West Indian Ladies: Have you ever used rachet or scrunchy needle

[Mahalialee4]

on your hair and did you find that it made it really kinky? What were the other benefits of using it? How did you use it? I have used it straight and in my hair conditioner. Like super shrinkage, but it seems much stronger. the hair strands do not snap or break easily. Did anyone find that their hair gto thicker or longer using this product in any form or manner? Anyone with comments would be appreciated. Bonjour

 

[Mahalialee4]

Just to clarify: this is the rachet plant that grows on the ground and on a tree. It looks like flat leaved aloes. You peel the rachet and use the filet. I got some in the West Indies.

 

[Mahalialee4]

bumped for a reply hopefully. bonjour

 

[mscounselor]

No...never heard of it. But since it sounds interesting, Im waiting on replies.

 

[katie]

I've only heard of rachet being used by ppl who are locking their hair. I think it helps clean the hair in the beginning stages of locking and prevents it from unravelling. Not too sure though.

 

[katie]

Actually I just asked my mom about it. She said it is a plant that is a member of the cactus family and it is used for growth. It is esp popular among people with dreads (not sure if they are actually Rastafarian or just sporting the style)

 

[Mahalialee4]

I was told that the R. used it to tighten their dreadlocks and to deep cleanse them. Also on another site (Naturalaxer) it is referred to as something that gets the hair strong and enables it to grow long.
Katie: Did your mom use it and would she give you a regime with it to post and also tell of results she can personally attest to. Thank you. bonjour

 

[katie]

Sorry Mahalialee. My mom has never used it before. She doesn't even know where one would find it here. Unless you were to grow it in your yard.

 

[Mahalialee4]

I know where to find it. Just wondered if anyone had any experience with it. Bonjour

 

[Mahalialee4]

bumped for more replies!

 

[tallygirl]

I think I know what you're talking about, but I don't think "rachet" is the name we use in Antigua. Anyway, as a child, my mom have used it to help thicken and grow my hair. I just remember that it was hell trying to comb my hair after using it because of all the tangles...it frustrated the heck out of my mom, and I dreaded the painful detangling, so she eventually stopped using it on my hair.

Anywhooooo, I know of rastas who use it to grow and condition their locks.

 

[Mahalialee4]

Would you be able to find out the name of it there? In Tobago they recognize it by the name of Rachet. It looks something like the aloes plant but it is flatter and less juicy looking. It grows on trees and on the ground. Hope this helps. I hear you about the thickening. Oh my! It sure does! bonjour

 

[curtainbluff]

I am not sure if its the same plant but there are two plants called "Dagger" and "Cactus" in Antigua. As a child that is what the rastas used to wash their hair.

 

[LuvLiLocks]

My mom was just telling me about the catcus (rachet) a few days ago when she went with me to the store to buy some Aloes for my hair. I have never used it, but she was recommending it to me. She told me it thickens and strenghtens the hair. Next time I go home I have to try it.

 

[sherann]

Sorry I'm late on this but in Jamaica we call this "tuna". You use it to condition and strengthen your hair. I remember as a child, if my Mom used it alone, my hair would tangle but feel stronger too. Typically though, my Mom mixed this with aloe vera (straight from the plant) and left this in for a while before washing it out. This seemed to cut down on the tangles (aloe in general, or "single bible" as we call it, is great for conditioning).

 

[Mahalialee4]

Ladies this so so helpful and I really appreciate it. I have started adding it to my conditioners and it has really strengthened the ends of my hair. I hardly ever shed a hair. I also still use MTG and I add that to my conditioners too along with honey. I really love the Rachet-Dagger-Cactus-Tuna etc. I also add aloes to the conditioner as well. Okay...I am good to go. Anymore comments will be greatly welcomed. Bonjour

 

[Aalize]

This is what you're referring to right? May I ask exactly how you are using it? OR what recipes you are using with it? How has it improved the condition of your hair?

 

[curtainbluff]

That is called Casi
You peel it, slice it thinly and cook it This is use as a vegetable. There is another plant called Cactus, which is a bit larger. Maybe some else from another island could add to this.

 

[alonshaw]

In Trinidad we call this rachet. Whenever we pass by the Korean store where they sell West Indian goods, she recommends this to me. She says it makes you hair grow and strengthens the hair.

 

[Mahalialee4]

AAlize: Yes, that definitely looks like it. Great stuff.

how have you used it? Did you mom or grandmother ever use this on you or their own hair? bonjour

 

[Mahalialee4]

It has made my hair stronger and thicker. I mix it in my conditioners. bonjour.

 

[blesstress]

Does anyone know where you can find "Rachet" in the US. I found out the botanical name of the cactus is Nopalea Cochenillifera (also known as french prickly pear, rachhette, tuna,etc). I would love to try it if I can find it or buy it.

I live in Georgia

 

[Kimberly]

In Trinidad we call this rachet. Whenever we pass by the Korean store where they sell West Indian goods, she recommends this to me. She says it makes you hair grow and strengthens the hair.

Now I have to find a Korean store in Indianapolis!

Mahalialee, are you cooking yours? How are you getting it into your conditioners? I wonder how it would work in a spritz?