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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
whiteisle
So a little experiment.........the catnip I have been using was bought at the farmer's market back in the summer. It came in little zip baggies all chopped up.
Today I got some catnip tea from the health store that of course comes in tea bags. I brewed a batch of each to see if there would be any difference. I did the tea per the directions but doubled it. Here's what I got:
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/i...00301_0244.jpg
The left is the loose stuff from the farmer's market and has a very yellow to yellow green tint. The catnip tea came out more reddish/coppery.
So my question is what, if any, difference may there be between the two? What does your tea look like? :D
My tea, brewed for 5 hours, looks dark yellow almost gold in my white bone china mug and golden yellow (no red or brown in it though) in my clear shampoo bottle but still yields only a light yellow not "gold", as in any red in it or brown colour, on my hair.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
My tea if brewed for less than an hour looks more like the picture on the left, and if brewed for several hours comes closer to the picture on the right - if a little less reddish. I wonder if the bags you used in the experiement hold more catnip than the loose amount on the left?
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Zombiekins
My tea if brewed for less than an hour looks more like the picture on the left, and if brewed for several hours comes closer to the picture on the right - if a little less reddish. I wonder if the bags you used in the experiement hold more catnip than the loose amount on the left?
They actually appear to hold less, maybe 1/2 tsp, and the catnip is much finer.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quick question...
I bought some dried catnip at the petshop. Actually, it says "herbe à chats" (Hagen - organic) but doesn't translate it into English.
It smells a little "minty", when infused. Does this mean it's actually catmint and not catnip ? How to tell ?
What does catnip smell like ?
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sweetness
Quick question...
I bought some dried catnip at the petshop. Actually, it says "herbe à chats" (Hagen - organic) but doesn't translate it into English.
It smells a little "minty", when infused. Does this mean it's actually catmint and not catnip ? How to tell ?
What does catnip smell like ?
To me, catnip just smelled "herby". Kind of like grass?
Jenn
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
I went back and smelled it "dry" and it does smell grassy ... yesterday I found that, infusing, it smelled minty... confusing :rolleyes: :lol:
Well, it's on my head now, so I hope there's no disaster if it's actually catmint instead of catnip ... !
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sweetness
I went back and smelled it "dry" and it does smell grassy ... yesterday I found that, infusing, it smelled minty... confusing :rolleyes: :lol:
Thats how mine is- herby when dry, minty when infused :) I love the minty smell.
Wow, I'd taken a break from catnip for a few weeks (not sure why- I think I was testing out a new conditioner and didn't to be swayed by the catnip goodness). Anyway, my ends had started getting really dry but I didn't think much of it since I'm due for a trim anyway. Well, over the weekend I did a catnip soak again and wow. I'd forgotten how nice it makes my hair feel. My hair feels sleek and the ends are totally smooth. I love this stuff :D
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
I checked with Hagen via email what species their catnip is and they replied Nepeta cataria.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Thank you, I'm so happy I got the right thing ! And in fact, I think it might be quite a success and totally worth it ! I'm waiting for tomorrow when it's totally dried to confirm :)
For now, waaaay more shine, great texture, soft ! I'm impressed
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sweetness
Thank you, I'm so happy I got the right thing ! And in fact, I think it might be quite a success and totally worth it ! I'm waiting for tomorrow when it's totally dried to confirm :)
For now, waaaay more shine, great texture, soft ! I'm impressed
My pleasure! Glad to hear that you are so pleased.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Here's the result of my first catnip experiment, I'm really happy with the shine, texture and softness ! My ends do not look (or feel) as damaged / dry as before ! (you can compare with the picture of my curls last November (in album) ; LHC's knowledge is improving my hair so much !)
http://www.dayza.com/Users-Photos/1267648082.jpg
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sweetness
looks great! I'm glad catnip is also working for you.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sweetness
Here's the result of my first catnip experiment, I'm really happy with the shine, texture and softness ! My ends do not look (or feel) as damaged / dry as before ! (you can compare with the picture of my curls last November (in album) ; LHC's knowledge is improving my hair
so much !)
http://www.dayza.com/Users-Photos/1267648082.jpg
Your curls look lovely. Catnip is very addictive, my addiction started 9 months ago and haven't looked back since.:D Pleased to here it is also working for you, welcome to the club. :thumbsup:
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sweetness
Here's the result of my first catnip experiment, I'm really happy with the shine, texture and softness ! My ends do not look (or feel) as damaged / dry as before ! (you can compare with the picture of my curls last November (in album) ; LHC's knowledge is improving my hair
so much !)
http://www.dayza.com/Users-Photos/1267648082.jpg
Gorgeous! Catnip use for hair is addictive, lol.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sweetness
Here's the result of my first catnip experiment, I'm really happy with the shine, texture and softness ! My ends do not look (or feel) as damaged / dry as before ! (you can compare with the picture of my curls last November (in album) ; LHC's knowledge is improving my hair
so much !)
http://www.dayza.com/Users-Photos/1267648082.jpg
Lovely hair!
I cannot wait to resume my catnip soaks!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
That is very nice of all of you ! thank you so much !
I've been doing my second catnip rinse today and did a long happy S&D moment in the beautiful (almost) spring sunshine today.
My hair was fluffy because I'm a 2c/3a and I was gently combing it (but it wasn't "bad frizzyness" at ALL), but nevermind the fluff, it is sooooooooooooooo amazing, shiny, SOFT. Catnip makes me love my hair, which is huge. Never thought I'd say my hair feels "soft" !
I infuse it a long time (overnight) and then leave it in. My hair absolutely loves it, it's never been this happy before, as far back as I can remember.
Who came up with the catnip idea for hair ? Is that you katni or is it an "old school" tradition you decided to study and test ?
Anyways, THANK YOU for making me learn about this. I'm totally addicted now, that was fast :p
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sweetness
That is very nice of all of you ! thank you so much !
I've been doing my second catnip rinse today and did a long happy S&D moment in the beautiful (almost) spring sunshine today.
My hair was fluffy because I'm a 2c/3a and I was gently combing it (but it wasn't "bad frizzyness" at ALL), but nevermind the fluff, it is sooooooooooooooo amazing, shiny, SOFT. Catnip makes me love my hair, which is huge. Never thought I'd say my hair feels "soft" !
I infuse it a long time (overnight) and then leave it in. My hair absolutely loves it, it's never been this happy before, as far back as I can remember.
Who came up with the catnip idea for hair ? Is that you katni or is it an "old school" tradition you decided to study and test ?
Anyways, THANK YOU for making me learn about this. I'm totally addicted now, that was fast :p
Glad to hear that you are so pleased.
Catnip was first posted about here before I tried it, with the internet reference, "for growth and shine". It was tried by a few people and the novelty wore off. The thread died out. I think a few people left in in and one person mixed it with acv and fenugreek at one point.
I continued using it and through experimentation I discovered that it can prevent split ends which had not been posted about and cover grey with a light blonde stain that had not been discussed previously either. I found that it works better for me rinsed out and with nothing added to it.
The fact that it can stain hair I found out about through my own experiments after reading that catnip yields a light yellow dye, no instructons and nothing about it staining hair. The present soaks timing of 1 hour and basic recipe dilution in this thread, are what I use and wrote about.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
So for those who use the catnip rinses, is it a final rinse? Or do you rinse it out? Would it leave any build-up if not rinsed out?
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LadyJennifer
So for those who use the catnip rinses, is it a final rinse? Or do you rinse it out? Would it leave any build-up if not rinsed out?
The Catnip Article may help you with that. http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&articleid=118
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ktani
Thanks ktani!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LadyJennifer
Thanks ktani!
My pleasure!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
ktani - you mention in your explaination that you use the leftover catnip on your face and body.........do you apply and leave it or do you let it sit for a while and then rinse like for your hair?
And what benefits have you found doing this? I'm mainly interested in what it might do for my face. :)
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
whiteisle
ktani - you mention in your explaination that you use the leftover catnip on your face and body.........do you apply and leave it or do you let it sit for a while and then rinse like for your hair?
And what benefits have you found doing this? I'm mainly interested in what it might do for my face. :)
I use it 2 ways. Normally I just apply it as a face wash and rinse it off right away.
However, I have recently experimented with using it as a treatment too by gently exfoliating my wet facial skin (rinsed with water first) with my hands, applying the catnip tea and letting it dry on my skin, as a 2nd application. It takes no time at all to dry and I leave it on for an hour then rinse it off. The result is fabulous. My skin is soft, smooth and glowing and my facial lines are reduced (I have no wrinkles).
I have started, to save time, to do this also when I do my hair treatment too but I only wash my hair about every 5 days to once a week.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Thanks ktani! I tried the "leave-on" method this morning! lol My face is soooo soft! I'm interested in seeing how this would work long-term.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
whiteisle
Thanks ktani! I tried the "leave-on" method this morning! lol My face is soooo soft! I'm interested in seeing how this would work long-term.
You are most welcome! The key for me is to exfoliate the skin first to get the most benefits from catnip tea as a skin softener.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LadyJennifer
So for those who use the catnip rinses, is it a final rinse? Or do you rinse it out? Would it leave any build-up if not rinsed out?
I have tried leaving it in before, but I prefer to rinse it out and then use my Camellia Oil or Sebastian Potion 9 generic as a leave-in. I also sometimes use a conditioner after the catnip.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ktani
You are most welcome! The key for me is to exfoliate the skin first to get the most benefits from catnip tea as a skin softener.
Cool! I'll try exfoliating next time first and see how that does. :)
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
whiteisle
Cool! I'll try exfoliating next time first and see how that does. :)
As I said, I just exfoliate gently with my hands, rubbing my skin first. I do not use a product to do that. It works well for me.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ktani
As I said, I just exfoliate gently with my hands, rubbing my skin first. I do not use a product to do that. It works well for me.
I usually use this uber soft sponge to "wipe" my face. That should be sufficient, yes? I've found over the last year that my face does well with as little product and messing as possible. I will use the sponge with just water (and sometimes, though rarely, a complexion bar from CV) and then apply coconut oil. I've had a happy face since starting this simple routine. I wish I could get my hair routine so simple! :rolleyes: Anyway, I'm hoping the catnip will be a beneficial addition. Sounds like it does well for you!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Okay, question:
I have a Catnip Plant, should I pick leaves and let them dry before making the tea or is it better if they are fresh?
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Stormcast
Okay, question:
I have a Catnip Plant, should I pick leaves and let them dry before making the tea or is it better if they are fresh?
I have never used fresh but I think you can use either. I would also use the buds.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Tried a catnip leave-in rinse for the first time a couple days ago, and couldn't believe how soft it left my hair! Gonna make this part of my regular routine, I'm really looking forward to having long healthy hair (when it finally grows back out!) :)
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ktani
I have never used fresh but I think you can use either. I would also use the buds.
Hmm Good idea. Maybe I'll do an experiment, Fresh vs. Dried (buds included) Thanks Ktani!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Here are my plans for catnip. I have never tried it before. Can anyone tell me if there is anything wrong with it?
- wash hair with poo bar
-ACV rinse
-gather semi damp- not sopping, maybe towel dried- hair into a ponyail
-dunk length in tea until well soaked
-bag and leave on for an amount of time- not sure how long yet, please advise!
-rinse out with water -not sure if I rinse it out or not either, so please let me know
Well, do you think this will work? I have read so many ways of using catnip, it has gotten kind of confusing for me LOL
Any tips would be appreciated!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Deviantkitten - you have it exactly right. I left it on for a half hour or so and rinsed afterwards. This soak does wonders for easily broken hair and split ends. I swear by it. And you can splash the rest of the tea on your face, it does wonders for skin, too. I wonder who thought of this in the first place, I am very grateful! Good luck.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
deviantkitten
Here are my plans for catnip. I have never tried it before. Can anyone tell me if there is anything wrong with it?
- wash hair with poo bar
-ACV rinse
-gather semi damp- not sopping, maybe towel dried- hair into a ponyail
-dunk length in tea until well soaked
-bag and leave on for an amount of time- not sure how long yet, please advise!
-rinse out with water -not sure if I rinse it out or not either, so please let me know
Well, do you think this will work? I have read so many ways of using catnip, it has gotten kind of confusing for me LOL
Any tips would be appreciated!
I wonder about the ACV rinse before the catnip... If I understand correctly, the ACV helps the cuticle to lie down smooth. If you want the catnip to get in under the cuticle, wouldn't that be counterproductive? On the other hand, if the point is to have the catnip coat the shaft rather than penetrate, smoothing the cuticle first would probably be just the thing.
Sorry, I'm probably just adding to the confusion...:rolleyes:
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
deviantkitten
Here are my plans for catnip. I have never tried it before. Can anyone tell me if there is anything wrong with it?
- wash hair with poo bar
-ACV rinse
-gather semi damp- not sopping, maybe towel dried- hair into a ponyail
-dunk length in tea until well soaked
-bag and leave on for an amount of time- not sure how long yet, please advise!
-rinse out with water -not sure if I rinse it out or not either, so please let me know
Well, do you think this will work? I have read so many ways of using catnip, it has gotten kind of confusing for me LOL
Any tips would be appreciated!
Sounds great. I leave catnip on my hair for about 1 hour. The acv should remove any soap residue from the shampoo bar.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Thanks! That is what is what I was wondering- would he catnip work as well as it should after an ACV following the poo bar?
I have ordered catnip and poo bars, neither of which I have used before.
I have contacted toe seller of poo bars, and she said she uses the ACV rinses, but has not tried catnip. I am only assuming I need an ACV rinse after the poo bar. From what I understand you only need to do ACV after poo bar if you have hard water, which I don't know if I have, but I guess I will find out LOL.
Do you think if I do a catnip soak then use it as a final rinse I would not need the ACV rinse?
Or could I do the ACV rinse after catnip?
A little inexperienced, and forgive me if this was already talked about. There are just so.....many.....pages LOL
Any advice would be appreciated!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Usually hard water areas have Limescale build up in taps (faucets), kettles, washing machines etc which is easily visible. Soft water produces no such scale. At least that's my experience in the UK in my childhood. I've since lived in a soft water part of the country!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
deviantkitten
Thanks! That is what is what I was wondering- would he catnip work as well as it should after an ACV following the poo bar?
I have ordered catnip and poo bars, neither of which I have used before.
I have contacted toe seller of poo bars, and she said she uses the ACV rinses, but has not tried catnip. I am only assuming I need an ACV rinse after the poo bar. From what I understand you only need to do ACV after poo bar if you have hard water, which I don't know if I have, but I guess I will find out LOL.
Do you think if I do a catnip soak then use it as a final rinse I would not need the ACV rinse?
Or could I do the ACV rinse after catnip?
A little inexperienced, and forgive me if this was already talked about. There are just so.....many.....pages LOL
Any advice would be appreciated!
I have hard water where I live. Catnip is my final treatment after shampoo. Nothing else is needed for me. Catnip is acidic.