How often should I use the maximum hydration method? If this was your search for google, then congrats, Google served you well. Today, I am going to give a full tutorial on how to execute the maximum hydration method, how often to use it, and why it should be used in the first place. This is a big task with many steps involved, so pay attention and keep up with me, I’m going to move quickly!
What is the Maximum Hydration Method?
Before we learn anything about the logistics of the maximum hydration method, we need to know what it is. The maximum hydration method is a means of hydration specifically for curls with low porosity in need of loads of moisture. This method was created by a member of Black Hair Media to help debunk the myth that certain hair types were too kinky to wash and go with the needed moisture.
How Often Should I Use the Maximum Hydration Method?
While we want our hair to be hydrated at all times, the maximum hydration method is by far not an everyday use type of hair technique. This method is used for one week straight each day to get the moisture locked in the first round. Afterwards, it is only to be used about every 3 days max. Any more would be far too much.
The 5 Step Method
There are 6 main steps to learn in this method. Each is crucial to having the best results.
- Cherry Lola Treatment: This is technically not included in the steps as it is only done the first time, then every 2 weeks after. You will need full fat yogurt, baking soda, and liquid amino acids. There are loads of recipes with additional ingredients, but these are the main ones to have in your concoction. Mix them together and apply on dry, detangled hair. After you have applied it fully, put your hair in a shower cap and leave this in for 1.5 to 2 hours to let your hair fully soak in the needed benefits. Rinse with warm water.
- Clarify: Before you wash your hair, the night before, you need to clarify your hair of all the toxins and damage it accumulates. This is a mixture made up of baking soda and conditioner. Mix the two together, ½ tbsp baking soda and ⅓ cup conditioner, into a spray bottle. Saturate your hair and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes. Rinse it out and this step is finished!
- Co-wash/Detangle: Next on the list is to cowash. This prevents regular shampoos from stripping your hair and removing all of our hard work! Use your co-wash of choice, applying through your entire head from the root to end. Let it sit in a shower cap, and steam for 20 minutes.
- Bentonite Clay Rinse: Next is a clay mask to give that extra umph. The creator of this method recommends using the bentonite clay mask as well as water, honey, and olive oil. Mix 1 cup of the bentonite clay mask with 1.5 cup of warm water, 1 tbsp of honey, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Apply this as evenly as possible to your hair. I would suggest working on individual coils. This may take more time, but it will be worth it in the end! Be prepared for this to be the longest and messiest step involved.
- Botanical Leave in Conditioner: Next, a leave in conditioner ofcourse. Be sure to apply this through your entire hair, root to tip. Unlike other hair types, we are not applying to the shaft down. Our entire head needs that extra moisture throughout. Work in sections for the best results. Make sure your hair is still wet when doing this step!
- Botanical Gel: Now, add the gel! This locks in your curls to prevent frizzing, give the maximum curl shape, and provide structure. If you have this type of hair, you more than likely are already quite familiar with gel in your hair care routine. Apply in sections and style as you normally would. See the next section for a suggestion of styling that helps create lively and bouncy curls!
- Stretching (OPTIONAL): For those that want to give it a try, stretching your curls might be the perfect ending to your mhm method. This can look a few different ways. You can twist, roll, or twirl your curls. Give each a try to see what works best for you. Hold whichever method you decide with clips for 30 minutes before letting it down. This gives your curls the shape we want while drying, so your curls stay youthful and voluminous all day!
So technically there are seven steps, but the last is optional! Follow these few steps and the results will shock you! Give your hair the hydration it craves without loading yourself down with hours upon hours of hair care routines.
