it on my face or hands, and I need to.
Anything different with your face since you started using it there? Better/worse for cleaning/acne/rashes/sensitivity?
Nynaeve
Yes - a big difference.
The first time I tried it - the boss at work asked if I had done something to my skin - that I looked younger - you will not need that, lol.
No problems whatsoever.
My skin feels silky smooth - not dry or irritated - don't forget - I soak in in when I do my hair. I would have known if there were problems before using it on my face.
The dilution I use - 1 level tsp to about 275ml, perhaps a touch more water, is perfect for my face - previous dilutions were a little too astringent.
That is the beauty of this - you can make it your own - I have sensitive skin - what is perfect for me may not be just right for you - I can only tell you what makes me happy with the dilution I use.
Ahhhh, I see.Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
I will have to try it on my face as well, then. I have extremely sensitive skin too, and I've been looking for something more gentle. When the catnip dilution I've been using has touched my skin, it hasn't caused problems, so I doubt it will when I use it on my whole face. Have you tried putting other stuff in it for use on the face? And do you let it sit a bit and dry like in your hair or do you rinse it off fairly fast?
Nynaeve
Nope - as with my hair - I am a catnip purist - nothing added. I have experimented with additives like glycerin and acv - a golden yellow acv made from green apples.
For me - catnip works best straight.
For my face, I do not leave it on longer than a few seconds before rinsing.
That is enough.
However - for my hands - I do those in the shower - while the catnip is on my hair - I do not do them separately in between - and it has not been necessary.
Another tip I keep forgetting to mention but you are too young for this one - when in the shower - while the catnip is on my hair and hands - I also put it on my eyebrows and down south - it covers the grey/white on any hair - uncovered - except for the hair on my head - that needs deep conditioning - and the colour takes better covered.
I gotcha.
I was wondering about how long you left it on because I've always heard that it's good to make a cup of tea, then take the teabag while it's still warm, rub it on your face, then let it dry on your face, didn't know if catnip could/should be used the same way. Maybe I'll try both.
Nynaeve
It cannot hurt to leave it on a bit - in the mornings - I am in too much of a hurry usually.
I have left in on a bit longer - it depends on how much time I have.
From my experience though - it is definitely not necessary at all.
Apply - "wash" - rinse - that's it. No fuss no muss.
I have no idea where that expression comes from, lol.
I should clarify one thing and I do not clarify my hair, lol - it does not need it.
My hair is in excellent condition now.
I doubt that the catnip needs to be left on my hair as long as I continue to do so for the treatments.
But I hardly s&d anymore - once in a while if I get the urge to - I am not fond of it - so the urge is rare these days.
It used to be necessary - s&d's are definitely good to help relieve tangling by removing broken hair ends.
However - my hair does not tangle anymore - wet or dry - and I have not been for a trim in over 7 months - no tapered ends either.
If I change the timing - I will have to monitor the change - experiment and keep monitoring - I cannot be bothered.
Literally for me - if it ain't broke - I am not going to fix it.
I gotcha.
I guess I can use it somewhat like I've been using it in my hair. Cool to know you don't need to clarify.
Nynaeve
Catnip has never built-up on my hair - but I do use shampoo - and I squeeze the lather from my scalp - through the length each time - not add more shampoo to the length unless my hair is very oily - which can happen if I do not wash it often enough - that is rare though.
By comparison - other herbal treatments I used - linden tea and chamomile tea - both built-up on my hair and shampoo each time I washed my hair did nothing to help that until I stopped using them.
I do not dilute my shampoo - but I do not use too much at one time.
It is Sunsilk Lively Blonde shampoo - I import it from Europe - I prefer the European formulas - less polymers in them and less silicone than here - the shampoo has never built-up on my hair either.
I have used Sunsilk shampoos for both the linden tea and chamomile tea - so if it was going to help with build-up each time I washed my hair - it would have.
ktani, I usually just use water on my face, but I will give the catnip a try next time. Thanks for the tip! I have been mixing in fenugreek with my catnip, and I wonder if that would make a difference for skin. Maybe I'll try straight catnip on my hair next time.
julya
You are welcome.
For me - mucilage - which is in fenugreek in a large amount - built-up on my hair - it is also in linden tea - in a smaller amount than fenugreek.
But others love fenugreek - from reports in threads on the boards.
As I have said though - I do not clarify my hair - that may be the difference.
Experiment - see what works best for you - it is about your hair and skin and your hair care routine.
I became convinced at one point - I do not know why - I can be very stubborn - that I could make catnip work for my hair and skin with nothing added to it - and I did.
I just used catnip for the first time yesterday and my hair loves it. I'm not looking for color, since my hair is pretty light blond and I want it to stay that way. But I have lots of splits and because my hair is so fine I have trouble finding conditioners and oils that moisturize but don't weigh it down. But after I used the catnip yesterday I didn't need to comb it while it dried (I usually do or I get lots of tangles, even though I know it is probably damaging). The tangles just fell out on their own and my hair had a slight waviness that actually looked nice, not messy like normal. I hope I keep getting these results!
detritus
Catnip forever for me.
I just love what it does for my hair and skin - nice wave pattern, colour, condition, no split ends, smooth, soft skin - the list goes on.
I am so glad you that you like it.
ktani, I did try the catnip on my face as well, and it was very nice. I even have a batch sitting on the kitchen counter ready to be strained. I've actually run out of catnip, but I only bought a little bit to see how I liked it. Anyhow, I agree with you, catnip forever!
I love this idea. I'm going to have to give this a try. I like the idea of getting away from products, and using herbs. I'll have to do some searching for some good catnip....
Find catnip at the Petco? :-)
I have found pet store catnip - organic - preferable to buying it in bulk.
Pet stores usually have a high turn over and I have found it to be fresher and better quality - the pet supply industry is very competitive.
I just wrote it on my grocery list of things to get.My cats are soo gonna luve me ,lol.
When I told my mom about this, and about using the pet quality not the bulk stuff, she told me (not sure if it's true, I'm just repeating what she told me) that the pet stuff is a slightly different herb. It's still catnip, same as the bulk herb, but it's a slightly different strain and would give different results.
Like I said, I'm not sure if it's true or not, but I just thought I would through this out there.
I have been using catnip for over 3 years now.Quote:
Originally Posted by NorthernDancer
I started off with pet store catnip then bulk health food store organic catnip - now back to pet store - this time organic catnip.
It is not true, IMO.
You can get different species of catnip from any store.
However - the most common species - my health food store did not often specify and my pet store catnip does not either, is nepeta cataria.
I do not wory about the name - my concern is that it works.
It does - pet store catnip is consistent - it works for me every single time.
I had difficulty with the quality of health food store catnip - that was inconsistent - from different stores too.
Pet store catnip from my experience, is fresher and better quality.
Organic is what I prefer - but non-organic worked too.
Ok, I've read through *almost* all of this thread, and I have only one question ...
Ok a COUPLE of questions.
Why is catnip more advantageous to other conditioning treatments to ends-only? Is it because other methods don't prevent the split ends? And also... does it leave your hair soft as well? Kindof like a conditioning herb rinse? And lastly, I promise; does anyone here use shampoo bars with catnip?
I do not use it on my ends only.Quote:
Originally Posted by Oskimosa
I use catnip to colour and condition my hair.
It stains my grey/white streaks a light blonde.
I finally got it to condition my hair the way I want - to not have to use conditioner - by bagging it and increasing the timing.
It leaves my hair very soft and tangle free.
The no split ends and reduced breakage was just an uxpected but wecome bonus.
You can ask as many questions as you like - if I can help - I will.
Ah, I'll take you up on that! Basically, I'm not looking to color my hair with it (as I already henna..) so I'd shy towards the 5-15 minute weekly treatment side of things. I just have revealed awful split ends from quitting cones. I wouldn't expect a miracle but I at least need to get those things softened a bit so I can avoid the setback of trimming. I just got the stuff past my shoulders, I dont think I could stomach a trim! And I reeeaaally don't want to go back to cones. I'd suffer the splits before going back.Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
Shall I start gathering seeds for youall?
I live in the great plains, and it grows wild here, although it's a naturalized european.
ktani, i bet it grows wild in ontario!!!
Here i have four bundles drying and haven't used it yet ... :shrug:
Thanks for the offer.Quote:
Originally Posted by blue_nant
It does grow wild here.
I just prefer to let the pet suppliers go through the quality control hastle, lol.
I think a lot of the bulk catnip from the health food stores - organic aside is grown wild.
The pet supply industry is very competitive - companies struggle for their market share and the catnip I buy is clean (not that yours would not be), quality controlled and excellent.
One thing I have noticed since switching to pet store catnip - is that when I wash out the shampoo bottle I keep the catnip tea in - there are no pieces stuck to the inside of it that missed the straining - it is just better catnip than the health food store bulk catnip I was buying.
And the colour and condition of my hair is better - I get consistent results - especially with the colour - the conditioning is close but even better IMO, than before.
It will take a while before you get to where you want but catnip is excellent for the hair, IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by Oskimosa
The first few pages of this thread have my routine for preparing it.
The only thing that has changed is that I no longer deactivate it at the 30 minute mark - I just let it cool, strain it and put in in the fridge or use it right away.
I read this whole thread, and now I can't wait to get home!! I have a brand new pack of organic catnip from the store. My cats will just have to share!!
I've been looking to get off commercial chemicals for all of my skin and hair needs. This is my first step and hopefully I'll be able to drop the expensive conditioner I've been COing with. If I can just rinse in catnip tea and go.... ;)
Ok I think I'll try this. Maybe I'll pick up some catnip from the pet store tomorrow... Gotta get ferret litter anyhow :p
Ok, so I went catnip crazy at Petco tonight! I got the Petco brand Catnip for Cats, 2.5 oz. [70.9 g] for $5.99 USD (must be sold by weight because the container is quite large yet very light), and VIP brand Fresh Premium Catnip Leaves and Blossoms, 3/4 oz. [21 g.] for $2.49 USD. They look exactly the same (so both must contain leaves and blossoms, but I noticed some stems as well) and they smell the same, too, so next time, I will go with the Petco container because it is a better value.
I will try this on my hair tomorrow night. Can't wait!
Oh and I know I said in a previous post that my cats are immune to catnip because they ignore all the catnip toys I've ever gotten them ... well, I WAS WRONG! They practially tore the bag apart to get to the catnip I brought home! I hope they leave my hair alone! :p
My cat Sebastian was the same way. He never really reacted to catnip, then I bring some home and he dove in the bag to get it! I thought I had a critter inside it or something, but I brought out the catnip tub and it had bitemarks in it. :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by MermaidGirl
Now I grow catnip and once a week he gets a leef or two as a treat.
If I missed the answer, sorry:o but I don't know how long to rinse my hair after letting the catnip sit. I've been letting the catnip tea sit on my length for 5-15 min then I rinse with plain water. Should I rinse for a while (like rinsing out conditioner) or just rinse it quickly? If my ends are really dry should I rinse at all or let the tea dry in my hair? Thanks
catfishQuote:
Originally Posted by catfish
You did not miss the answer.
The question as you stated it never came up.
There is no required time for rinsing out catnip.
From my experience with it, it is better rinsed out.
My hair was very dry when I started using it.
I had build-up.
My hair continued to get better from both the catnip and the build-up washing out.
Then I got the full benefits of the catnip conditioning and the colour I wanted.
I left catnip in a few times, while experimenting.
For me it is better, as I said, rinsed out.
Rinse it out as much as you like but I find a thorough rinse the best.
I do not time it - I just make sure that my hair is what I consider, well rinsed.
Ktani- Thanks, that is very helpful:D catfish
catfish
You are welcome.
I've used the catnip tea (per Ktani's instructions) a few times and so far I really like the results. My skin is improving really quickly, and my hair feels about the same as when I used conditioner.
The only difference in my method of tea rinsing is that I don't bag my hair up, I just soak my length in the cup of catnip tea, then pour the leftovers over my head. I continue with my bath as usual then rinse well at the end. I found bagging to be a bit cumbersome and my hair feels pretty moisturized even though the tea is sitting on my hair (the same way conditioner does) throughout my bath.
I am using a tiny bit of coconut oil on just my ends, do you think the oil will block the catnip from treating my ends? I don't have any buildup at all and the oil makes my very dry ends a little nicer, maybe one day I wont have to use oil at all, just catnip.
Can I still use a little oil without ruining the catnip effects?:o
Thanks, catfish
I've been using catnip rinse for about a week now, and I can really see the results!
I decided to go all natural, so I whipped up my own shampoo and use the catnip tea as a rinse. With both of them, it doesn't feel like commercial products when I'm showering or when it's wet, but it dries MUCH more quickly, and once it's dry it's mostly tangle free (the tangles that are there are more from the shampoo).
My split ends are almost gone - my S&D sessions only last a couple minutes now, and I snip out split ends I missed before or kinks in my hair. It's no longer a case of cutting my hair one hair at a time! YAY!!
It doesn't seem to cover the gray though. I've only got about 6 gray hairs so far, but they're still gray - no blond or anything. I'm considering trying walnut to put some color back in, but one thing at a time!
The first time I used it I put it in and went to bed, and then kept my hair in a snood the next day because I didn't get a chance to rinse it out. By evening, it was almost dry, and seemed ok, though I probably won't use it as a leave-in. I do have some in my mister though, and mist my hair on the days I'm not washing it.
Excellent idea!! I wonder how someone thought of it originally?
Oh wow! I love your detailed writing about the catnip! Will totally have to try that! I am the split end queen!
Good to know!