What You Need for The GHE
1. Spray bottle with water– the water is used to lightly mist the hair until it is damp so as to create the ‘steam’ under the plastic cap. You may choose to add glycerin if you so prefer.
2. Oil (optional) – Light, growth stimulating oils* such as rosemary* and grapeseed oil* (even castor oil* though that’s not necessarily light) are used to enhance growth and also to lessen friction between the strands, as well as to trap moisture in the strands.
3. Shower cap* (a plastic shopping bag can also be used) – This is used to trap the heat on the scalp and create the warm environment needed for growth stimulation.
4. Scarf, satin cap or baggy hat – This is used to ensure that the plastic is securely in place so that it does not slip off and the heat does not escape under the edge of the plastic cap while you are asleep.
How Often Should This be Done?
Now, like many women, Meeka shampoos her hair only once per month but she cowashes and uses the GHE as often as possible.
Some ladies have opted to do this every night, bi-weekly or bi-monthly. Some do it for two or three months at a time, alternating between the days or deciding to do it two to four days per week. Whatever you decide, ensure it is what is best for your haircare needs.
It is worth noting that this increased moisture in your hair may lead to moisture overload so pay special attention to your hair if you choose to do this multiple times a week. If your strands begin to feel overly soft then do a protein treatment and scale back on your GHE sessions.
Also if you decide to use the oil, it may not be prudent to do this every night, since the buildup from oils* can block the pores and also cause irritation which will defeat the purpose of GHE.
How Will You Know If It Is Working?
It is best that you take a picture of your hair before starting the GHE so that you can track changes over time. Of course, a good ole’ pull test will suffice as well if you are natural but if you wish to go the more scientific route for a more conclusive or detailed documentation, measuring relatively straight hair before and after using a length check t-shirt you begin is the best idea.
But ladies do be patient! If you start today do not wake up tomorrow expecting growth of Rapunzel proportions. Give it at least three weeks to a month before you do a length check again.
Possible Considerations
I am one for experimentation so I will suggest that you incorporate the GHE and/or the inversion method to see how they work. Both methods have been proven to work on their own so perhaps a marriage of the two may yield astounding results.
It may also be good to massage onion juice into the scalp the night prior to wash day, then proceed with the GHE as usual and see how that turns out since onion juice stimulates growth as well but perhaps that may be overkill for you.
The GHE works well for both natural and relaxed hair. The only thing I find is that you cannot use it on flat ironed natural hair for obvious reasons.
What has been your GHE experience?
Works AMAZINGLY well for my low porosity 6 yo daughter and a hot mess for my normal porosity 9 yo daughter
Where do you purchase the glycerin from
You can find it at whole foods or amazon and I think Walmart sells it on their website too
Doing this rt now
^agreed! Works great. The first time I attempted on dry hair in twists and lightly coated castorl oil . I took off the plastic cap in the middle of the night I got tired of annoying crunchy plastic sound every time I moved and my hair was extremely damp. Idk if I was sweating but reattempted a few weeks later. Tired a combination of loc method and Ghe method. Plastic cap and 2 scarfs (in hopes to minimize crunchy sounds when I toss n turn). When I woke up my hair was damp, messaged my scalp, let my hair dry and untwisted my two stand plats. I’ve seen improvement in my hair( Not as dry, really soft) But unsure if it will help with growth
Following
I only tried it once so I would have to do it several times to see if hair growth is a result of it but it did make my hair very soft and conditioned
Teresa you can get glycerin at almost any hair/beauty supply store but not at walmart or regular stores
Works well for me.
I’m sure it works just think back in the days how everyone with a Jherri Curl had long hair! The same effect…
Same thing I was thinking lol
I have been doing a ghe challenge that lasts 90 days. My 90 days is up January 9th. I will say so far I have ghe’d every night with the exception of a few nights where I had buns where I couldn’t. I have seen a significant amount of growth and moisture retention which is key for growth. I love it and plan on continuing past the 90 day challenge. I will also say I have extremely dry hair and live in a dry climate (Texas) so the need for moisture is overly necessary for my hair.
So what are you doing for the 90 days how is the ghe done?
Love it, I live were the weather is cold here in Chicago and my hair feels moisture and soft. Love it and I have retained all of my growth.
Im here in Chicago also how do you deal with it being cold out and your hair being wet when you wake up and go out?
This helped grow my edges back!
I’ve been doing for the past week and my hair feels amazing
It works!
As a naturalista, I always wondered why my hair grew so much faster in the Winter than in the Summer months. For years, I have always slept with a warm mist humidifier in the room during the Winter months so I don’t get nosebleeds or have dry sinuses. My hair grows so much in the Winter and I could never figure out why. Now I know! The humidifier serves two purposes so thanks for this great article!
What is the best way to dry your had hair after this process?
You don’t have to do anything special. Your hair is not supposed to be sopping wet when you wake up, just damp-ish and soft. So if your hair was set in twists/braids they will be dry enough to take down in 1/2 hour or so.
I will definitely be trying this… It might be the solution to dealing with the dry climate and hard water of Vegas that has dried out my hair and scalp.
I’ve been doing the GHE for 90 days (as a transitionner) and I’ve gained 3 inches , so it worked WONDERS for me!!!
I agree. My hair is so dry from living out here :(( Gena Morehead
Very knowledgeable
This teamed with protective styling have worked wonders for me- I only do it once a week after a tea wash (with leave in conditioner) to retain length and stop breakage 🙂
Yea I saw this , that’s why I wanted to do it. Sonia Springer
Im 3 mnths deep into my regimen,i have been moisturizig wen i can,i deep con. Evry mnth,i use the loc m ethod but lately ive been doin the ghe method ive fast growth.i was shoulder level nw am collar bone length:-)
.excited
Did this last night! Using the baggy method on my ends during the day 🙂
That’s the problem I just had the hair in the cap. I shlda put in twists of braids. All I had was a sopping wet hot Afro. Good to know : )
I do this!
it amazes me to see that things that were done years ago now have a “fancy” name.. in the Caribbean (i dunno where else) calls it sweating your head.
How often is this supposed to be done?
Basically you do the loc method and cover in a shower cap, then a silk scarf, then your satin bonnet and do it overnight. If your head doesn’t sweat easily you can spritz with water (some people add aloe juice or glycerin or oils, I just use water). Also some people twist their hair, braid out, etc I do that the night of wash day but guaranteed it’ll still be wet in the morning which I don’t mind but if you do mind than don’t have plans first thing in the morning. Also I normally do the loc method 2-3 times a week if my hair needs it. If not I just ghe without adding any oil or products.
You can do it as often as you think is necessary to put the moisture back in your hair. I do it every night. Some people only do it once a week because their hair creates or holds oil better than others.
I’m gonna do this.
*holds oil and moisture
Can this be done on relaxed hair as well? At least maybe a month post relaxer if not right after?
Yes Paris, this can be done on relaxed hair.
Niecey Henderson. I live in El Paso Texas what do you use in your hair for your ghe challenge?
So, once you remove the plastic cap your hair is a little damp. As the day goes on, does the hair dry and become hard and crunchy?
I may try this tonight. I’m a bit nervous about what happens once the hair dries.
Just did it with twist loc method for the night
I’m doing this right now
Whats the difference between baggying and the ghe? For baggying I mean those who moisturize and cover their entire head with a plastic cap without sealing. Doesn’t it create the same effect if some persons get moist hair in the morning?
Yes it works the same way, in fact I think it’s the same thing, the same principle applies. GHE may just be a fancier term for it.
I’ve just started doing this and my hair responds very well, I have very dry hair and a very kinky texture. This works great for me.
My hair loves it, but my poor skin!
If you are having breakouts from using oil with it, try to use just water and see what happens.
I have done the GHE in the past with success. After reading this it reminded me of the results and I plan to do this along with the inversion method for the next four weeks – starting today. Thanks for the reminder!
Ive. Been doiin it.success so far.but ive been wonderin can i use a aloe vera gel spritz to boost
results?
I like what it does for my hair. ..but I feel icky and my hair doesn’t smell too nice the next day 🙁
Perhaps you could use a few drops of essential oil in your spray bottle to mist your hair. This could address the smell. I usually use some moisturizer with peppermint the next morning like the sweet mimosa butter to massage my scalp and sorta give my head a tingle (so invigorating). It’s so therapeutic that I forget how icky it can feel.
Hello Does This Work Only On Females Or Males Too???
I do this ALL the time. My hair is extremely dry and this works wonders. I do this for 3-4 days on twisted hair and my curls are gorgeous when I twist out after it dries, and it lasts longer and doesn’t dry out as quickly. Thanks for the tip about the smell, that’s the only thing I don’t like, but I have some lavender essential oil that I will try.
This is very true i mist my hair braid it then shower cap and a scarf works wonders
to me ? taking care of my hair(applying oils,conditioning it etc) does not make it grow .. but when I abandon my hair,it grows like crazy .. I have tried this and it has not grown my hair
I love how it makes my hair feel but it makes my hair soooo itchy that sometimes i take the cap off and have a shrunken mess because i hate the feeling.
The term “Greenhouse Effect” is misleading and inaccurate for this process.
Makes my scalp itch, hair is wet and tangled.
Hair is suppose be damp and in sections, twisted or braided! At first I didn’t like it due to over saturating my hair with oil and water and felt my scalp couldn’t breath! Now I can sleep all night with the bag once I learned to keep it simple and light!
True. Quick weaves sprout my hair
I use this I love it my hair look great
love doing the ghe….my hair is always moisturised!
I use it mostly when my hair is in braids or twist without extensions and it makes my hair feel great. I have no problem with itchy scalp just if you don’t want shrinkage don’t do it during your stretch styles. I do notice growth and length retention but with help of my hair care regimen of course
Hasnt worked4me
I only do it in the winter months..
I use it when my hair is braided and see a lot of growth Love the GHE
Not worth it for me, makes my hair super tangle.lots of flyaways and itch like crazy . Means nosleep. Cant do it!!!
Hate all the crap out there for our hair. Over the years tried everything and wasted money!!! It has caused major challenges for me managing my hair and for the growth I wanted. I have made a change. New attitude is use organic products that promote scalp health for growth and I desire a simple routine.
Meme Michel, this worked well for me when I was transitioning. It cut down on detangling and kept my hair soft. Didn’t agree so much when I cut all the relaxed ends off. My natural hair is too thick and coily for this moisture all night. I like it in a more stretched state so that it is manageable.
I do this often but without the water, I’ll try next wash
I’ve been doing this and never knew this…I do it because it makes and keeps my coils,,,lord I hate this word but “moist”…go to know but don’t over do it though!!!
Whatever leave-in conditioner I use produces enough water for my hair. Plus I still get hot flashes so moister is no problem here!!
Gave me migraines.
It works well.
Same effect as the Jeri curl without the chemicals. It should work well.