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?
Benita Ann Green says
Works AMAZINGLY well for my low porosity 6 yo daughter and a hot mess for my normal porosity 9 yo daughter
Tereasa Miller says
Where do you purchase the glycerin from
Renee Banks says
You can find it at whole foods or amazon and I think Walmart sells it on their website too
Mack Gyrl says
Doing this rt now
Nikki Charms 'em says
^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
Vera Keaton says
Following
Kandace White says
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
Kandace White says
Teresa you can get glycerin at almost any hair/beauty supply store but not at walmart or regular stores
Ariel Christal says
Works well for me.
Aiesha Phillips says
I’m sure it works just think back in the days how everyone with a Jherri Curl had long hair! The same effect…
Ang says
Same thing I was thinking lol
Niecey Henderson says
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.
Kristin Patrick says
So what are you doing for the 90 days how is the ghe done?
Michelle Sawyer Mickey says
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.
Regina Stevenson says
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?
Allisha Jackson says
This helped grow my edges back!
Samiyah Hall says
I’ve been doing for the past week and my hair feels amazing
Stacy Denell Lee says
It works!
Paula Oh says
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!
Denise Swilley says
What is the best way to dry your had hair after this process?
BlackHairInformation.com says
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.
Gena Morehead says
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.
Safkani says
I’ve been doing the GHE for 90 days (as a transitionner) and I’ve gained 3 inches , so it worked WONDERS for me!!!
Amber Bourne says
I agree. My hair is so dry from living out here :(( Gena Morehead
MsNora Smith says
Very knowledgeable
Zoe Sabrena says
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 🙂
Jaynan Evelyn says
Yea I saw this , that’s why I wanted to do it. Sonia Springer
ticha says
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
Tawanda Boone-Shuford says
Did this last night! Using the baggy method on my ends during the day 🙂
Benita Ann Green says
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 : )
Ruth Gentle says
I do this!
Babyri Riana Hackett says
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.
Kerimah Rogers says
How often is this supposed to be done?
Niecey Henderson says
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.
Niecey Henderson says
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.
Donna Coles says
I’m gonna do this.
Niecey Henderson says
*holds oil and moisture
Paris says
Can this be done on relaxed hair as well? At least maybe a month post relaxer if not right after?
Marsha Buchanan says
Yes Paris, this can be done on relaxed hair.
Stacey Martin-Adams says
Niecey Henderson. I live in El Paso Texas what do you use in your hair for your ghe challenge?
Gilda Adlig says
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?
Gilda Adlig says
I may try this tonight. I’m a bit nervous about what happens once the hair dries.
Shelley Washington says
Just did it with twist loc method for the night
Majoyree 雨 Smalls says
I’m doing this right now
Miranda J says
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?
Marsha Buchanan says
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.
Kelly N Manick says
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.
Tannique Findlay-Saunders says
My hair loves it, but my poor skin!
Marsha Buchanan says
If you are having breakouts from using oil with it, try to use just water and see what happens.
Ruth Dyson says
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!
ticha says
Ive. Been doiin it.success so far.but ive been wonderin can i use a aloe vera gel spritz to boost
results?
Rinae Kay says
I like what it does for my hair. ..but I feel icky and my hair doesn’t smell too nice the next day 🙁
Marsha Buchanan says
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.
Ni' Year says
Hello Does This Work Only On Females Or Males Too???
nicnac92 says
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.
Latoyia Jones says
This is very true i mist my hair braid it then shower cap and a scarf works wonders
Qhama Kana says
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
Jordann Allen says
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.
Vanity Thomas says
The term “Greenhouse Effect” is misleading and inaccurate for this process.
Malakah Angellia Gladston says
Makes my scalp itch, hair is wet and tangled.
Erica Williams says
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!
Earleesa V. Daniel says
True. Quick weaves sprout my hair
Starlan Hoke says
I use this I love it my hair look great
Valanza Nordström says
love doing the ghe….my hair is always moisturised!
Latoya Aaliyah Small says
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
Porsche Mccray says
Hasnt worked4me
Azure Nefertari says
I only do it in the winter months..
Ncube Royster Juliet says
I use it when my hair is braided and see a lot of growth Love the GHE
Carla Nicole says
Not worth it for me, makes my hair super tangle.lots of flyaways and itch like crazy . Means nosleep. Cant do it!!!
Nadia Taylor says
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.
Shareta Caldwell-Rippatoe says
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.
Julie Cumberbatch says
I do this often but without the water, I’ll try next wash
Erica Chiffon McClerking says
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!!!
Pamela Smith says
Whatever leave-in conditioner I use produces enough water for my hair. Plus I still get hot flashes so moister is no problem here!!
Shavonne R. Boyd says
Gave me migraines.
Natalie Laguerre says
It works well.
Melody Austin says
Same effect as the Jeri curl without the chemicals. It should work well.