The max hydration method is a technique that is popular among kinky textured ladies that struggle with dryness and most notably it is acknowledged for its perk of achieving wash n go curls on 4c hair. The results are achieved by systematically improving moisture quality as the regimen is practiced overtime. It is a 5 step process that is to be completed everyday for the first 7 days that you start the method. After the first 7 days you can then adjust by repeating the process every 3 days.
Here is an overview of the process:
1. Clarify your hair using Apple Cider Vinegar or Baking Soda and let the mixture sit in your hair for 15- 60 minutes
Baking soda rinse
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and 4-8 oz of water
or
Apple cider vinegar rinse
Do a 1:1 ratio of apple cider vinegar with water in an 8oz applicator bottle.
2. Condition your hair and finger detangle
Apply your favorite conditioner and let this sit on your hair for 15-20 minutes, alternatively you can leave your conditioner in overnight.
3. Rinse out the conditioner and apply your clay rinse
You want to make sure when you mix the clay that the consistency is just right. Avoid it being too runny or too thick and clumpy. Apply evenly from root to tip and let set for 15 minutes or longer and then thoroughly rinse from your hair.
4. Apply your leave in conditioner
It is recommended that you use Kinky Curly Knot Today.
5. Follow up with a botanical gel
Evenly apply Kinky Curly Custard to your hair. Make sure your hair is wet when you apply , if it dries up spray with water before applying. Let your hair air dry and you are all done!
If you are unable to complete any of the steps you can simply let your conditioner or clay rinse sit in your hair overnight and then rinse out in the morning. Of if you have to go out somewhere you can cover your hair with a scarf, headwrap or wig as you must complete all steps.
As I am sure you can see this method is a bit of a time commitment, but I have personally tried and must say that it works. I saw results even on day 1, although many say that it takes a day or two for them to get the outcome that they are looking for.
I recommend that for those who are interested in trying the method, you go in with the intention of achieving more moisturized hair and not necessarily the perk of wash n go curls. The reason being is that it may take longer for you to see your hair clump into curls or you may form an expectation of what your hair should look like and if it doesn’t meet your ideal you may become frustrated. If you have the patience to try, do it for more moisturized hair and love whatever natural curl pattern the method may reveal you have.
More information about The Max Hydration Method can be found at http://maxhydrationmethod.com/the-max-hydration-method-detailed-regimen/
Thanks so much for this! So excited and can’t wait to try it. But i’ve never heard of or seen clay rinse or botanical gel. Do you know what i can substitute these with- something more common?
Thanks again 🙂
Try using Kinky Curly Custard (this can be purchased at whole foods, target or amazon). For the clay rinse use Bentonite Clay ( you can get this on Amazon link is in the article)
This looks like a lot of work, but I’m going to try it. Thanks for posting.
I won’t lie to you, it is! But I loved the results.
I tried the max hydration method and must say I loved the results but it was more than a bit time consuming. I could not do the 7 day challenge with my work schedule but plan on taking the challenge over the Christmas holiday.
I tried this after taking down my braids, my hair usually pretty soft even after wearing crochets 4-5 weeks at a time did not like this method. My hair was rough after doing this.
Yes, it certainly seems like an intensive method for hair that is fresh out of a protective style.
Is your hair damaged now?
Your hair is laying so nicely too! How do you maintain your look once you are able to do this routine every 3 days? Are you spraying with water and adding some product every day to maintain those pretty hanging coils?
How often do you have to do this to to keep your hair at this level of hydration? Do you have to do it every day before reducing the frequency of this process?
I have a question. I have that same brand of clay mask that I got for my skin, never thought about using it on my hair too! It says it can be mixed with either water, or for an extra boost, apple cider vinegar. So, when prepping the clay for my hair, can I use ACV for an extra boost? Or would that be overkill?
Yes, you can use ACV but make sure it is diluted in water. ACV on its own is too strong.