Catnip for split ends?

I have been using it for over 4 years now (I rinse it out) and I have 0 plans to stop using it, lol.

I tried this today, and I can't say that I was impressed. My hair felt really dry afterwards, though it did have a lot of root lift and TONS of volume. I also have thick, curly hair with a cut that I *HATE* w/ choppy ends (that only looks good when I have STRAIGHTENED hair!!!). I had to put leave in conditioner in my hair a couple of hours later because my hair felt so dehydrated. Maybe the tea is too strong, or maybe my fine, curly hair just doesn't like it. Who knows....

I'll try it again. Maybe this was a fluke.

Catnip rinse on the hair. Interesting. I may have to give this a try.

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Originally Posted by Lunabella

Catnip rinse on the hair. Interesting. I may have to give this a try.

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Welcome to LHC!

You can find out more about catnip use for hair and skin here, http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&articleid=118.

Hey, do I have to use a totally cone free shampoo before I use this stuff? I used Paul Mitchell Shampoo One, which DOES have some cones, although I've never noticed any buildup from it whatsoever. I'm wondering if that is why it did absolutely NOTHING for my hair. Any shampoo recommendations, anyone?

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Originally Posted by turtlelover

Hey, do I have to use a totally cone free shampoo before I use this stuff? I used Paul Mitchell Shampoo One, which DOES have some cones, although I've never noticed any buildup from it whatsoever. I'm wondering if that is why it did absolutely NOTHING for my hair. Any shampoo recommendations, anyone?

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My shampoo Sunsilk Lively Blonde Shampoo (I import it, it is the European formula) has one cone and no build-up either and has never been a problem used with catnip.

I cannot say why you had no results with the catnip you used, not knowing anything about the catnip you used, or your dilution or what may be on your hair in terms of residue.

Catnip use from my experience gets better with time and bagging or covering it and timing, about one hour per treatment.

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Originally Posted by brunette

I've been using catnip after washes for a month now, and I love the conditioned ends. I leave it in.

Why on earth did I not try this before?!

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Brunette, I'm thinking of trying it as a leave in next time. Have you tried rinsing out and leaving in, and if so, what better results do you get from leaving it in?

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Originally Posted by turtlelover

I tried this today, and I can't say that I was impressed. My hair felt really dry afterwards, though it did have a lot of root lift and TONS of volume. I also have thick, curly hair with a cut that I *HATE* w/ choppy ends (that only looks good when I have STRAIGHTENED hair!!!). I had to put leave in conditioner in my hair a couple of hours later because my hair felt so dehydrated. Maybe the tea is too strong, or maybe my fine, curly hair just doesn't like it. Who knows....

I'll try it again. Maybe this was a fluke.

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My hair is fine, dry and curly too. I've only just started using catnip, and I'm finding that it isn't leaving my hair feeling all silky and well-conditioned, but that it appears to be thickening it a bit (plus the colour change and shinyness is nice too). It definitely doesn't feel like regular conditioner, and I can definitely see that the results would get better over time.

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Originally Posted by pelican

Brunette, I'm thinking of trying it as a leave in next time. Have you tried rinsing out and leaving in, and if so, what better results do you get from leaving it in?

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Hi, sorry but no I've not tried rinsing it out. My hair is very fine too, and I've been Indian Herb washing exclusively for about 5 years now.

I'm not sure what to do for a 'poo yet. My second treatment I made sure I got the sides in good. I was only going to leave it on for 10 minutes again - didn't realize (new) timer had stopped. It was on closer to 30 minutes (I was reading). Did not like the yellow shade that showed up on the white. :cool: One wash w/ Suave clarifying and a few drops of violet 'poo however, took care of it ...

I could tell there was something on it by the feel - day 2 started to feel a little 'slick' near the scalp. Have to do a little more experimenting. Today I used a BioSilk knock-off ... :confused:

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Originally Posted by brunette

Hi, sorry but no I've not tried rinsing it out. My hair is very fine too, and I've been Indian Herb washing exclusively for about 5 years now.

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Thanks - I think i'm going to give not rinsing a go. My scalp might not be up to it, but will see... It would certainly be a lot easier than wearing a swimming hat and ear protectors etc while I let it work for an hour! :D:o

You guys would really be laughing at me now. I have CATNIP soaking on my hair, and a kitty litter facial mask drying on my face. My family is teasing me about turning into a cat!!!! :-)

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Originally Posted by turtlelover

You guys would really be laughing at me now. I have CATNIP soaking on my hair, and a kitty litter facial mask drying on my face. My family is teasing me about turning into a cat!!!! :-)

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Hehe fabulous!

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Originally Posted by pelicano

Thanks - I think i'm going to give not rinsing a go. My scalp might not be up to it, but will see... It would certainly be a lot easier than wearing a swimming hat and ear protectors etc while I let it work for an hour! :D:o

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By the way, not sure if it will help but I put in on as much length as I can, bag it for a soak, before letting it loose to dry (or dry bunned). I don't always put it on my scalp because I apply it cold and I don't know if I can always cope with cold liquid on my scalp!

Hmm... well I put the catnip on and just air dried from sopping wet, as I didn't have a lot of time today, and... I don't like it. My hair feels very dry and weak. I can really tell that it hasn't worked as well as usual, as it doesn't have the usual lovely colour that it leaves me with. I'll do it properly in a few days.

How long do you have to use catnip before you see some color on your gray hairs?

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Originally Posted by turtlelover

How long do you have to use catnip before you see some color on your gray hairs?

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It varies. With extra timing and bagging I now get complete grey/white coverage each time.

I haven't read *completely* thru this thread as its VERY long lol.. but can anyone tell me if catnip has protein in it? i used a catnip rinse today and didn't notice any of the moisturizing effect that many people did, instead my hair acted like it does when it gets protein. It in fact seemed drier/rough/tangly, though very strong.

Jenn

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Originally Posted by earthymamawitch

I haven't read *completely* thru this thread as its VERY long lol.. but can anyone tell me if catnip has protein in it? i used a catnip rinse today and didn't notice any of the moisturizing effect that many people did, instead my hair acted like it does when it gets protein. It in fact seemed drier/rough/tangly, though very strong.

Jenn

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I don't get a moisturising effect either, just more of an extra strength, plus a shine. I still need to put my usual leave ins afterwards - glycerine, shea butter and oil. I don't think catnip can be a significant source of protein.

Since most leafy plants contain some form of protein I would imagine the dry leaf/petals do (The seeds themselves contain about 18% protein) however I'm not certain that much would be deposited into the water after infusing. I'm sure someone more scientific would be able to answer better.

Catnip does contain protein but I have never had an overload from it. Just the opposite. If my brew time has been over 5 hours, I get too much moisture. The moisturizing properties for me came only after I started bagging or covering a treatment and after my hair no longer had any major build-up on it.

Hmm... I'm only brewing for an hour. I wonder if I need to increase the brewing time.

edit: OK, I catnipped this afternoon, after leaving it to brew for 2 hours this time. I noticed an improvement in terms of 'slip' and strength to the hair, although no difference in the colour. I think I will try building up the time brewing and see what happens.

Hey. I used catnip 2 times. My hair has been much more curled than normal. Also my hair has been darker. But I think for that result the effort is to high ... I don't use catnip anymore but it was a good experience :)

Speaking of brewing time, it seems like my catnip changes if I leave it to brew overnight. After a while it goes from a nice translucent color to being slightly cloudy. The smell isn't as nice either. Has this happened to anyone else?

I brew it with nearly-boiled tap water and let it sit in a covered pyrex jar. :shrug:

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Originally Posted by loyaboya

Speaking of brewing time, it seems like my catnip changes if I leave it to brew overnight. After a while it goes from a nice translucent color to being slightly cloudy. The smell isn't as nice either. Has this happened to anyone else?

I brew it with nearly-boiled tap water and let it sit in a covered pyrex jar. :shrug:

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My catnip remained clear with longer brewing times but when I shook it, I could see a sort of sediment. More things being released I think and it depends as well on what is put in the mug. My catnip has a crushed powder at the bottom of the mix. That is normal.

As to the smell, I have never noticed that. I use boiled water for the entire process, including sterilizing the utensils used.

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Originally Posted by loyaboya

Speaking of brewing time, it seems like my catnip changes if I leave it to brew overnight. After a while it goes from a nice translucent color to being slightly cloudy. The smell isn't as nice either. Has this happened to anyone else?

I brew it with nearly-boiled tap water and let it sit in a covered pyrex jar. :shrug:

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Like Ktani I always use boiling water and sterilise the mug I steep it in with boiling water before using it. I've never noticed mine go cloudy and I have forgotten it sometimes so it steeped for 9 hours or more. Never noticed any change in the smell either.

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Originally Posted by ktani

My catnip remained clear with longer brewing times but when I shook it, I could see a sort of sediment. More things being released I think and it depends as well on what is put in the mug. My catnip has a crushed powder at the bottom of the mix. That is normal.

As to the smell, I have never noticed that. I use boiled water for the entire process, including sterilizing the utensils used.

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Hmmm- yeah I'm thinking it might just be breaking down. When I say 'overnight' I'm thinking 12-24 hours. I wouldn't say it starts to smell bad, it's just not that fresh, minty smell that I get after a 1-2 hour brew. Anyway, I just won't be doing it that long anymore. Now I let it sit until it cools, then I apply it to my damp hair.

I've been doing weekly catnip soaks since early September! That's about 10-11 treatments total and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. :D

Hey, my experiences: Longer brewing time-->more cloudy

But I think catnip smells horrible...:mad: I hate the scent of herbs...

Greeting

EDIT: But as I said: The result was great :D

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Originally Posted by loyaboya

Hmmm- yeah I'm thinking it might just be breaking down. When I say 'overnight' I'm thinking 12-24 hours. I wouldn't say it starts to smell bad, it's just not that fresh, minty smell that I get after a 1-2 hour brew. Anyway, I just won't be doing it that long anymore. Now I let it sit until it cools, then I apply it to my damp hair.

I've been doing weekly catnip soaks since early September! That's about 10-11 treatments total and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. :D

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It does sound like it is breaking down to me. Why I do not know but if the water was not boiled that may be it in part, and that you left it out for so long.

ktani- So do you add BOILING water to your mug with catnip? I was worried that boiling water might be too hot, so I've been trying to catch it right before, or let it cool down a bit afterwards. But maybe I won't be so particular in the future if it doesn't matter.

heldiggris- thanks! Okay at least I know it's not just me. :)

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Originally Posted by loyaboya

ktani- So do you add BOILING water to your mug with catnip? I was worried that boiling water might be too hot, so I've been trying to catch it right before, or let it cool down a bit afterwards. But maybe I won't be so particular in the future if it doesn't matter.

heldiggris- thanks! Okay at least I know it's not just me. :)

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I use water that has just boiled. If the kettle boils before I am ready (if I get distracted) I will bring it to the boil again.

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Originally Posted by loyaboya

... I know it's not just me. :)

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Oh yess! How often do I think THAT!:D

My most recent Catnip soak ended up with crunchy, tangly ends. The only thing I did differently was not leave the lid on while it brewed.
This is the first time I forgot to do this, so I am wondering if all the volatile oils evaporated away and left it less than conditioning.

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Originally Posted by brunette

My most recent Catnip soak ended up with crunchy, tangly ends. The only thing I did differently was not leave the lid on while it brewed.
This is the first time I forgot to do this, so I am wondering if all the volatile oils evaporated away and left it less than conditioning.

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I do not think it helped. I have never done that. Sorry to hear about the results.

Has anyone bought catnip from tskitty on Ebay?
I am on page 80 of this thread, so I am sorry if this seller has been mentioned, but I want to order as soon as possible.

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Originally Posted by Marions

Has anyone bought catnip from tskitty on Ebay?
I am on page 80 of this thread, so I am sorry if this seller has been mentioned, but I want to order as soon as possible.

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Sorry, I've never heard of this seller. I've been using this one for six months, which was purchased on e-bay and they will deliver to your part of the world.:D

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Originally Posted by ktani

Morag

I have never tried Equisetum arvense or horsetail.

The one thing I do before I try any plant is check out the constituents the same way I read ingredient labels - and of course check out its safety or toxicity.

After chamomile and my linden tea disaster, I avoid these things in a plant - mucilage, polysaccharides, resins - all of them can build up on hair.

Horsetail, from my research contains both mucilage and resin. Linden tea contains mucilage. Catnip contains none of the above.

I did find one reference on catnip that said it contains mucilage but only one reference and from my results - I would say that the amount is insignificant.

Chamomile built-up on my hair - breakage city and dryness (German chamomile, Matricaria recutita - the one I used, contains polysaccharides - Roman chamomile, Anthemis nobilis - which I never tried on my hair, contains resin). I was using 8-10 teabags at a time though, for colour.

So, part of what makes catnip work so well for me is that it does not have anything in it that would require me to clarify.

Enough of the catnip washes out with just shampoo so that I can reapply it each time I wash and get colour and conditioning.

From my experience, in reading constituent listings, if a constituent is in a high enough percentage, it shows up in more than one reference and is considered an "active ingredient". Apparently, mucilage is in most plants - it is the amount that makes the difference for use on hair, IMO.

You have to find what works best for you.

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Thorough! I love research.

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Originally Posted by imposterpockets

Thorough! I love research.

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Thank you! I am happy that you do. I love it too.

I uploaded pictures of good and bad catnip (in my trail and error experiments) for my website which is under consecution at the moment.
http://gallery.me.com/purplewisteria...12597919880001
good catnip being on the left which seem to have more of the plant as to on the right which is more leafy.

I've got into a habbit also to in leaving it brewing from the morning then i use it in the evening......when i wash my hair.
seriously conditioning, i am hooked , i'm so glad i've found this as a method to condition my hair.

Found also if you spraying it on my head hair was too conditioning (looked greasy almost).
suppose you've just got to find the right balance.

I now sandwich bad the lightly braided legth for about 20 minutes till my arm can't cope much longer (i never worked out another way to hold it up) then i pour last thing the rest and the bagged catnip over my entire head then it drys slowly to a really nice texture.

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Originally Posted by rach

I uploaded pictures of good and bad catnip (in my trail and error experiments) for my website which is under consecution at the moment.
http://gallery.me.com/purplewisteria...12597919880001
good catnip being on the left which seem to have more of the plant as to on the right which is more leafy.

I've got into a habbit also to in leaving it brewing from the morning then i use it in the evening......when i wash my hair.
seriously conditioning, i am hooked , i'm so glad i've found this as a method to condition my hair.

Found also if you spraying it on my head hair was too conditioning (looked greasy almost).
suppose you've just got to find the right balance.

I now sandwich bad the lightly braided legth for about 20 minutes till my arm can't cope much longer (i never worked out another way to hold it up) then i pour last thing the rest and the bagged catnip over my entire head then it drys slowly to a really nice texture.

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Great pictures! I agree with your assessment and your way of looking at catnip for conditioning. I prefer 5 hours as my brewing time and for me too, it is all about finding the right balance for my hair with catnip.