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Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by Verna Meachum
When your hair always feels dry in spite of conditioner or oil, OR it seems to reject moisture (regardless of what you do), there is a great likelihood that you have low porosity hair.
If you’ve never heard of the maximum hydration method, boy do I have a surprise for you! The Maximum Hydration Method (MHM) is based on the idea that you can achieve maximum hydration and nourishment for your hair!
But not just any hair, it is a method designed specifically to help naturals with 4C low porosity hair (or type 4 hair) retain moisture and achieve their desired look.
If you feel like your current regimen just isn’t working, it might be time to switch things up and give this routine a try.
Please note that this will not be a speedy and effortless task for those who are naturally lazy – but it is effective.
The maximum hydration method 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. This method uses six steps to help you achieve maximum hydration for your hair.
Even if your hair type isn’t low porosity 4C hair, you can make it work by making a few adjustments.
The Maximum Hydration Method requires you to:
We’ll guide you through the Maximum Hydration Method in just a moment, but first just a little history, and to give credit where credit is due.
The Maximum Hydration Method was developed by Pinke Cube, blogger MsDeeKay. The MHM became popular on a Black Hair Media thread in 2014 when Pinke Cube shared how to disprove the long-standing claim that 4c girls can’t wear a wash-and-go because our hair is too kinky.
If you want the optimal wash-and-go, then focus on hydration, which is something the MHM method emphasizes. Hydration and moisture are key to keeping your hair healthy since they work hand-in-hand.
The Maximum Hydration Method helps to lift or raise up the cuticles of your hair, allowing moisture in. It also keeps your strands moisturized and prevents breakage.
The Maximum Hydration Method helps reduce frizz, making your curls more defined — a great way to show off the natural beauty of your coils.
Finally, this method may help you retain length by providing deep nourishment and strengthening the hair from root to tip.
To achieve maximum results, you need to complete this regimen every day for one week so that the hair cuticles can raise or lift up and absorb a lot of moisture.
The regimen can be done every three days after the first week, but no longer than that.
Note – these steps must be done consecutively.
You will need a few ingredients and tools, and you should plan to spend a few hours washing and styling your hair.
In the tutorial below, skip to the 1:45 mark to see the Cherry Lola Treatment.
The Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment should be the first step for anyone with low porosity hair. This will allow the hair to better absorb moisture by lifting the cuticles.
The Cherry Lola Treatment has a few variations, but the two key components are always yogurt and amino acids. Other ingredients you can add are greek yogurt, honey, molasses, coconut oil, and more. Feel free to leave out or substitute ingredients that don’t work for you.
Recipe
2 cups greek yogurt (fat or non fat)
1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp liquid soy amino acids
1/2 tbsp raw honey
2 tbsp baking soda
1 tbsp unsulfured dark molasses
3/4 tbsp avocado
1/2 an overripe plantain or banana
1 egg (optional)
Directions
The Green House Effect (GHE) is a great way to promote healthy growth on their scalp. It encourages the use of shampoos, conditioners, and other products that are made from only natural ingredients.
The purpose of this technique is to stimulate hair growth by encouraging follicle activation through increased blood circulation while you sweat (body heat).
The Green House Effect not only helps your hair to grow, but it also keeps it moisturized. When you sweat, natural oils are released from your scalp, which can help keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Not only will the green house effect make your hair feel softer, but it will help your dry and brittle hair.
Below you’ll find a link to mango butter and shea butter products.
The next step is to clarify your hair. This will remove any build-up or residue from any other products that you may have used.
What you need
Directions
What you need
Directions
What you need
Here you can get three clays!
Directions
Tip: To use this product on your hair, think of it as you would a deep conditioner. When applying the clay mixture, apply it in thin, more manageable layers from the root to the ends of your hair, which will give you better results than one big glob.
By now, all residual product should be gone from your hair and you can finally see how far you’ve come! Your hair will start to clump and curl at the tips, and gradually reach the roots, which is when you can achieve maximum hydration.
You will also notice your hair is shakeable and bouncy and feeling nourished. Maximum hydration does take time and patience, but the results will be worth it!
What you need
Directions
Tip: If your hair is feeling wet and slippery, that means the gel will dry softer, so take note.
Leave-in Conditioner Recommendations
Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner
4C ONLY Too Soft Leave-In Conditioner
Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Leave In Conditioner
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
Soultanicals Hair Sorrell Knappylicious Kink Drink
Naturall Club Nourishing Avocado Leave-in Conditioner
What you need
Directions
What you need
Directions
-Start this regimen on the weekend so you have ample time to get all the steps done.
-Take your time with each step and make sure that it is thorough and even.
-Be gentle with your hair and scalp when styling.
-The simplest method to follow this routine is to clarify your hair at night, directly after applying a deep conditioner. In the morning, rinse out the conditioner and continue with the subsequent steps.
-If you have high porosity hair, take fewer ingredients and spend less time on each hair step.
You’ll know the method is working when your hair forms clumps, curls at the ends, and when your curls are still bouncy and moveable even when your hair is completely dry.
The Cherry Lola Treatment should be done every two weeks, while the remaining steps of the Max Hydration Method should be completed weekly to keep hydrated and moisturized.
It is also important to clarify your hair once a month, or more frequently if needed, to remove product build up.
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I had to listen to what my hair needed...my curls are finally ready to take in some moisture again!!!
- renee, Stylist Liaison
- renee, Stylist Liaison
“I truly couldn't have gotten through this without her knowledge, advice and support...after suffering from Hygral Fatigue and getting tons of advice @themestizamuse.”
“@themestizamuse: for ESSENTIAL information you will NEED TO KNOW in order to see results.”
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- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast
- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast
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Inspiring hair tutor, grateful for what she offers the Curly Community in authenticity, passion, and knowledge.
- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad
- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad
“I was so excited to embrace my curls and take better care of them. As I started to dive in, I immediately became overwhelmed with the information.”
I read books and tried doing things because "that's what I'm supposed to do," but it didn't always work and I didn't understand why. I'm so grateful for Verna and her blog. Her info. actually helped me understand more of the science of why some methods helped and what products or ingredients to use and why. Anyone that compliments my hair and wants to start a curly journey, I tell them to start here. My hair is so much healthier and I'm so happy with it.
- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast
- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast
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