The time it takes to see results from the maximum hydration method depends on the individual’s hair type and how often they do the regimen.
The maximum hydration method (MHM) is a popular trend within the natural hair community. This regimen promotes intense moisture for those with low porosity hair types such as 4C.
This four-step process consists of a cleanse, co-wash, bentonite clay rinse and leave-in conditioner. The aim is to hydrate and strengthen hair from roots to tip.
The Maximum Hydration Method
Cleanse
Cleanses are a growing trend, appealing to those seeking to shed pounds, increase energy levels and reduce inflammation. Options range from juice cleanses and water fasts to supplement-based programs.
Some cleanses are designed to support the liver and kidneys, helping rid the body of toxins. Other cleanses focus on colon health, aiding digestion by keeping things regular.
According to Lori Rice, M.S., a nutritional scientist with an affinity for healthy cooking and exercise physiology, when cleansing it’s important to select a program that incorporates various nutrient sources and whole foods.
Avoid programs which restrict major food groups or promote one particular food item.
Co-Wash
Co-washing is an excellent way to cleanse your hair without stripping it of essential oils and moisture. It’s especially helpful for those with dry, damaged, or brittle hair.
First and foremost, thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp of product buildup, excess oils, and dirt. Subsequently, use a conditioner that doesn’t contain alcohols, silicones, or petroleum for maximum shine and healthy-looking locks.
Next, massage the conditioner into your hair and scalp with a circular motion. Be sure to add water as you go for even distribution of product throughout.
Clay Rinse
Clay washing your hair can be an effective way to rid of extra oil and impurities. It also helps deep-clean the scalp, eliminating dandruff for good.
Popular types of clay for hair include Rhassoul/Ghassoul, Bentonite and Kaolin. All three can be used as a clay wash or hair mask.
Before using this method, be sure to understand your hair type. Porous hair absorbs clay quickly and needs time to dry; on the other hand, dry ends may need extra attention.
Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner is an ideal way to keep your hair healthy and strong by moisturizing it from the inside out.
It works on nearly all types of hair types and provides numerous advantages such as heat protection, detangling properties, antioxidants, natural oils, vitamins, and other nourishing ingredients.
Additionally, it can help reduce frizziness and add shine to your locks – making it a must-have in any beauty regimen!
Use leave-in conditioner for damp hair after shampooing.
Holding the bottle about an arm’s length away, spray the product evenly across your strands from mid-length to ends.
Gel
The Gel method of maximum hydration is a hair care regimen designed to restore moisture back into dry natural hair. Furthermore, it opens up your cuticles so your curls can absorb more moisture from products applied during this regime.
Gels are lyophilic colloidal solutions that can be created by adding a gelling agent to their formula. This process is widely used in manufacturing products from foods to paints.
To run a gel, DNA samples are loaded into wells at one end and turned on with electricity. This moves negatively charged fragments of DNA through the gel towards a positive electrode.
What Are the Ingredients in Maximum Hydration?
The ingredients in maximum hydration depend on the recipe or method used. According to Byrdie, the maximum hydration method involves a recipe that includes apple cider vinegar, baking soda, bentonite clay, and aloe vera juice.
Healthy Natural Hair Products lists organic flaxseed, purified water, marshmallow root, jojoba oil, organic olive oil, natural aloe vera, Amla Brahmi, panthenol as ingredients for their approved max hydration method products.
Weheartthis lists cherry Lola treatment, clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse (ACV), co-wash conditioner or sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner (SFS), bentonite clay rinse and leave-in conditioner as steps and ingredients for their max hydration method.
Shedavi recommends using apple cider vinegar; bentonite clay; sulfate-free conditioner; leave-in conditioner; gel as ingredients for their max hydration method for beginners.
Melissaerial suggests using DIY Cherry Lola caramel treatment; apple cider vinegar rinse; sulfate-free deep conditioning treatment; leave-in conditioner and gel as ingredients for their maximum hydration method in one day.
Do You Wash Your Hair Before the Maximum Hydration Method?
Yes, you should wash your hair before the maximum hydration method. According to Instructables, you want to start off with fresh, clean hair. Weheartthis suggests spraying a 1:1 ratio of apple cider vinegar and water on hair and waiting for 30 minutes before rinsing it out.
Byrdie recommends co-washing as a way to cleanse while conditioning which is beneficial to natural hair types. The Mestiza Muse suggests clarifying your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse (ACV) before starting the max hydration method.
Curlcentric also recommends clarifying your hair with an ACV rinse or sulfate-free shampoo before starting the max hydration method.
How Long Does Maximum Hydration Take To Work
The Maximum Hydration Method (MHM) is a hair care regimen tailored specifically for 4C low porosity hair. It is an intense, step-by-step process that helps to open the cuticles on your strands and lock in moisture.
The MHM uses six steps to help you achieve maximum hydration for your hair. These steps must be done consecutively and can take a few hours to complete.
The MHM can transform 4B and 4C hair from excessively dry and unmanageable to soft, smooth, defined curls with less frizz and tangles. The technique requires you to go through five main steps, most of which add moisture and nutrients to your hair.
The Maximum Hydration Method requires you to complete five different steps: Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment, Clarifying shampoo, Co-wash and detangle session, Bentonite clay rinse, Leave-in conditioner and Styling Product application.
The regimen can be done every three days after the first week but no longer than that. For the best results, it is recommended that you do it every week or so as needed. You should do all steps every 3-4 days after reaching maximum hydration level to keep your hair hydrated.
It is important to note that the MHM requires time and effort but is effective in achieving maximum hydration for your hair. The method takes a lot of time and patience but is worth trying for having defined curls and healthy hair.
