Natural Shampoo Alternatives

[intothemist1999]

I guess that since I use catnip as a CO and find it moisturizing and cleansing that I assumed it had saponins. Hope I didn't mislead anyone

So....are you saying gives sort of a "lathering" effect? I'm INTRIGUED!

If I use this, will my cats be attacking my head while I sleep?? Seriously

ETA: can it be used as a long-term hair cleanser (normally I'm a CO kinda gal)?

[catfish]

original post by intothemist1999

So....are you saying gives sort of a "lathering" effect? I'm INTRIGUED!

If I use this, will my cats be attacking my head while I sleep?? Seriously

ETA: can it be used as a long-term hair cleanser (normally I'm a CO kinda gal)?

It is cleaning for me, but I do also use shampoo about once a week.
It does not lather! Think WO washing except with cleansing and moisturizing effects

I have cats and while they like to puurr into the cup I use in the shower and will sometimes jump in the tub and lick the tub floor I have not had any ninja cat head attacks...yet

[ktani]

So....are you saying gives sort of a "lathering" effect? I'm INTRIGUED!

If I use this, will my cats be attacking my head while I sleep?? Seriously

ETA: can it be used as a long-term hair cleanser (normally I'm a CO kinda gal)?

Catnip does not contain saponins. It does have antibacterial/antifungal properties though. It will bubble a bit when shaken, but it is not lather.

[intothemist1999]

deleted because I'm a goof

[intothemist1999]

I found the instructions for catnip on the split ends thread. Sounds too fiddly for me

If it's used for a CO rather than for split ends, is it done differently ((hoping!!)) ?

[catfish]

intothemist1999
I found the instructions for catnip on the split ends thread. Sounds too fiddly for me

If it's used for a CO rather than for split ends, is it done differently ((hoping!!)) ?
Yesterday 11:49 PM

It's really not hard, The instructions are the same, I use a teaspoon of dried catnip to 2 cups(300ml) of boiling water. Basically, make tea, wash with cooled tea.

I say it's my 'CO' wash because I use it in the same style as washing with conditioner only, I wash with catnip tea only 1-3 times a week, sometimes more if my hair feels dry, then once a week I shampoo.

I don't bag my hair while washing or let it sit for long periods of time. Just dump the tea on my head, scrub, let sit for the rest of my bath, and rinse. Simple.

To save time, I make up a few cups before hand and let it sit in my bathroom in a huge tea pitcher. ( It should be refrigerated but my bathroom is so cold now that I think it counts as refrigerating and does not go bad )
That way all I have to do is hop in the bath, grab the pitcher, and use what I need. (which turns out to be about two cups per shower)

Hope this helps a little

[intothemist1999]

Hope this helps a little

Thank you, it does!!

[ktani]

To save time, I make up a few cups before hand and let it sit in my bathroom in a huge tea pitcher. ( It should be refrigerated but my bathroom is so cold now that I think it counts as refrigerating and does not go bad )

As lucky as you have been with this, I do not recommend contuinuing to not refridgerate the catnip tea that you make in advance. It is best kept refridgerated to prevent bacterial growth. Regardless of catnip's antibacterial properties, I do not think that what you are doing is a good idea.

I take mine out of the fridge about an hour before I use it, to let it "warm up" to room temperature.

[catfish]

original post by ktani

As lucky as you have been with this, I do not recommend contuinuing to not refridgerate the catnip tea that you make in advance. It is best kept refridgerated to prevent bacterial growth. Regardless of catnip's antibacterial properties, I do not think that what you are doing is a good idea.

So true, refrigeration is best.

[ktani]

original post by ktani


So true, refrigeration is best.

I have used refridgerated catnip past 10 days old, that has not gone off. I have never had catnip go off but I do not recommend that either. Once a herb/plant or honey has been mixed with water, the possibility for bacterial growth is there, over time. I have only used catnip that old on my skin (the leftovers) from a batch that I have prepared for my hair, that I have saved. I never use the full amount I prepare, on my hair. Still, not a wise decision on my part, when it is that old. I just hate throwing it out. I do not add anything to preserve the catnip tea I make because it should, I believe, be used within a reasonable amount of time (a few days). I do not want to start measuring preservative quantities, or risk adulterating the tea. I prefer to use catnip tea, fresh and pure. The catnip itself is dried. It is inexpensive enough for me to do that.