Catnip for split ends?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by veryhairyfairy

Glad to hear it worked for you, alishaxmarie! Did you do your normal wash routine and just add in the catnip leave-in, or did you use the catnip instead of conditioner?

---

I honestly just did it out of the whim of wanting to try the catnip since I bought it on Thursday :gabigrin: So, I didn't even wash my hair lol but I CO anyway. I'm CO washing right now and then I'm going to try a flat beer rinse even though I know I shouldn't try so many new things all in one weekend. I have Suave Naturals Coconut conditioner in my hair as well as whatever is left of the catnip tea (since I never rinsed it out) and I'm going to rinse after I drink my random 3-in-the-afternoon coffee lol, it's like a DC with catnip added! :) I would use more catnip today but I'm at my SO's apartment and didn't bring my spray bottle that is full from the other night.

How quickly did you long-term catnip users notice a difference in your hair's breakage? Was it a gradual decrease or did you suddenly realize one day that you didn't need to S&D as often as you once did?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alishaxmarie

How quickly did you long-term catnip users notice a difference in your hair's breakage? Was it a gradual decrease or did you suddenly realize one day that you didn't need to S&D as often as you once did?

---

I'd say it was gradual. I used catnip as treatments and as part of mixed herbal tea leave-in for over a year, maybe a year and a half. I wasn't sure it was really making any difference. Then a month or two ago I ran out, and didn't bother to buy more at first. I'm fairly certain I've been dealing with a good deal more splits since shortly after I ran out than I was used to dealing with before. I bought some fresh catnip the other day, and used it as a part of my leave-in today. Hopefully I'll notice a difference again soon.

As I micro trimmed off the frazzled ends they didn't get right back worse like they normally do. They were progressively better. It seemed like every time I trimmed 20 splits off maybe only one would come back. Which for my hair this was amazing!!

I ran out a few months ago and my ends are back to being hideous. I can absolutely tell the difference between when I'm using catnip and when I'm not. My hair needs it!

I just started cat nip rinses, I've probably done only 5 so far (ktani's method), I can't really tell if there is a difference in splits but I'm starting to notice my greys are going a bit yellow which is good . i mainly started this cat nip rinsing to stain my greys , but I notice my hair is quite silky too.

I noticed the difference from the first batch—it was like my breakage just halted! I did a 4.75hr steep with a 1 hour treatment under a cap. Want to do another soon! I've only done two...not so much for splits but for strength in general.

Learning experience...if you leave catnip tea in your bathroom for 2 days uncovered, it gets pretty rank. Ew.

I definitely want to try this! So, if I understand everything correctly, is this what I'm supposed to do? - I buy catnip in a pet store, let it steep (put it in a pot on the stove--making it hot but without boiling the water, is that what 'steep' means?) for 30 minutes, soak my hair (and scalp?) in it and lastly rinse it out? The next time I go to town I will definitely look for it. Are there different kinds of catnip, and a certain kind I should be on the lookout for? I read something about the actual dried flowers being the best to use...?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Wosie

I definitely want to try this! So, if I understand everything correctly, is this what I'm supposed to do? - I buy catnip in a pet store, let it steep (put it in a pot on the stove--making it hot but without boiling the water, is that what 'steep' means?) for 30 minutes, soak my hair (and scalp?) in it and lastly rinse it out? The next time I go to town I will definitely look for it. Are there different kinds of catnip, and a certain kind I should be on the lookout for? I read something about the actual dried flowers being the best to use...?

---

Generally, it is suggested to use a combination of the stems and flowers but I suppose what's best really depends on what you're using the catnip for? From Ktani's blog: "The buds (flowers) contain more oils and the leaves and stalks more tannins (the yellow stain from catnip is a tannin), and the best place to purchase catnip is a pet store or pet section of a larger store, where organic (if possible) pet catnip can be found. It is fresher and better quality than health food store or bulk catnip."

You steep catnip like you would any other tea (or coffee even). Boil the water and then remove it from heat. Pour the hot water in with the catnip and then strain the catnip out of the tea once it's cooled. I steep mine in a tea ball but you could use a french press or a coffee filter or some other straining method. After it's cooled, you apply it to all of your hair but it's up to you if you want to rinse it out or not. Try experimenting but many users(such as Ktani) suggest that you let it sit for at least an hour.

Thanks a bundle, alishaxmarie! I would use the catnip for prevention against split ends. What other properties does it have? I read somewhere that it can stain your hair (yellow)? Do you reckon buying the buds would be enough, or should I buy a mix of leaves and stalks as well?

I have a tea ball, so that'd work perfectly. I'll make sure to come back to this thread and write about my experience after I've tested it out. :)

Just wanted to give an update - I've been using catnip exclusively to condition my hair, and I continue to be happy with it. I've detailed my method in the last couple of pages. Another benefit that I'm noticing is a serious decrease in shedding. I used to shed massive amounts in the shower with conventional conditioner, regardless of how careful I was to limit contact with my scalp. Now, I shed maybe 15-20 hairs per shower (down from well over 100). Also, my hair has a lot more body, and my waves are more defined with this routine. I use avocado oil as a leave in and to oil between washes.