Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HotRag
If growing catnip in your garden, won't the neighbour cats come and destroy it? :)
The pet store I go to sells little potted catnip plants that you could keep on a windowsill or something. Maybe in a little cage if you have cats.
I've been using catnip rinses to extend my shampoos, and I just realized the other day that my dozen-or-so wiry, gray hairs are not as noticeable anymore. Possibly they've darkened slightly, or else the catnip has conditioned them so they don't stick out so much. My hair is very dark brown, almost black, and my silvers are actually pure white, so even the few I have would show up pretty readily before, especially in certain updos.
I brew it stronger than ktani, ~1 Tbsp. to 10 oz. of water, and sometimes (when I remember to make it the night before) steep it overnight in the fridge, covered. I find it gets my hair cleaner than a WO wash on days when I run, and it has a light, earthy scent that reminds me of henna a little.
Re: Catnip for split ends?
Yeah Henna Chai went well. It was a lot of fun but we ended up running out time, trying to do too many things. We're going to have a weekend long event next year, but I need to find house to rent for the whole weekend. That's my plan.
I mostly posted everything up on facebook, and I have to update the actual website with the photos. I have to make better time for that!!
Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HotRag
If growing catnip in your garden, won't the neighbour cats come and destroy it? :)
In my experience, and in that of those I know who grow catnip as well, this does not usually happen. Generally speaking, as I understand it, cats are mainly attracted to the oils that are released when the leaves or flowers are broken. So if you keep the plant relatively undamaged, it should be fine. If you're afraid of cats still being attracted to it, you could get some close-threaded fencing, like you would buy for tomatoes and such. If you make sure to harvest the plant later in the morning after the dew has gone away and before it gets warm, that should help, just make sure the day isn't very humid, and it is somewhat sunny, so it stays dry.
Re: Catnip for split ends?
I fell asleep while brewing my catnip tea last time, lol and it brewed for 8 hours, left out at room temperature. No harm done. My hair is actually shinier this time and the colour deeper (even better grey/white coverage.) I never thought about putting it the fridge to continue brewing after cool down (I do not want to put it into the fridge while the mug is very hot) but that is an idea. I always refridgerate my catnip infusion between uses (I use leftovers on my skin).
Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ktani
I fell asleep while brewing my catnip tea last time, lol and it brewed for 8 hours, left out at room temperature. No harm done. My hair is actually shinier this time and the colour deeper (even better grey/white coverage.) I never thought about putting it the fridge to continue brewing after cool down (I do not want to put it into the fridge while the mug is very hot) but that is an idea. I always refridgerate my catnip infusion between uses (I use leftovers on my skin).
I always try to leave it brewing as long as I can, few hours at least.
Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Heidi_234
I always try to leave it brewing as long as I can, few hours at least.
It can be brewed for much shorter times too. I used to brew it for only 30 minutes and had no split ends. I started brewing it longer primarily to deepen the colour for staining my hair.
I now just prefer to let it cool down without the extra time spent timing and straining it and then letting it finish cooling. So there is flexibility in how the brewing can be done to achieve conditioning results.
Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ktani
I fell asleep while brewing my catnip tea last time, lol and it brewed for 8 hours, left out at room temperature. No harm done. My hair is actually shinier this time and the colour deeper (even better grey/white coverage.) I never thought about putting it the fridge to continue brewing after cool down (I do not want to put it into the fridge while the mug is very hot) but that is an idea. I always refridgerate my catnip infusion between uses (I use leftovers on my skin).
Yeah, I catnip-rinsed the day I left for my conference and I had forgotten to make the tea ahead of time, so I stuck the hot, covered mug in the fridge, and accidentally wilted part of the salad my husband had bought for his dinner that night. Ooops:oops:
Generally, I leave it out for a half hour, and then put it in the fridge. I leave it in there for a half hour or overnight. I TRY to remember to remove it from the fridge in the morning for a bit to come to room temperature, but I frequently forget. Cold catnip rinse in the shower is not fun.
Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Madame J
Yeah, I catnip-rinsed the day I left for my conference and I had forgotten to make the tea ahead of time, so I stuck the hot, covered mug in the fridge, and accidentally wilted part of the salad my husband had bought for his dinner that night. Ooops:oops:
Generally, I leave it out for a half hour, and then put it in the fridge. I leave it in there for a half hour or overnight. I TRY to remember to remove it from the fridge in the morning for a bit to come to room temperature, but I frequently forget. Cold catnip rinse in the shower is not fun.
Preparing catnip and the timing can be a challenge, lol but it is well worth it IMO. It just takes planning, lol.
Re: Catnip for split ends?
I usually make mine when I get in from work at 6 o'clock, and leave it brew and cool until 8 or 9 o'clock. It gets quite dark, but not as dark as my hair!
You know what I find weirdest about using catnip? Anyone normal (as in not from here) would think I was balmy but all that bothers me is the fack the only bit or fabric I could find to strain through is an old pair of knickers! After straining the catnip I leave them, still with catnip crumbs, on the radiator to dry!
Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
enfys
I usually make mine when I get in from work at 6 o'clock, and leave it brew and cool until 8 or 9 o'clock. It gets quite dark, but not as dark as my hair!
You know what I find weirdest about using catnip? Anyone normal (as in not from here) would think I was balmy but all that bothers me is the fack the only bit or fabric I could find to strain through is an old pair of knickers! After straining the catnip I leave them, still with catnip crumbs, on the radiator to dry!
Lol, whatever works for you. I bought a stainless steel tea strainer.