Catnip for split ends?

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Originally Posted by ktani

Yes, catnip does respond to slight changes. That is exactly what I found. There is nothing wrong with leaving it on overnight. It is just that it is not neccessary if it is left on for an hour all at once. By using it for less time and then sleeping with it on, you are making up the time difference.

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Ktani you introduced catnip to me and helped me with my dilutions in the beggining:D In fact I was trying to follow your bagging for one hour but I got too tired lol.

I tend to wash when I need to and don't plan ahead so well, that's why I just use it as a rinse normally. I do however use it in between washes when my ends feel dry I will dip my braid tassel in it throught the week if I am stretching my washes. The rinses do work but you are right even if I can leave it in 5 min. I have better results.

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Originally Posted by Suldrun

Ktani you introduced catnip to me and helped me with my dilutions in the beggining:D In fact I was trying to follow your bagging for one hour but I got too tired lol.

I tend to wash when I need to and don't plan ahead so well, that's why I just use it as a rinse normally. I do however use it in between washes when my ends feel dry I will dip my braid tassel in it throught the week if I am stretching my washes. The rinses do work but you are right even if I can leave it in 5 min. I have better results.

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I am just sharing what works for me. In the beginning, I tried leaving it on for various times and got good results. However, the bagging and 1 hour gives me great results. It is a difference in optimal results. My ends are no longer dry and need no help between washing. I think it is a question of how well catnip is absorbed into hair. I have not found any research on that but my hair "tells me" what it needs.

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Originally Posted by ktani

It may well be but I have found pet store catnip to be better than any bulk catnip I tried. It is fresher and more potent. It also (it would depend on the brand) contains more buds.

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I agree completely and I have a cat. I've had terrible luck with my pet stores and good luck with Fred Meyer and Dragon Herbarium. You can see the buds and smell the freshness.

I just wanted to point out that all locations are different especially when we are as far apart geographically as you and I are.

I, too, grow lots and lots of catnip in the garden each year for my kitties. It grows like mad and very often, the leaves will be as big as my hands! The past two years, I had so much that much of it was wasted but now I know just what to do with the extra that my kitties can't use up.

For the past two nights, I've steeped some dried catnip from last year's harvest, some dried lavender from my aunt and some pulverized fresh rosemary in some water and using that as a hair rinse in the shower. So far, I'm very pleased with it. These particular plants are helping me heal these two spots of eczema on my scalp. I've been finding it much more soothing than the stuff my doctor prescribed to me (Clobetasol solution).

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Originally Posted by SleepySin

I, too, grow lots and lots of catnip in the garden each year for my kitties. It grows like mad and very often, the leaves will be as big as my hands! The past two years, I had so much that much of it was wasted but now I know just what to do with the extra that my kitties can't use up.

For the past two nights, I've steeped some dried catnip from last year's harvest, some dried lavender from my aunt and some pulverized fresh rosemary in some water and using that as a hair rinse in the shower. So far, I'm very pleased with it. These particular plants are helping me heal these two spots of eczema on my scalp. I've been finding it much more soothing than the stuff my doctor prescribed to me (Clobetasol solution).

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I'm so glad that is working for you, and I bet the lavender helps with getting to sleep, too. I hear that there's nothing better for healing than a good night's sleep. ;)

Thanks :)

Yes, I love the scent of lavender when I'm going to sleep - It's just so relaxing.

Speaking of a good night's sleep, I better boot myself off of here and get to bed. Goodnight everyone!

ktani, about your post about S&D:
You wrote about one split and some knotted hairs, but more damage.
What is damage defined as?
White dots? Splits? Other?

I think I don't get the hang of the word damage to hair.

For me, damage include splits, and only damage I ever have found, it splits and white dots (and very rarely knots).

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Originally Posted by HotRag

ktani, about your post about S&D:
You wrote about one split and some knotted hairs, but more damage.
What is damage defined as?
White dots? Splits? Other?

I think I don't get the hang of the word damage to hair.

For me, damage include splits, and only damage I ever have found, it splits and white dots (and very rarely knots).

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It was 2 splits, 3 knotted hairs and about the same amount of white dots, very little.

What it indicats to me is that the extra bit of drag with the catnip washing (I was using less shampoo) and even using less catnip than I used to use for conditioning was not doing the job I needed it to do.

What I define as damage are white dots (breakage through hair stress), split ends and the hair knots are from the hair not having as much slip, to release tangling. I rarely if ever got a hair knot with my old routine.

I think the problem with washing hair in general with herbs/plants, is that you get the goodness of the cleansing but you also get the extras from the whole plant, that one may not want on the hair in quantity, without it being removed every so often.

What I particularly like about catnip as a colour/conditioner, is that although not all of the colour is removed with each shmpoo, enough of the extras like the oils and possibly the protein are removed, to allow more catnip to be applied and I still had maximum slip and conditioning (I used more catnip than I used recently but I was also removing more of it each time I washed). I have never had build-up with it and I also had no split ends or knots.

The breakage for me comes from how I handle my hair wet and dry (mechanical damage). I changed the way I do that (less finger combing and more gentle hair separating, and that has remained constant. But removing enough catnip, before reapplying it more seems for me, to be the best option.

I have said before that catnip contains some protein and I will elaborate on that. It also has moisturizing properties that I think, are best brought out through bagging it and letting them get absorbed as much as possible, into the hair (the 1 hour timing). The result for me has been and is the perfect balance. My ends, which used to be dry and crunchy are now silky and not dry at all. But by not removing enough catnip each time (although my ends have still not become dry) my hair is not in optimal condition, compared to what it was. It may be that the other properties the protein being one, were not allowing the moisturizing properties to be absorbed as well.

I define build-up as something on the hair that regular shampoing does not remove enough of each time, to make a difference (without extra shampoo or a clarifyer being need). Enough catnip has been removed with the amount of shampoo I used to use, to never have been a problem.

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Originally Posted by ljkforu

I agree completely and I have a cat. I've had terrible luck with my pet stores and good luck with Fred Meyer and Dragon Herbarium. You can see the buds and smell the freshness.

I just wanted to point out that all locations are different especially when we are as far apart geographically as you and I are.

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Then you have have it lucky with the stores selling bulk catnip. Not only was the catnip I used (bulk) not always as fresh (as pet store catnip) not always did it have the same amount of buds. It was the inconsistency that drove me mad. I want to be able to count on the quality always being there. The pet store catnip quality can vary somewhat too. Catnip, being natural, will have some variance between batches. However, pet store catnip is sealed in containers, not opened to the air, light and handling, bulk catnip is and the consistency of quality, from my experience, is more reliable.

Thank you ktani. I was a bit confused over what damage meant in general.
I also have minimized my damage, but I haven't been into "babying hair" for as long that I can notice differences in damage due to routine.
I think that oil is what my hair loves the most.

It seems my hair is VERY sensitive to astringent and acidic stuff. Especially if they will sit a while (like amla or hibiscus in IHW, letting catnip tea be for an hour, or not rinse out vinegar).
I used my left over catnip today (made face "water" yesterday), as I would use a vinegar rinse. Just poored it over, let sit for 2 minutes and rinsed with cold water.
Feels rather nice.
Maybe that's the way that suits me with catnip, use it as the final rinse before cold water :)
I will try more times to find out.

I have made some sort of clarifying with egg today, so not many herbs grains or mucilage in the hair.

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Originally Posted by HotRag

Thank you ktani. I was a bit confused over what damage meant in general.
I also have minimized my damage, but I haven't been into "babying hair" for as long that I can notice differences in damage due to routine.
I think that oil is what my hair loves the most.

It seems my hair is VERY sensitive to astringent and acidic stuff. Especially if they will sit a while (like amla or hibiscus in IHW, letting catnip tea be for an hour, or not rinse out vinegar).
I used my left over catnip today (made face "water" yesterday), as I would use a vinegar rinse. Just poored it over, let sit for 2 minutes and rinsed with cold water.
Feels rather nice.
Maybe that's the way that suits me with catnip, use it as the final rinse before cold water :)
I will try more times to find out.

I have made some sort of clarifying with egg today, so not many herbs grains or mucilage in the hair.

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Catnip is not strongly acidic. It is just right IMO. Even at lower dilutions, when it is more astringent, it is not particularly drying, from my experience, just not again, optimal for my needs as I like to use it on my skin too. So I leave some behind from washing my hair, rather than make 2 batches and it works out well.

I never leave in on my skin timed, as a face wash. I just apply it, rub it all over (rub is the wrong word) spread it all over is actually more accurate, and rinse. I then sometimes reapply it to certain areas, (around my eyes for example) and leave it on. The result is no dryness or tightness, just soothing and extra moisture.

I defined damage and build-up to me in that last post because both mean different things to people and rightly so.

There are different kinds of hair damage from different causes.

Chemical damage is something else altogether.

I think that split ends (or hair) is a dryness issue. Breakage for me, is directly correlated to hair stress or mechanical damage. I can get impatient with how I treat my hair but it is not so much babying it, as not abusing it.

However for me, if the conditioning is balanced, my hair can withstand much more everyday handling.

My old routine needed tweaking. I was not applying catnip to my top canopy layer in my routine. I started doing that before the catnip washes and the breakage there has been reduced too. There was never a lot there but the breakage is much less now.

Balance with catnip is the key for me. When I have used too much shampoo before catnip use, my hair was slightly drier, too little shampoo, followed by catnip washes and my hair was "heavier" (more drag) and I had other problems.

I need to use shampoo with catnip but it is just common sense for me, in how much of both are used. I do not use anything else on my hair or need to, no added oils or leave-ins or conditioner or additions to the catnip itself.

Oh, my damage is almost always due to dryness I think. I don't colour or perm. I have hennaed, and the only bad thing that could be due to that, was - dry hair.
Mechanical stress to my hair, most often means that the whole hair gets off from the root. They just don't get off in the middle if there aren't a white dot or something.

I have measured the pH of the catnip tea, so I know it isn't very acidic. I have not gotten as much of the doll hair feeling from it, as from amla and so on.
I thought it maybe is a bit too astringent anyway, but I'm not quite sure (yet). As I have written many times, I will keep trying with my catnip :D

Together with slight pre oiling and egg wash (todays wash) it seam to be great, so I will retry the same in a couple of weeks.

Just to be sure: Is "lower dilution" the same as "higher concentration"? Sorry if I seam totally stupid that can't get the exact hang of this word :D I know what "dilution" is, but it get confused when it's used together with "lower/higher/stronger/weaker". I am not exactly sure of if it is the catnip or the water that is highered or lowered...

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Originally Posted by HotRag

Oh, my damage is almost always due to dryness I think. I don't colour or perm. I have hennaed, and the only bad thing that could be due to that, was - dry hair.
Mechanical stress to my hair, most often means that the whole hair gets off from the root. They just don't get off in the middle if there aren't a white dot or something.

I have measured the pH of the catnip tea, so I know it isn't very acidic. I have not gotten as much of the doll hair feeling from it, as from amla and so on.
I thought it maybe is a bit too astringent anyway, but I'm not quite sure (yet). As I have written many times, I will keep trying with my catnip :D

Together with slight pre oiling and egg wash (todays wash) it seam to be great, so I will retry the same in a couple of weeks.

Just to be sure: Is "lower dilution" the same as "higher concentration"? Sorry if I seam totally stupid that can't get the exact hang of this word :D I know what "dilution" is, but it get confused when it's used together with "lower/higher/stronger/weaker". I am not exactly sure of if it is the catnip or the water that is highered or lowered...

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No question to me is stupid! It is my terminology that has you confused, lol, it is not you.

A lower dilution to me, is a higher concentration of the product used (less water used with the same amount of catnip). A higher concentration can also mean more catnip used (not a level tsp of catnip but a full one) with the same amount of water, which works out to be the same thing.

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Originally Posted by ktani

No question to me is stupid! It is my terminology that has you confused, lol, it is not you.

A lower dilution to me, is a higher concentration of the product used (less water used with the same amount of catnip). A higher concentration can also mean more catnip used (not a level tsp of catnip but a full one) with the same amount of water.

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Ah, thank you. I think I have been asking about this same word earlier also - can't learn...
"Lower dilution" 'sounds' at first to me as it is a lower or weaker concentration, and I get confused (over and over again). :rolleyes: But then it sounded strange to get more astringent from that :D

I will try to remember now. :)

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Originally Posted by HotRag

Ah, thank you. I think I have been asking about this same word earlier also - can't learn...
"Lower dilution" 'sounds' at first to me as it is a lower or weaker concentration, and I get confused (over and over again). :rolleyes: But then it sounded strange to get more astringent from that :D

I will try to remember now. :)

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Try thinking of it this way. Anything that is less diluted (lower dilution) is also more concentrated, whether it is catnip or vinegar.

I will just say less diluted from now on. It is just simpler for those for whom English is a second language and the terminology I have been using is confusing. I appreciate the feedbck because my intent is to be as clear as possible. I can only do that with feedack and questions. I know what I mean but others may not. So if there is anything else I have been posting about that is not clear, please ask me!

I just edited the Catnip article to reflect this.

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Originally Posted by HotRag

Ah, thank you. I think I have been asking about this same word earlier also - can't learn...
"Lower dilution" 'sounds' at first to me as it is a lower or weaker concentration, and I get confused (over and over again). :rolleyes: But then it sounded strange to get more astringent from that :D

I will try to remember now. :)

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This is a great resource fo me for writing.

For those who have cats in their households, have your cats taken notice of your hair? I haven't used just catnip for the rinse so I'm curious about those who have.

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Originally Posted by ktani

Try thinking of it this way. Anything that is less diluted (lower dilution) is also more concentrated, whether it is catnip or vinegar.

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I'll try to remember. I must have some translationproblem in my brain with the word "dilute"...

But in my own language, I never talk about dilution this way, just that something "is diluted" or "dilute as follows: XXX", and in some cases "more/less diluted" (not higher/lower). More often we/I talk about concentrations.

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Originally Posted by HotRag

I'll try to remember. I must have some translationproblem in my brain with the word "dilute"...

But in my own language, I never talk about dilution this way, just that something "is diluted" or "dilute as follows: XXX", and in some cases "more/less diluted" (not higher/lower). More often we/I talk about concentrations.

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No worries, just think less diluted = higher concentration.

Wow. I decided to take a break from LHC to focus on schoolwork and when I came back, the catnip thread had been very active!

Ktani, you asked about catnip-only shampoos. In case you are still interested, I do the catnip shampoo first, rinse it out, then apply more catnip for conditioning purposes. Since starting to use catnip, I can go much longer between washing my hair - I currently wash my hair every five days or so; when I started, I washed my hair every three days.

I have noticed as well that the effects of using catnip definitely accumulate over time. My hair has been really slippery this past week, so much so that my hair will has not been staying in my standard cinnamon bun - I have had to do a variation to keep the hair sticks from falling out of my bun. This is with allowing my hair to soak in the catnip for only 20 minutes or less (the most time that I've spent is 30 minutes - I don't have the patience for anything longer). I've even done just 5 minute soaks if I have been pressed for time, and I still haven't needed anything besides the catnip to condition my hair.

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Originally Posted by SleepySin

For those who have cats in their households, have your cats taken notice of your hair? I haven't used just catnip for the rinse so I'm curious about those who have.

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Not a problem. You'd think they would, too. Whenever I spill some catnip, Jack's right there within a day rubbing all on the carpet. But they have no issues with my hair.

Ktani, I don't know if you can answer this, seeing as you use shampoo, but you or someone else may know. I'm wondering if the more astringent/less diluted concoctions clean better than the more diluted versions? I sometimes use catnip as my only form of 'shampoo', and am wondering if it'd be better if I upped the catnip ratio or lowered it. Also, does leaving it on for longer make it clean better or worse?

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Originally Posted by KaeleyAnne

Wow. I decided to take a break from LHC to focus on schoolwork and when I came back, the catnip thread had been very active!

Ktani, you asked about catnip-only shampoos. In case you are still interested, I do the catnip shampoo first, rinse it out, then apply more catnip for conditioning purposes. Since starting to use catnip, I can go much longer between washing my hair - I currently wash my hair every five days or so; when I started, I washed my hair every three days.

I have noticed as well that the effects of using catnip definitely accumulate over time. My hair has been really slippery this past week, so much so that my hair will has not been staying in my standard cinnamon bun - I have had to do a variation to keep the hair sticks from falling out of my bun. This is with allowing my hair to soak in the catnip for only 20 minutes or less (the most time that I've spent is 30 minutes - I don't have the patience for anything longer). I've even done just 5 minute soaks if I have been pressed for time, and I still haven't needed anything besides the catnip to condition my hair.

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Thank you for responding to my request for more information. I too can go longer between washes with catnip use. 5 days is the usual but I have gone longer. My hair, when it needs washing is also more slippery but too much catnip makes my hair separate more and be less full.

I do not fully understand why the 2nd catnip shampoo, following less of my shampoo yields more drag but the knotted hair is an indication of less slip than I am used to and the split ends, an indication that the follow-up of more catnip for conditioning, was not sufficient, to me.

2 split ends is not a huge number, lol, but together with the increase in hair knots, tells me that catnip only washing is not as good a routine as shampoo and catnip, which I have relied on for a long time, with 0 split ends and the odd hair knot (like 1 hair over months of use).

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Originally Posted by freznow

Not a problem. You'd think they would, too. Whenever I spill some catnip, Jack's right there within a day rubbing all on the carpet. But they have no issues with my hair.

Ktani, I don't know if you can answer this, seeing as you use shampoo, but you or someone else may know. I'm wondering if the more astringent/less diluted concoctions clean better than the more diluted versions? I sometimes use catnip as my only form of 'shampoo', and am wondering if it'd be better if I upped the catnip ratio or lowered it. Also, does leaving it on for longer make it clean better or worse?

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freznow, I've had good results with using the 1tsp/300mL concentration. I haven't played with any other concentration since this worked so well. I use catnip for washing my hair as a "catnip shampoo" that is rinsed out before doing the conditioning part. I have noticed that my hair/scalp seems cleaner if I make sure to "scrub" my scalp (gently) like I would if I was using shampoo, except using catnip instead. I don't know if I really need to rinse out the first round of catnip before adding more, but it works for me. I usally use 1.5 teaspoons in 450 mL when making the catnip tea, which is enough for using some for the shampoo and the majority of it for the conditioning. I've been able to spread out my washings, so I assume that means that the catnip cleans my hair pretty well.

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Originally Posted by ktani

My hair, when it needs washing is also more slippery but too much catnip makes my hair separate more and be less full.

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My hair is usually most slippery the day after washing, then gets less slippery as it gets dirtier. However, this week my hair has just been more slippery than normal, and for a longer time. I'm not complaining though! I have many, many split ends, all of which are due to mechanical damage or dryness since I've never used heat or chemicals, so hopefully the slipperiness will help reduce the likelihood of causing more damage. :)

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Originally Posted by KaeleyAnne

My hair is usually most slippery the day after washing, then gets less slippery as it gets dirtier. However, this week my hair has just been more slippery than normal, and for a longer time. I'm not complaining though! I have many, many split ends, all of which are due to mechanical damage or dryness since I've never used heat or chemicals, so hopefully the slipperiness will help reduce the likelihood of causing more damage. :)

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With shampoo and catnip my hair stays slippery throughout. I will be following how things go for you with much interest. I am very curious as to how your washing method with catnip works on your split ends. I wish you all the luck with it!

ETA: I am keeping a record of catnip posts and pms on this topic. So far, it seems to work slightly differently for people in terms of slip. For those wih dry hair, some are adding oils as leave-ins, while others find that they can do without them. Some people get oily scalps faster with catnip washing, some do not. I find it all fascinating! The split end results will be the most interesting part and that takes time in terms of seeing results.

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Originally Posted by ktani

ETA: I am keeping a record of catnip posts and pms on this topic. So far, it seems to work slightly differently for people in terms of slip.

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How can you keep track of exact proportions that everyone's using though? Oh, if only we could all be under one roof and then test out with an endless supply of catnip.. haha.. and then invite our kitties ;)

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Originally Posted by SleepySin

How can you keep track of exact proportions that everyone's using though? Oh, if only we could all be under one roof and then test out with an endless supply of catnip.. haha.. and then invite our kitties ;)

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Most people have stated the dilution they are using.

Ok - so I'm ready to give this a go. I think that I'll follow a method I read on the other thread where someone mentioned pouring it on her hair and leaving it for 10-15 min. and then rinse out. She mentioned this is beginning to turn her gray's golden. That is my goal.

I wasn't quite clear on the proportions so I used 1 teaspoon of catnip to 1 cup of boiling water. Covered and it is currently steeping. I'm not sure how long to let it steep though... should it be left just until it cools to room temp.?

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Originally Posted by wintersun99

Ok - so I'm ready to give this a go. I think that I'll follow a method I read on the other thread where someone mentioned pouring it on her hair and leaving it for 10-15 min. and then rinse out. She mentioned this is beginning to turn her gray's golden. That is my goal.

I wasn't quite clear on the proportions so I used 1 teaspoon of catnip to 1 cup of boiling water. Covered and it is currently steeping. I'm not sure how long to let it steep though... should it be left just until it cools to room temp.?

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I use 1 level tsp to just under 300 ml of water. You can steep it covered until it cools to room temperature or longer, to deepen the colour. The less diluted catnip is the more astringent it is.

Doh, I just had to do a search on conversion tables and I guessed a bit low apparently. 4 oz isn't even close to 300 ml. freakin' metric system! Looks like I need to add another 4 oz to my current mix. Thanks for the info. :D

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Originally Posted by wintersun99

Doh, I just had to do a search on conversion tables and I guessed a bit low apparently. 4 oz isn't even close to 300 ml. freakin' metric system! Looks like I need to add another 4 oz to my current mix. Thanks for the info. :D

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No just 2. 300 ml is about 10 oz and you need a bit less than that. 1 cup US = 8 oz. I just Googled 300 ml to oz. It is faster, lol.

Ok - I'm done with conversions. I'm so tired, I can't remember my math. I think a hot bath and a glass of wine might be a far better plan, than internet, right now. See ya!

*and thanks*

:)

I just added this to the catnip article.

"Covering grey/white hair with catnip can be done most effectively, by first steeping catnip tea longer than just cooled to room temperature, to deepen the colour. All other directions remain the same, including the 1 hour timing. The only other additions are; 1. when removing the bag or other covering, let the hair cool down a bit before rinsing off the catnip, and 2. only rinse with tepid to cool, not warm or hot water."

After rereading the catnip shampoo posts and pms, I think that I have figured out why I got the split ends and knotting.

Catnip is able to remove sebum and clean the scalp and hair without extra oils, conditioner, coatings and leave-ins on it. However, it does leave its own oils and conditioning properties behind, giving the hair some slip and conditioning but also preventing the moisturizing properties from added catnip, applied after the catnip shampoo is rinsed out, to be able to access the hair as well, and be absorbed as much as it can, compared to after shampoo, to help prevent split ends.

Time will tell from more reports, if I am right. ETA: I only used a significantly less amount of catnip once, this last time and that was mostly on my length. The split ends I found were higher up, and I do not believe that they were caused by this one time. I am going back to my former routine with also keeping up with adding catnip to my top canopy layer, which I have been doing for some time now.

I have a huge problem with split ends. I still need to buy scissors and do a SD session. I will for sure give catnip a try. I don't mind if it colors my hair or not as long as it helps with my split ends problem. :D

I was using more like 12 to 16 oz of water....does this mean that the catnip was not as effective and not effective at all?

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Originally Posted by FUNK2LOPEZ

I have a huge problem with split ends. I still need to buy scissors and do a SD session. I will for sure give catnip a try. I don't mind if it colors my hair or not as long as it helps with my split ends problem. :D

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Good luck with it and please update!

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Originally Posted by wahmof9

I was using more like 12 to 16 oz of water....does this mean that the catnip was not as effective and not effective at all?

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As it has been said, catnip is sensitive to changes in the amount of water used. I use just under 300 ml of boiled water to the 1 level tsp. I found 300 ml to be too light for my hair in terms of conditioning. So to answer your question, probably yes.