The Maximum Hydration Explained

The Maximum Hydration Method (MHM) is a length process that is great for introducing moisture into your hair.

However, while it is a time-consuming process, the results are worth it!

This is because moisture is the holy grail of any healthy head of natural hair and, key for realising and retaining length.

NaHaZo has done the work, so you do not have to – by addressing the following questions:-

1. What is the Maximum Hydration Method?

The Maximum Hydration Method (MHM) is a five to six-step process that allows you to introduce and lock in moisture into your strands.

The MHM six-step methods are:-

1. The Cherry Lola Treatment
2. Clarifying your hair
3. Co-washing
4. Bentonite clay rinse
5. Apply leave-in-conditioner
6. Styling your hair
7. Optional extra: Stretching your hair

Get up to speed on the Glossary of the Top 50 Natural Hair Buzzwords. 

2. What steps are in the MH Method?

Step 1 – The Cherry Lola Treatment

This method is the first step in the MHM process. It is critical because it helps lifts the cuticles, allowing the hair to absorb moisture better.

The ingredients for this method are most likely in your kitchen and you will need:-

• Greek yoghurt
• Amino acids (soy)
• Baking soda
• Optional: Unsulphured molasses, honey, avocado, ripe banana.

Process

1. You blend the ingredients together until you get a smooth paste. 
2. Then apply the mixture to your hair, from root to tip (make sure that your hair is dry and that it has been detangled).
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mixture on for one to two hours.
4. After this, rinse out your hair with warm water.

Then move on to Step 2 of the process. 

Step 2 – Clarify your hair

This method helps to remove any build-up from your hair from the treatment, as well as build-up from your regular hair regime.

For this step of the MHM process, you will need to use:-

• Baking soda / Apple Cider Vinegar
• Conditioner of your choice
• Applicator bottle or mixing bowl, depending on your preference

Process

1. Mix the baking soda or Apple Cider Vinegar with the conditioner and then add water, making a smooth paste. (make sure that proper mixing occurs and that the baking soda dissolves thoroughly.)
2. Apply teh paste to your hair in sections and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Thereafter, rinse it out with warm water.

Then move on to Step 3 of the process.

Step 3 – Co-wash your hair

This step allows you to cleanse your hair, and it is recommended, instead of shampoo, so as to avoid drying out your hair further.

For this process, you will need:-

• Sulphate-free Conditioner
• Shower cap

Process

1. Apply the conditioner liberally on your hair and work from roots to tips, making sure that all the strands are properly coated.
2. Then cover your head with a shower cap and use some added heat (via a steamer, heat cap or dryer) to open your cuticles, allowing the conditioner to penetrate further into your hair shaft.
3. Then rinse your hair out with warm water. 

Proceed to step 4 of the process. 

Step 4 – Bentonite Clay Rinse

The Bentonite Clay Rinse is like a detox for the hair and is great at making your curls and coils pop.

For this step, you will need:-

• Bentonite clay
• Warm water
• Mixing bowl
• Shower cap

Process

1. Mix all your ingredients together and keep on adding water until you have a thick, but not too runny consistency.
2. Apply it to your sectioned hair, making sure that you cover it completely, from root to tips.
3. Cover your head with a shower cap and let the mixture sit on your hair for 20 minutes, before rinsing it thoroughly with warm water.

Now proceed to step 5. 

Step 5 – Leave-in-conditioner

For this step of the MHM, the conditioner will introduce more moisture into your strands, enhancing that bouncy, coily look.

For this step, you will need:-

• Leave-in conditioner
• Warm water
• Applicator bottle

Process

1. Mix the water and conditioner properly. 
2. Starting at the roots, apply the mixture in sections, either using the raking, shingling or smoothing method.
3. NaHaZo Tip: Make sure that your hair is wet when you use this method, as it will dissolve and not leave any residue on your hair.

Move onto step 6 of the process. 

Step 6 – Styling your hair

For this step of the process, you will need:-

• Gel (Botanical)

Wanna make your own DIY hair gel at home?

Process

1. Apply the gel in small sections to damp hair, using either shingling or smoothing methods, from the roots to the tips.
2. Make sure that all your hair strands are coated and that there is an even distribution of the gel.
3. You can then allow your hair to air-dry, or if you do not have the additional time, you can use a blow dryer with a diffuser and set it on low setting.
4. While you blow dry your hair, use your fingers to stretch your coils from root to tip to help elongate your hair. However, to avoid frizz, do not run your fingers through your hair.

Your MHM is complete and you can enjoy properly hydrated hair.

Or you can proceed to the optional 7th step of the MHM process. 

Step 7 – Optional: Stretch your hair

For this method, you can use the tried and tested twist-out.

Process

1. Section your hair into 4 to 6 parts, depending on your length, and then twist each section – securing the end by twirling it around your finger.
2. You can then leave the twists on overnight (secured with a silk scarf) or during the day for an hour and then unravel the twists and lightly fluff your curls out.

Enjoy the moisturised fruits of your hair labour of love!

3. How often to use the MH method?

How often you do the MHM method depends on your hair porosity.

If you have high porosity hair, then it is recommended that you do this method more often than if you have low porosity hair.  Also, as it is a time-consuming method, the frequency with which you use this method depends on your lifestyle.

NaHaZo advocates that you enjoy the Natural Hair Journey and once it feels like hard work, then it is not sustainable in the long run.

However, giving a good hair practice average, doing this treatment once every three months is a good start. You can then reduce or increase the frequency, depending on your hair needs and lifestyle.

Also, as sometimes you are likely to be in between protective styles, the MHM can be a method you use after a long protective styling period to nurture your hair strands.

Sound off in the comments as to your experience with the maximum hydration method.