Catnip for split ends?

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Originally Posted by Kazazi

Hi Ktani,

Many thanks for your reply.

My Lush shampoo is liquid, not a bar, and whilst I think it is fairly drying, I don't think it should cause build-up. I've used it for years and never had build-up issues, and even since joining LHC in March this year and starting to experiment, I get the the best results with this shampoo as far as the frizz goes. But I do think it may have contributed to my scalp issues (which, at the moment, are thankfully gone). Here is an ingredient list:

Water (Aqua) , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate , Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate , Cocamide MEA , Propylene Glycol , Perfume , Lemon Oil (Citrus limonum) , Fresh Papaya Juice (Carica papaya) , Fine Sea Salt , Carrageenan Extract (Chondrus crispus) , Orange Oil (Citrus Aurantium dulcis) , Fresh Pineapple Juice (Ananas sativus) , Fresh Kiwi Juice (Actinidia chinensis) , Fresh Mango Juice (Mangifera indica) , *Citral , *Limonene , Benzyl Alcohol , Methylparaben , Propylparaben

For the catnip, I have tried to follow your recommended dilution. I used a level teaspoon measure to about 275 ml. Having said that, I kind of feel that a level teaspoon measure is more than taking an actual teaspoon and filling that to level - which do you use?

Regarding conditioner, I have been doing a routine where I first coat my ends with a cheap conditioner, then shampoo, repeat (I only use a tiny amount of shampoo, but twice) and during the second shampoo, I squeeze the suds down the length. After rinsing all this, I apply the catnip, then applied conditioner on top (my favourite, Lush's Veganese) a couple of minutes later (without rinsing the catnip first) and then rinsed everything a few more minutes later.

This gives me more frizz halo than using the exact same routine minus the catnip. It gives me comparable frizz to using a plain old conditioner only wash and CV poo bar wash followed by an acid rinse and conditioner gives me even more frizz.

My routine before finding LHC was WWC with Lush liquid shampoos and conditioners, mostly the I love Juicy/ Veganese combo above, and my frizz halo was never anywhere near as bad.

So something in those alternative products seems to be aggravating the frizz. I have read that oils can cause frizz, but I cannot work out how or why, or how to avoid it.

My hair is oily btw; I normally wash every other day, and I don't have any splits yet. Also rarely tangles. I am only at shoulder length though.

Any more clues or tips?

Should I try a weaker catnip solution or maybe just apply it to my ends? Although this would then not help with protecting my scalp from possible bad effects of the sulfates.

What's a good, liquid non-sulfate shampoo? Is that what you use with your catnip routine?

Thanks again,

Kaz x

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Ok, let's break this down starting with your shampoo. I put the harsher ingredients in bold. It is a very strong shampoo, IMO.

"Water (Aqua) , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate , Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate , Cocamide MEA , Propylene Glycol , Perfume , Lemon Oil (Citrus limonum) , Fresh Papaya Juice (Carica papaya) , Fine Sea Salt , Carrageenan Extract (Chondrus crispus) , Orange Oil (Citrus Aurantium dulcis) , Fresh Pineapple Juice (Ananas sativus) , Fresh Kiwi Juice (Actinidia chinensis) , Fresh Mango Juice (Mangifera indica) , *Citral , *Limonene , Benzyl Alcohol , Methylparaben , Propylparaben"

For your conditioner, I put the waxy ingredients in bold and the resin, all of which IMO, can build-up.

Lush Veganese Conditioner ingredients
"Lavender Flower Infusion (Lavendula hybrida), Rosemary Infusion (Rosmarinus officinalis), Agar Infusion (Gelidium cartilagineum), Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cetrimonium Bromide, Lemon Oil (Citrus limonum), Benzoin Resinoid (Styrax benzoin), Fresh Lemon Juice (Citrus limonum), *Citral, *Limonene, Perfume. "
http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/0...xpand=Haircare

Basically, you are conditioning twice, once to compensate for your shampoo, which if you used a milder one, would not be necessary IMO.

From what you describe as your various routines and resulting frizz, it is definitely the conditioners that are causing the problem, IMO because of too much coating, primarily wax, first with your cheap conditioner, then with the Veganese, which also contains resin (which can also build-up).

There are a number of cheap shampoos for normal hair out there. I suggest that you look for one with sodium laureth sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate as the first cleansers.

I would switch from the Veganese or use it more sparingly, without using a pre conditioner before you shampoo. If you like, try a light pre oiling that is easier to wash out, on your length.

For the catnip, I use a measuring spoon for 1 tsp.

Thanks Ktani, I'll have a play with reducing/changing conditioners and shampoos and shall report back once the results are in!

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Originally Posted by Kazazi

Thanks Ktani, I'll have a play with reducing/changing conditioners and shampoos and shall report back once the results are in!

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You are most welcome. Good luck.

I do not think that you have to give up the Veganese, just cut back its use, at first. It will depend on how well it washes out, between use.

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Originally Posted by Kazazi

Thanks Ktani, I'll have a play with reducing/changing conditioners and shampoos and shall report back once the results are in!

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I highly recommend Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose shampoo and conditioner. The scent is a little strong for me, but I've never had a conditioner that worked so well. Very moisturizing without causing a lot of build up, it tames my flyaway hair. The shampoo is soap-based so it's much gentler than the LUSH shampoo you are using now.

I called Aubrey about their aloe vera gel, a while back (the gel was bad, it had gone off) and asked what is the of pH their shampoos. I was told that they are pH 10, which I think is too high for a shampoo. Some conventional hair colours are pH 10. They were very nice and helpful though, and I got a complete refund for the gel at the store with no fuss. Aubrey has a great return policy, if their products are not satisfactory, as in my case.

Huh. Anything soap-based will have a higher pH, but I was under the impression that they added acid to the shampoo to bring down the pH a little. My hair feels less "roughed up" in the shower with the AO shampoo than when I was using shampoo bars. At least it does with the honeysuckle rose variety. I recently picked up the jojoba/aloe/yucca shampoo and am not as happy with it. Now I'm considering adding a little lemon juice or ACV to it...

I'm sensitive to sulphates so my scalp is much happier with soap based cleansers. Do you know of any that actually do have a lower pH?

I tried catnip for the first time this morning and I must say that I am very pleased! I had been using cones for a while, so I did a clarifying wash and then soaked my length and scalp hair in my catnip infusion (1 heaping tea spoon in 450mL water). I bunned it while doing other showerly things and kept soaking the bun and my scalp with the remaining infusion. It sat on there for about 15 minutes, then I rinsed and applied a small about of Suave conditioner and did my coconut oil leave in. My hair is now shiny, curlier than normal and my ends are quite a bit softer than they were this morning.

So, all in all a good first attempt! I'm planning on using it every wash (3x a week) so we'll see how it is in a couple of weeks!

Thanks so much for all of the info you have provided on this thread ktani!!

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Originally Posted by detritus

Huh. Anything soap-based will have a higher pH, but I was under the impression that they added acid to the shampoo to bring down the pH a little. My hair feels less "roughed up" in the shower with the AO shampoo than when I was using shampoo bars. At least it does with the honeysuckle rose variety. I recently picked up the jojoba/aloe/yucca shampoo and am not as happy with it. Now I'm considering adding a little lemon juice or ACV to it...

I'm sensitive to sulphates so my scalp is much happier with soap based cleansers. Do you know of any that actually do have a lower pH?

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I was surprsed by the Aubrey information too. As I recall, I think that their Swimmer's Shampoo has a lower pH. I do not remember what it is though.

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Originally Posted by maskedrose

I tried catnip for the first time this morning and I must say that I am very pleased! I had been using cones for a while, so I did a clarifying wash and then soaked my length and scalp hair in my catnip infusion (1 heaping tea spoon in 450mL water). I bunned it while doing other showerly things and kept soaking the bun and my scalp with the remaining infusion. It sat on there for about 15 minutes, then I rinsed and applied a small about of Suave conditioner and did my coconut oil leave in. My hair is now shiny, curlier than normal and my ends are quite a bit softer than they were this morning.

So, all in all a good first attempt! I'm planning on using it every wash (3x a week) so we'll see how it is in a couple of weeks!

Thanks so much for all of the info you have provided on this thread ktani!!

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You are most welcome.

There is more than one method and dilution to enjoy the benefits of catnip.

I am happy for you that you found one that works for you.

My hair was so oily from yesterdays catnip that I diluted my non SLS shampoo and washed my scalp only once and then my from hairline area a 2nd time since this is the area that gets the oilyist ( I think from my face)
I let the suds run down the length and thats it no catnip rinse and no conditioner and my hair was amazing. I twisted it while wet into an updo for a meeting this morning and then when I got home ( I work from home mostly) I took it down to dry it had no tangles and was so soft. When it dried it looked shiney and not oily at all. I then braided it and left it for the rest of the day. Just before bed the left tassle felt a little rough so I dipped it in the catnip ditlution left over from yesterday and it feels soft again I am now in bed with my trusty laptop. still loving catnip:)

This is very interesting! Today i made the infusion for the first time, under the strict supervision of my 3 cats :-)
I took 1 tablespoon and added 300 ml of boiling water.
To be continued ...

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Originally Posted by Midwintertear

This is very interesting! Today i made the infusion for the first time, under the strict supervision of my 3 cats :-)
I took 1 tablespoon and added 300 ml of boiling water.
To be continued ...

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I use 1 level tsp to just under 300ml of boiled water, covered and steeped until cooled.

I found more catnip than that too astringent for me.

Good luck.

Woops, my mistake, i used 1 teaspoon, the recepi is the same :)
First i washed my hair with shampoo, then poured some catnip over the length. I covered it with a shower cap, left it for about 5 min. Then i poured some more over my head and a bit over my length. Put the showercap back on and waited 5 min. After the rinse i used a bit of conditioner, not much, maybe half of what i would normally use. My hair is still wet now so i can't tell very much about it. But i must say that it was very easy to detangle.

Hi!

I gave up reading the whole thread, and wonder:
Can I use catnip? I do CO (conditioner only). Must I use schampo if I wanna use catnip?
If it isn't compatible with CO, will it work after aretha+amla?

I also didn't understand (from first side in this thread) if catnip will cause build up if not using schampo.

And - I also wonder what "too astringent" means? How does that show and/or feel?
(Googling tells me that "astringent" should mean 'to "close"/"constrict" or smoothen the cuticle', right? Like acid. And I don't know what too much of this will be like.)

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Originally Posted by HotRag

Hi!

I gave up reading the whole thread, and wonder:
Can I use catnip? I do CO (conditioner only). Must I use schampo if I wanna use catnip?
If it isn't compatible with CO, will it work after aretha+amla?

I also didn't understand (from first side in this thread) if catnip will cause build up if not using schampo.

And - I also wonder what "too astringent" means? How does that show and/or feel?
(Googling tells me that "astringent" should mean 'to "close"/"constrict" or smoothen the cuticle', right? Like acid. And I don't know what too much of this will be like.)

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Catnip does not do well over conditioner from my experience. The conditioner acts a a barrier.

Catnip does not build up for me (it contains oil) but I shampo my length (I squeeze the lather from my scalp wash through it).

Astringent to me means that the catnip is lightly more dryng, although it never dried my hair out. I find that the dilution I use is the perfect balance for me. My hair feels soft and moisturized.

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Originally Posted by ktani

Catnip does not do well over conditioner from my experience. The conditioner acts a a barrier.

Catnip does not build up for me (it contains oil) but I shampo my length (I squeeze the lather from my scalp wash through it).

Astringent to me means that the catnip is lightly more dryng, although it never dried my hair out. I find that the dilution I use is the perfect balance for me. My hair feels soft and moisturized.

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Thank you. :blossom: Maybe I'll try catnip after amla+reetha (if I get to buy those some day). Or, of course, if I start using schampoo in some way again.

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Originally Posted by HotRag

Thank you. :blossom: Maybe I'll try catnip after amla+reetha (if I get to buy those some day). Or, of course, if I start using schampoo in some way again.

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You are most welcome.

Hi all I am excited to see more people trying catnip. I am very happy with it so far and have been using no conditioner since I began. I have oiled twice though. I have not had trouble with build up so far even though I use a non SLS shampoo in fact my hair seems to have more body to it.

Please keep us updated:)

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Originally Posted by Suldrun

Hi all I am excited to see more people trying catnip. I am very happy with it so far and have been using no conditioner since I began. I have oiled twice though. I have not had trouble with build up so far even though I use a non SLS shampoo in fact my hair seems to have more body to it.

Please keep us updated:)

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I use a sulfate shampoo but I do not think sulfates are necessariy to use with catnip.

Catnip oil washes out easily, from my experience.

Once my hair was dry it felt soft but not as soft as usual. Next time I'm going to add more water.

I tried it Ktani's way last time, but this time I decided to soak my sleep braid last night and wrap it in plastic. I slept on it, dunked the length again and bunned it while I finished a paper. I'm just about to get in the shower, but first I think I'll soak my scalp with the infusion. I'm going to try COing it out, so I'll let you know how it goes!

Wow. Double wow. I have the softest ends now!! And the shine - the shine is outstanding! I basically just doused all of my dry hair (my braid was already soaked, of course) with the infusion, let it sit for a while, then COed it out. I mostly just concentrated on my scalp with the CO and just smoothed a little down the length, which was already feeling good from the catnip. After my shower I didn't even put my usual coconut oil in, just damp bunned it and off I went.

I am soooo happy with this result! A few more times of this happening and I will be a dyed in the wool convert!

I use catnip as a leave in, is that ok?

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Originally Posted by ilovelonghair

I use catnip as a leave in, is that ok?

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I never liked catnip as a leave-in. I prefer to rinse it out but there is nothing wrong with leaving it in if you like it that way.

At the dltution I am using right now ( 290ml and 1tsp catnip) I can leave it in or rinse it out. I left mine in last night because ...well I am lazy I guess lol. and it still feels soft this morning. I tried another dilution that I left in over night and my hair did not feel this soft so I think it depends on your hair and the dilution.

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Originally Posted by Suldrun

At the dltution I am using right now ( 290ml and 1tsp catnip) I can leave it in or rinse it out. I left mine in last night because ...well I am lazy I guess lol. and it still feels soft this morning. I tried another dilution that I left in over night and my hair did not feel this soft so I think it depends on your hair and the dilution.

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I was recently using a little more than 1 tsp to just less than 275 ml of water and my hair was not as soft either.

I figured out why, used exactly 1 level tsp as before and just over 275 ml, this last time, and my hair is silky and light again and very soft.

The amount of catnip and the dilution do matter, but everyone will find their own preference for the amounts.

Well I just washed my hair today for the first time with my new CV shampoo bar. I did not use the cat nip because I wanted to see what my hair felt like with the bar and vinegar rinse alone, it turned out really well. I have some catnip ready to go so I will try it next time.

Should I use the catnip before or after the vinegar rinse?

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Originally Posted by Suldrun

Well I just washed my hair today for the first time with my new CV shampoo bar. I did not use the cat nip because I wanted to see what my hair felt like with the bar and vinegar rinse alone, it turned out really well. I have some catnip ready to go so I will try it next time.

Should I use the catnip before or after the vinegar rinse?

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After the vinegar rinse.

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Originally Posted by ColoradoDreamer

Okay, dumb question time. I have 8 cats. If I use a catnip infusion in my hair, will the furkids be into my hair all the time?

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yeth, but ony cauz we WUV you, kmomma!

:lol:

I tried this for the first time yesterday: 1 tbsp dried catnip in 1 quart of boiled water until it cooled, then strained the catnip out and soaked my hair in it, shower cap, angora hat for heat, left in 1-1/2 hours, then rinsed out. Wow! I didn't use any conditioner, but my hair was so easy to comb out afterwards, and the shine is outstanding.

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Originally Posted by spidermom

I tried this for the first time yesterday: 1 tbsp dried catnip in 1 quart of boiled water until it cooled, then strained the catnip out and soaked my hair in it, shower cap, angora hat for heat, left in 1-1/2 hours, then rinsed out. Wow! I didn't use any conditioner, but my hair was so easy to comb out afterwards, and the shine is outstanding.

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I wondered about your proportions. It is about 3 x what I use, only more water. You have a lot more hair than I do.

I am pleased for you that you like it.

Lucky for me; I've got catnip growing all over the place in my flower beds. I planted 2 little sprigs 2-3 years ago on the west side of my house next to the fence, and now it's everywhere, and I do mean EVERYWHERE. I'm certainly going to be using it. Just think of the money I can save by not buying conditioner.

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Originally Posted by spidermom

Lucky for me; I've got catnip growing all over the place in my flower beds. I planted 2 little sprigs 2-3 years ago on the west side of my house next to the fence, and now it's everywhere, and I do mean EVERYWHERE. I'm certainly going to be using it. Just think of the money I can save by not buying conditioner.

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Use the flowers and the leaves. The flowers contain more of the oils. I look forward to your continued results. I think that you will find split ends reduced or possibly gone, not the ones you already have, but new ones.

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Originally Posted by ktani

Use the flowers and the leaves.

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That's exactly what I did. The flower spikes were about 2 inches long, so I had quite a bit of that. I am so impressed with my results after only one try and will thank you forever.

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Originally Posted by spidermom

That's exactly what I did. The flower spikes were about 2 inches long, so I had quite a bit of that. I am so impressed with my results after only one try and will thank you forever.

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You are most welcome. One step at a time, lol.

In the winter I adjust the dilution a bit and prefer a touch more water. I also find that playing with the dilution cuts down on static from indoor heat. Everyone will find that to be different, depending on their environment and heating, humidifying systems.

I've read most of this thread, but still feel some questions......perhaps one of you w/ experience might answer?

That would be great!

I have dark blonde, nearly golden brown hair w/ silver threads and streaks at the ears and over my right forhead.

If I do the catnip w/ the bagging and all, will those silver areas turn yellow?

And is it mandatory to do clarify shampooing along the way? I've been COing for quite a while now and shampoo only when forced to it.

And when applying the catnip tea to my skin, must I rinse it away afterward?

Thank you so much! :)

sky

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Originally Posted by sky

I've read most of this thread, but still feel some questions......perhaps one of you w/ experience might answer?

That would be great!

I have dark blonde, nearly golden brown hair w/ silver threads and streaks at the ears and over my right forhead.

If I do the catnip w/ the bagging and all, will those silver areas turn yellow?

And is it mandatory to do clarify shampooing along the way? I've been COing for quite a while now and shampoo only when forced to it.

And when applying the catnip tea to my skin, must I rinse it away afterward?

Thank you so much! :)

sky

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Do you want to colour the silver? If so catnip will colour them light blonde.
However, catnip does not do well over conditioner. It is a barrier to the catnip staining and conditioning the hair well.

I do not clarify. My shampoo is designed to remove residue but it is not harsh and is not a clarifying shampoo.

I suggest a mild shampoo and catnip if you wish to try this. You can always use a bit of conditioner to follow. Catnip washes out easily enough and I have not had build-up from it.

Hi Spidermom, isn't it amazing. I love catnip.

Ktani, Thank you. I will shampoo with the bar tonight and try the catnip after the vinegar rinse. I always get lazy and got go sleep with it then have to rinse in the morning lol. maybe i won't wait so late tonight.

Hi Sky,
I know Ktani answered but I will answer too:)

I have always rinsed catnip off my face but I have left it on for an hour and really have not noticed that much difference. I think the dilutiuon matters more.

I have some gray roots and I just noticed today they do not seem as silvery, they don;t really look blonde to me but they dont look the bright silver they were before catnip, they blend better.( I actauly like my silvers and I henna anyway so they turn copper;) )

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Originally Posted by Suldrun

Hi Spidermom, isn't it amazing. I love catnip.

Ktani, Thank you. I will shampoo with the bar tonight and try the catnip after the vinegar rinse. I always get lazy and got go sleep with it then have to rinse in the morning lol. maybe i won't wait so late tonight.

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You are most welcome.