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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Gilly
I noticed no colour on my hair when I left it on for an hour, I think that the scabby bits on the back of my scalp have been causing the hair in that area to grow in more sparsely which would explain why my hairdresser was a bit shocked at the thinness of it on that side :rolleyes: I hope that the catnip will clear it eventually so that it can grow out properly.
I am doing a rinse everyday now, I shampoo, rinse, apply catnip, do showery things then rinse and apply a bit of condish to the ends and rinse again. I will do a hour treatment over the weekend again, I am enjoying the fact that the itching is totally bearable now and I'm sure it won't be long before the nasty patches are totally gone. :cheese:
I am very glad that you are pleased but catnip is not a cure.
It depends on what the problem on your scalp is and whether it requires medical treatment.
Catnip could be a part of a medical routine in terms of being applied in between treatments after consultation with a doctor first.
I am not saying catnip replaces medical treatment.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ktani
I am very glad that you are pleased but catnip is not a cure.
It depends on what the problem on your scalp is and whether it requires medical treatment.
Catnip could be a part of a medical routine in terms of being applied in between treatments after consultation with a doctor first.
I am not saying catnip replaces medical treatment.
Don't worry Ktani, I know that my itchy scalp is caused by being sensitive to ingredients, (still not 100% sure which ones though, but I'm getting there!) I am more than happy to keep going with the catnip.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Gilly
Don't worry Ktani, I know that my itchy scalp is caused by being sensitive to ingredients, (still not 100% sure which ones though, but I'm getting there!) I am more than happy to keep going with the catnip.
Cool. I have the same problem but when I get a sensitivity reaction, I get pain. Itch would be a relief, lol.
I started to compare ingredient labels and look up ingredients a long time ago. It can be very difficult if an ingredient list is long but I have narrowed it down for my sensitivities too.
I was lucky as well, in being able to identify the worst one at the beginning (I did not have sensitivity problems all of my life to the degree I do now). I had 2 conditioners by the same brand. I reacted to one and not the other. The ingredient lists were short and there was only one ingredient that was different. Sure enough, if I later used a product with that ingredient, I reacted to the product.
These days, from my experience, the worst ingredient offenders are the scent additives. Not essential oils, although they can be, but for me, the chemical ones like hexyl cinnamal.
"Hexyl cinnamaldehyde, or hexyl cinnamal .... common additive in perfume and cosmetic industry as aroma substance .... found naturally in the essential oil of chamomile.
Hexyl cinnamaldehyde .... class B allergen according to DIMDI classification .... also an irritant in concentrations higher than recommended."
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionar...Hexyl+Cinnamal
I am not allergic to chamomile.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Thank you for doing this thread. I read it back in March but never got around to trying Catnip untill a few days ago. So far I love it.
Here is what I did:
I used Cosmic Catnip 1tsp to 300ML of water ( approx.)I boiled tapwater and steeped for 30 min. then strained and cooled. I used a clarifying shampoo for the first time. I usually avoid SLS because I get itchies and dandruff but I wanted to start fresh and see what catnip can really do.
After clarifying I soaked as much of my length as I could in the catnip and then poured it over my head and into another bowl. I kept this up untill my hair was completly soaked with catnip. I bagged my hair and sat for an hour. At this point it was late and I was too tired to wash it out so I unbagged it, draped it over my satin pillow and fell asleep. I woke up around 3AM and my hair was still damp. OMG it was soooo soft and I ran my fingers through it and the few tangles I had just slipped right out.
I went back to sleep and by morning my hair was dry. It was conditioned but did not feel as nice as when it was damp ( I can't explain the feeling, not sticky really but not soft and smooth?) I waited untill the next day and made more catnip tea then I washed my hair ( from the ears up only ) with non-SLS shampoo the way I normally do and then repeated the soaking and bagging with the catnip ( same as above) I left it for an hour then rinsed it out really well with water only.
I was a little concerned because I was going to a party and thats usually not the best time to experiment with new concoctions but my hair turned out lovely. It was easy to detangle, very shiney and very soft:D I actually took it down 1/2 way through the party and was feeling it up lol.
Last night I soaked it in the tea again and went to bed. I am about to go shower and I am going to wash with non-SLS from ears up as usual and then I plan on soaking and bagging hair for a short time just while I finish my shower. Then rinsing with water.
I am going to continue this no conditioner thing for a while and use catnip tea only. One other thing I had no dandruff or scalp itchies from the SLS clarifying shampoo I contribute this to the catnip because it has never happened before.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suldrun
Thank you for doing this thread. I read it back in March but never got around to trying Catnip untill a few days ago. So far I love it.
Here is what I did:
I used Cosmic Catnip 1tsp to 300ML of water ( approx.)I boiled tapwater and steeped for 30 min. then strained and cooled. I used a clarifying shampoo for the first time. I usually avoid SLS because I get itchies and dandruff but I wanted to start fresh and see what catnip can really do.
After clarifying I soaked as much of my length as I could in the catnip and then poured it over my head and into another bowl. I kept this up untill my hair was completly soaked with catnip. I bagged my hair and sat for an hour. At this point it was late and I was too tired to wash it out so I unbagged it, draped it over my satin pillow and fell asleep. I woke up around 3AM and my hair was still damp. OMG it was soooo soft and I ran my fingers through it and the few tangles I had just slipped right out.
I went back to sleep and by morning my hair was dry. It was conditioned but did not feel as nice as when it was damp ( I can't explain the feeling, not sticky really but not soft and smooth?) I waited untill the next day and made more catnip tea then I washed my hair ( from the ears up only ) with non-SLS shampoo the way I normally do and then repeated the soaking and bagging with the catnip ( same as above) I left it for an hour then rinsed it out really well with water only.
I was a little concerned because I was going to a party and thats usually not the best time to experiment with new concoctions but my hair turned out lovely. It was easy to detangle, very shiney and very soft:D I actually took it down 1/2 way through the party and was feeling it up lol.
Last night I soaked it in the tea again and went to bed. I am about to go shower and I am going to wash with non-SLS from ears up as usual and then I plan on soaking and bagging hair for a short time just while I finish my shower. Then rinsing with water.
I am going to continue this no conditioner thing for a while and use catnip tea only. One other thing I had no dandruff or scalp itchies from the SLS clarifying shampoo I contribute this to the catnip because it has never happened before.
I actually did not start this thread. I was invited to it.
I am so pleased that you are pleased with the results. I understand exactly what you meant by "not exactly sticky but nor as good as". I had to change my description to tacky and that is still not exact for the feeling of left-in catnip depending on the dilution, how well you have washed the length etc.
Believe it or not, I can tell the difference between a 275 + ml dilution and 300 ml sometimes but it is not a big deal. The measurements are not exact, as in scientific.
The 275+ but not 300 woks best for me. 300 is too light not in colour but in conditioning. That is just how I feel about it. It could be other variables when I have compared them.
I play with the dilution a bit sometimes. That is why I said it was no big deal.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Then thanks to MadPirateBippy for starting this and Raederle for paging Ktani and Ktani for all of your information and time ;)
Ktani I am about to make more and I will do the 275ML of water this time to see if I notice a difference. My hair is still damp from my shower, I can run my fingers through it and it feels soft.
I will post how it feels after using the new mix with 275ML of water, probably tommorow afternoon or the next day( whenever my hair feels like it needs it)
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suldrun
Then thanks to MadPirateBippy for starting this and Raederle for paging Ktani and Ktani for all of your information and time ;)
Ktani I am about to make more and I will do the 275ML of water this time to see if I notice a difference. My hair is still damp from my shower, I can run my fingers through it and it feels soft.
You are most welcome.
I will post how it feels after using the new mix with 275ML of water, probably tommorow afternoon or the next day( whenever my hair feels like it needs it)
275 is a guesstimate - my measuring cup does not have that exact measurement - it is just below 300 and more than 250 by eye, lol.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Well my experiment with 275ml failed because I was too lazy lol. I just eyeballed it a little less then the 300ml. I did not notice much difference in fact it seemed less conditioning. I wonder if my better results were not from it being 300ml of water but were from leaving it on over night? This last time I did not leave it in over night, I left it on for 45 min.
I just oiled for the first time all week because it seemed like it needed it. Ktani,do you oil along with the catnip?
I have had 2 people say that my hair looked really shiney:D
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suldrun
Well my experiment with 275ml failed because I was too lazy lol. I just eyeballed it a little less then the 300ml. I did not notice much difference in fact it seemed less conditioning. I wonder if my better results were not from it being 300ml of water but were from leaving it on over night? This last time I did not leave it in over night, I left it on for 45 min.
I just oiled for the first time all week because it seemed like it needed it. Ktani,do you oil along with the catnip?
I have had 2 people say that my hair looked really shiney:D
300 ml is more diluted, so that is the main difference between those 2 dilutions. I find 300 ml too light, 250 ml more astringent and about 275 ml, right for me.
You will find your own dilution preference.
No, I do not oil my hair. I find the oil in catnip plus my own enough for me.
As to overnight vs 45 minutes?
I have found an hour bagged, enough for me, although I have not tried my current dilution bagged, overnight.
I am not fond of sleeping with plastic covered, wet hair, lol.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Just thought I'd drop by to say I'd fallen off the catnip bandwagon. I was just using it as a rinse, leaving it on for a couple minutes in the shower before rinsing it off. I did get shine, but on many days I also got a kind of tackiness that was annoying and encouraged tangles. I don't know if leaving it on for an hour as ktani recommends would improve my results, but as I don't want to spend that much time on my hair it's a moot point. I'd also be worried about getting too much color since I have light blond hair. Just my two cents. :)
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Ktani,
Thanks for your answer.
Yes I was asking about leaving it in overnight vs. 45 min. ( I only left the bag on for an hour then took it off and draped my hair over my pillow )
I think I just need to experiment a bit more to find the right amount of conditioning for my hair. I will keep it up for a week or two and maybe add an oiling in if it needs it. we shall see what happens ;)
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suldrun
Ktani,
Thanks for your answer.
Yes I was asking about leaving it in overnight vs. 45 min. ( I only left the bag on for an hour then took it off and draped my hair over my pillow )
I think I just need to experiment a bit more to find the right amount of conditioning for my hair. I will keep it up for a week or two and maybe add an oiling in if it needs it. we shall see what happens ;)
You are most welcome and I agree. Make it your own.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
I also wanted to add this picture.
This was the first time I used catnip. I washed with a clarifying shampoo and then left the catnip in all night and rinsed it in the morning. I was able to detangle easily and you can see the shine. I used no conditioner and an SLS shampoo which would normaly give me dry hair and an itchy scalp. I had niether:)
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...iprinse001.jpg
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suldrun
I also wanted to add this picture.
This was the first time I used catnip. I washed with a clarifying shampoo and then left the catnip in all night and rinsed it in the morning. I was able to detangle easily and you can see the shine. I used no conditioner and an SLS shampoo which would normaly give me dry hair and an itchy scalp. I had niether:)
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...iprinse001.jpg
Beautifu, just beautiful, IMO.
You can really see the shine. You have great hair.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Hey everyone,
I just bought a catnip plant -- will it work for me just to snip some off and boil it, then use the water as a rinse, or what would you suggest? Also there were a few varieties of catnip -- will all of them work the same? Thanks so much! I'm excited about trying it.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
maryva
Hey everyone,
I just bought a catnip plant -- will it work for me just to snip some off and boil it, then use the water as a rinse, or what would you suggest? Also there were a few varieties of catnip -- will all of them work the same? Thanks so much! I'm excited about trying it.
I buy cut and sifted dried catnip, the leaves and flowers (the flowers contain more oil than the leaves).
Catnip should not be boiled, just steeped. All of the information is in the first few posts of this thread.
The only difference, is that now when I steep it covered, I do not deactivate it at the 30 minute mark, I just let it cool.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Stagecoach (or ktani or anyone!) -- in one of your posts you mentioned you were going to try adding 1 tbsp molasses to your catnip tea -- did you ever try this, and if so how did it work for both color enhancement and conditioning? Thanks so much!
Also, did anyone ever try the catmint, which I believe is another type of catnip? I saw one post where someone asked this, but never saw a reply. Thanks for all the info!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
maryva
Stagecoach (or ktani or anyone!) -- in one of your posts you mentioned you were going to try adding 1 tbsp molasses to your catnip tea -- did you ever try this, and if so how did it work for both color enhancement and conditioning? Thanks so much!
Also, did anyone ever try the catmint, which I believe is another type of catnip? I saw one post where someone asked this, but never saw a reply. Thanks for all the info!
It was not me, regarding molasses.
This link has catnip vareties. Catmint is often called catnip but it is the the variety I use, or that you see in stores for cats, that would be Common catnip or Nepeta Cateria.
http://www.cat-world.com.au/Catnip.htm
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Thanks Ktani. I just tried steeping some of the fresh catmint and flowers for over an hour, and the water is barely tinted yellow. Is this normal, or should it have a stronger color? I'm wondering if the catmint works?
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
maryva
Thanks Ktani. I just tried steeping some of the fresh catmint and flowers for over an hour, and the water is barely tinted yellow. Is this normal, or should it have a stronger color? I'm wondering if the catmint works?
To my knowledge, I have never used catmint. I do not know how it will work.
The colour is consistent with common catnip, depending on how much you use and how long you steep it. It takes over an hour, almost 2, for mine to cool, when I prepare it.
I do not know the equivalent of 1 level tsp, dried cut and sifted catnip, in fresh catnip.
The best quality catnip I have found, is from the pet store. I buy the organic catnip, by a brand called Hagen
I buy it locally, and this is what it looks like in the container. In Canadian dollars, it is about $9 and change. A 1.5 oz container like the one shown, lasts me months. If you look closely, you can see some white pieces, that I belive are flower petals. The flowers of common catnip are white. I have never seen purple pieces or purple dots on the whie pieces, in catnip I have bought.
http://www.twenga.co.uk/offer/41457/...083423545.html
I doubt very much if any of the catnip I have bougt from health food stores in bulk has been the Greek variety.
Hagen does bot specify the variety on the packaging but it is sold for cats.
The information I have posted is about catnip in general but most likely the common variety. That is what works for me. I have not seen the other varieties available for purchase. The other varieties are ornamental or preferred for their scent and constituents by humans. I think that the camphor variety would have specific medicinal uses. Catnip used to be a common beverage, before tea was imported to Britain. I do not know which variety was preferred. I would imagine that is a matter of taste.
"Common Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
White flowers .... This is the variety most cats enjoy.
Camphor Catnip (Nepeta camphorata
White flowers with purple dots ..... Camphor scent.
Greek Catnip (Nepeta parnassica)
White, pale pink flowers ....
Lemon Catnip (Nepeta cataria citriodora)
White flowers, spotted with purple .... The leaves have a lemony scent.
Catmint (Nepeta mussinii)
Purple flowers. .... has smallish, grey/green leaves. ...."
http://www.cat-world.com.au/Catnip.htm
"Catnip .... famous for inducing a delirious, stimulated state in cats.
Throughout history, this herb .... used in humans to produce a sedative effect. From Europe to China, catnip had been used medicinally .... at least 2000 years. .... Catnip tea .... a regular beverage in England before the introduction of tea from China."
http://holisticonline.com/herbal-med/_Herbs/h40.htm
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Okay, I am finally going to try this today! I have been arguing with myself over whether to cut off all the "fuzzy" ends from my hair and get it to all one length (just grazing my shoulders), cut off all of the colored areas and get it back to a very short crop, go for a regular trim, or what.
I'm going to brew me some catnip tea (and hope that the furballs don't mug me to take it for themselves) and then use this as a rinse after shampooing. I bought some conditioning caps last night, thinking I'd use them for henna (probably still will do this, but not today), so I'll use one of them to bag my hair after I put the catnip rinse on and then leave it for a minimum of 30 minutes (I guess that's about right).
I'm getting really tired of my fuzzy, tangly ends.:p
ETA: Maybe I'll leave it for an hour instead. Just read what Ktani said about how long she leaves hers in. ;)
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
I did not know you could drink it!
http://holisticonline.com/herbal-med/_Herbs/h40.htm
Has anyone tried it?
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
I have never used catnip internally. I just soak in it, lol.
Health Canada recently updated its monograph on catnip. It is still not recommended during pregnancy and if breatfeeding, consultation with a doctor is recommemded.
"Consult .... health care practitioner prior to use if you are breastfeeding.
Contraindication(s): Do not use if you are pregnant ....
"Known adverse reaction(s): No statement required."
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodn...ataire-eng.php
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
I've been trying out catnip rinses for the past few weeks, and I've found that a much weaker rinse works best for my hair. I'm still trying to work out the perfect ratio, but 1 tsp. in 400-450 ml seems to be about right. Anything stronger makes my length stringy and my ends dry, and anything weaker doesn't feel appreciably different than no rinse at all.
Gilly, I have used catnip internally. I drink catnip and chamomile tea when I'm having trouble sleeping.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rhosyn_du
I've been trying out catnip rinses for the past few weeks, and I've found that a much weaker rinse works best for my hair. I'm still trying to work out the perfect ratio, but 1 tsp. in 400-450 ml seems to be about right. Anything stronger makes my length stringy and my ends dry, and anything weaker doesn't feel appreciably different than no rinse at all.
Gilly, I have used catnip internally. I drink catnip and chamomile tea when I'm having trouble sleeping.
I find that my hair can get stringy if I do not wash the catnip out well when I shampoo and if I use too much on my ends.
You need to find the right dilution for you. It sounds like you are close.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
I had some interesting results from using the catnip rinse today!
I washed my hair with a clarifying shampoo and then used the infusion and then put a processing cap on my wet hair and let it sit for about an hour.
When I sat down to "chill out" while the catnip did its thing, I discovered that at least two of my cats can smell the catnip in the infusion and respond to it as they do dry catnip. Fritz could smell it but just acted really interested. Rusty, on the other hand, got up on the table in front of my, stood on his hind feet, did "puddy-paws" on my shoulder with his front paws, smelled my head and PURRED.
After an hour, I removed the cap and jumped in the shower. I had washed my hair in the sink, and I was expecting a ton of tangles to deal with from bending forward and bringing my hair over my head. Well, I did have tangles, but they almost detangled themselves when I gently detangled with my fingers. My hair didn't feel any softer; in fact, it didn't feel as soft as when I used commercial conditioners. However, my hair is extremely silky and smooth, and my comb just floats through it!
This has made a believer out of me! I just have to deal with a goofy cat sniffing my head, but that's a small price to pay for silky hair.
Now, I'm going to search and see what there is here about herbal hair washes, etc., that we can make at home. :eyebrows:
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ColoradoDreamer
I had some interesting results from using the catnip rinse today!
I washed my hair with a clarifying shampoo and then used the infusion and then put a processing cap on my wet hair and let it sit for about an hour.
When I sat down to "chill out" while the catnip did its thing, I discovered that at least two of my cats can smell the catnip in the infusion and respond to it as they do dry catnip. Fritz could smell it but just acted really interested. Rusty, on the other hand, got up on the table in front of my, stood on his hind feet, did "puddy-paws" on my shoulder with his front paws, smelled my head and PURRED.
After an hour, I removed the cap and jumped in the shower. I had washed my hair in the sink, and I was expecting a ton of tangles to deal with from bending forward and bringing my hair over my head. Well, I did have tangles, but they almost detangled themselves when I gently detangled with my fingers. My hair didn't feel any softer; in fact, it didn't feel as soft as when I used commercial conditioners. However, my hair is extremely silky and smooth, and my comb just floats through it!
This has made a believer out of me! I just have to deal with a goofy cat sniffing my head, but that's a small price to pay for silky hair.
Now, I'm going to search and see what there is here about herbal hair washes, etc., that we can make at home. :eyebrows:
I am happy that you are so pleased with the catnip.
No it does not feel like commercial conditioner but it does leave hair silky and smooth.
My hair still reacts to humidity but like you say, the hair almost detangles itself, just with finger separating.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Hi everyone. I am still using catnip instead of conditioner. I have tried 300ML and a little less ( approx 275 but I did not measure) Here is what I have found so far.
Less then 300ml ( approx 275) is too drying for my skin. Using the 300ml mix my skin was completly clearing up almost overnight and it was not drying. The morning after approx 275ml. my skin felt tight and dry and I had a little peeling aroiund where my pimples are ( I could see using this dilution as a spot treatment but it's way too drying for all over my face) I spash it on my face and hands and then rinse it off in 10 seconds or so. I did not leave it on my skin overnight.
I basically had the similar results on my hair. With both dilutions I could detangle but the 300 just "felt" better it's hard to describe. My hair tends to dryness so the 275 be too drying. ( I am having visions of picking out the leaves and using more flowers because I think thats where most of the oils are, of course I am way to lazy to do that lol
ColoradoDreamer, I notice the same thing my hair looks shiny ( I have a picture link a few posts back) and it is easy to detangle and it's "soft " in a way but not at all like when I use conditioner. It has a strange feel to it ( maybe I am not rinsing enough)
When I comb it I actually have less broken hairs now even though it doesnt feel as conditioned. maybe its stronger or maybe it's the detangling properties:confused:
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Rhosyn du, I have been researching catnip tea for sleep. I rotate natural sleep formulas and herbs every few weeks because they stop working or begin to have the opposite effect ( after a week or so Valarian makes me hyper :( )
Do you buy catnip tea bags or do you just use it loose? Do you use the stuff I get from the catfood store or do you get it from a health food store?
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suldrun
Rhosyn du, I have been researching catnip tea for sleep. I rotate natural sleep formulas and herbs every few weeks because they stop working or begin to have the opposite effect ( after a week or so Valarian makes me hyper :( )
Do you buy catnip tea bags or do you just use it loose? Do you use the stuff I get from the catfood store or do you get it from a health food store?
I use loose catnip, since I mix it with chamomile. I put both in a little non-reactive tea ball I got at the health food store. I've used both catnip from the health food store and catnip from the pet store, and I honestly haven't noticed that much difference. I use the pet store stuff nowadays because it's easier to get a hold of and it comes in those nice, easy-to-store tubs.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
A question for 'poo bar users: Have any of you tried using catnip before your ACV/citric acid rinse? I'm wondering if that would help with the stringiness I sometimes get from catnip and also help mitigate the weird, very non-slippery feel I get after I rinse the catnip until my hair starts to dry.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
rhosyn du, do you use catnip with poo bars. I just placed an order for some and I was wondering if I could continue with the catnip.
Oh and thank you for the catnip tea advice. I am going to make some tonight.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suldrun
rhosyn du, do you use catnip with poo bars. I just placed an order for some and I was wondering if I could continue with the catnip.
Oh and thank you for the catnip tea advice. I am going to make some tonight.
You're quite welcome.
And, yes, I do use catnip with 'poo bars. CV bars, specifically. I think there are some other people around using both, as well.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
I want to add the measurements I just tried( I was bumming around the house today) I used a touch under 1.25 cups of water this is approx. 290 ml of water ( according to google converter) I did not do this in the shower like I normally do so I did not shampoo first . I put the bowl in the sink and using a cup poured it over head reapetedly untill my hair was soaked. ( I made 2 batches due to some major spillage with the first try lol) I then braided my hair loosly and put a plastic bag over it. I got tired of the plastic after a bit so I took it off. I also rinsed my face with the same mix twice and then washed it off.
Results: I have not rinsed it out because I am being very lazy today but I just undid my dried braid and my hair feels amazing it does not have the weird sticky feeling that I get when I dont rinse out catnip. It actually feels like I used a regular conditioner. It has no tangles The problem is that it looks like I over oiled it, it is completly dry but it looks stringy and oily but it feels oh so soft. My skin looks completly moiturised its almost shiney or dewy but it doesnt feel oily it just feels very very soft and my pimples are drying up.
I am amazed that such slight differences in dilution make such big differences in the effects. I am going to use this dilution for my next rinse and see what happens when I use it after shampooing.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suldrun
I want to add the measurements I just tried( I was bumming around the house today) I used a touch under 1.25 cups of water this is approx. 290 ml of water ( according to google converter) I did not do this in the shower like I normally do so I did not shampoo first . I put the bowl in the sink and using a cup poured it over head reapetedly untill my hair was soaked. ( I made 2 batches due to some major spillage with the first try lol) I then braided my hair loosly and put a plastic bag over it. I got tired of the plastic after a bit so I took it off. I also rinsed my face with the same mix twice and then washed it off.
Results: I have not rinsed it out because I am being very lazy today but I just undid my dried braid and my hair feels amazing it does not have the weird sticky feeling that I get when I dont rinse out catnip. It actually feels like I used a regular conditioner. It has no tangles The problem is that it looks like I over oiled it, it is completly dry but it looks stringy and oily but it feels oh so soft. My skin looks completly moiturised its almost shiney or dewy but it doesnt feel oily it just feels very very soft and my pimples are drying up.
I am amazed that such slight differences in dilution make such big differences in the effects. I am going to use this dilution for my next rinse and see what happens when I use it after shampooing.
That is what is is about with catnip IMO. It is an amazing plant but you have to find your optimal dilution, which may change slightly with the seasons.
I find catnip on my skin to be sensational.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Ktani
I am very surprised because it seems like such a little thing. I just looked in the mirror and my skin looks great. My pimples are almost gone ( ones that were there this morning) and the redness in less.
My skin was looking great after using catnip every evening untill Friday night! I did not feel like making the tea so I used tea tree oil which everywhere I have read is good for pimples. I dabbed it on and rinsed it off a min. later. and went downstairs to watch TV within the hour I could feel pimples forming it was horrible, before I went to bed 3 were forming and by morning a 4th one was there and my skin looked horrible, blotchy and large pores and inflamed arg! I rinsed it twice today with my new dilution the red is almost gone and my pimples have shrunk to 1/2 the size they were this morning. Anyone with skin problems should really give this a try.Thanks Ktani:)
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suldrun
Ktani
I am very surprised because it seems like such a little thing. I just looked in the mirror and my skin looks great. My pimples are almost gone ( ones that were there this morning) and the redness in less.
My skin was looking great after using catnip every evening untill Friday night! I did not feel like making the tea so I used tea tree oil which everywhere I have read is good for pimples. I dabbed it on and rinsed it off a min. later. and went downstairs to watch TV within the hour I could feel pimples forming it was horrible, before I went to bed 3 were forming and by morning a 4th one was there and my skin looked horrible, blotchy and large pores and inflamed arg! I rinsed it twice today with my new dilution the red is almost gone and my pimples have shrunk to 1/2 the size they were this morning. Anyone with skin problems should really give this a try.Thanks Ktani:)
You are most welcome. I have never tried tea tree oil but anyone can react to anything, IMO.
I recommended catnip to someone without thinking about mentioning patch testing and she broke out in an itchy rash.
Fortunately, the rash went away quickly.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Hello all,
Well I got some catnip and have to say that so far I haven't noticed a huge conditioning effect, but then I haven't yet dared to forego my normal conditioner altogether. That's next on my list.
However, in the meantime, I have noticed that the catnip seems to aggravate my frizzy bits in much the same way that I have found CO does, and I just cannot get my head around it. My hair is mostly straight and fine and doens't tangle easily; I don't use heat styling and the worst I have done to my current head of hair is put highlights in in May 2007.
But although it is in good condition, since joining LHC and starting to pamper it on purpose, I seem to get more sticky outy hairs than even before. See pic:
http://quick.holdthatpic.com/images/300866.jpg
Does anybody have an idea why the catnip or indeed, CO and poo bars, might make these frizzy bits worse, when I am hoping to achieve the opposite? It seems that I get least of them when I wash with sulfate shampoo (especially Lush's 'I love juicy', which I believe is on the harsh/clarifying side, as it is marketed for greasy hair).
Whilst I don't have a fundamental aversion to sulfate shampoo, I am sort of keen to get a gentler routine working for me because I am prone to scalp sores and want to grow my hair quite long. I had hoped that catnip would help me to both cut down on conditioner and to allow my scalp to tolerate the sulfate poo more, but like CO and poo bars, it seems to aggravate the frizz.
Any ideas why these products, and catnip in particular, might make the halo frizz worse and what I can do to avoid this whilst still reaping the benefits?
Thanks!
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
Kazazi
I see your situation as 3 separate problems.
1. the harsher sulphate shampoo bar by Lush or equivalent shampoo, that may be both drying and possibly build-up. The Lush shampoo bars contain sls and stearic acid, which is waxy and can build-up on hair. Many shampoos contain ingredients like glycol distearate, a conditioning ingredient also containing stearic acid. Other shampoo bars usually need a vinegar rinse, to remove residue.
2. the catnip, which is more astringent at lower dilutions.
My hair is wavy and prone to halo in humidity. I can still get that with catnip to some extent but it is not dryness, nor is it anywhere near as bad as it used to be. My shampoo, Sunsilk Lively Blonde, which I import from England (I prefer European formulas), does not build-up.
3. you are also still using conditioner
Are you using conditioner and then catnip? Catnip does not perform well applied over conditioner, which acts as a barrier to it. If you are using conditioner then catnip, the catnip is not getting applied directly to your hair.
I can also break out on my scalp. It is diet related for me. Catnip is very soothing and takes care of it, so that it is not a problem for me.
Using a strong shampoo and using catnip to compensate for it is understandable, if you have oily hair, but you do not necessarily have to use a harsh sulphate shampoo. I suggest trying a basic shampoo for normal hair, one without additives like silicone, waxy ingredients or oil. It should clean as well as a clarifying shampoo or one for oily hair but more gently and it should help remove any residue, IMO.
Try a dilution like mine for the catnip, 1 level tsp to just over 275 ml of water and see how that goes. Then, if you still need it, apply some conditioner but I think that you will find that you need much less conditioner than before. It should be much easier to remove the smaller amount of conditioner when you do shampoo next.
Your halo frizz may be a combination of build-up and dryness.
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Re: Catnip for split ends?
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