Contents:
- Shingle Method
- No Towel Drying
- The Comb And Pray Method
- Curly Girl Method
- Maximum Hydration Method
- The Water Only Washing Method
Maximum Hydration Method
This method can be used by all curlies but the results it has delivered for type 4c have been phenomenal. If nothing else works this seems to be one of the greatest things for those of us with kinks that make us wonder if they left us off the hair typing system. The MHM was created by PinkCube and staunchly defended and promoted by MsDeeKay. It is based on the rationale that well-moisturized hair holds curls better and for longer periods. It is basically a regimen that you do consistently every day for a specified time.
Similar to the CG method, you use curly girl products; no silicones, sulfates or parabens. The series of steps you choose to do would be dependent on the porosity level of your hair.
This decides whether you need to use baking soda to help you open the cuticles. At the end of the specified time, you would have seen visual evidence that your hair is more moisturized. In order to prepare for this you must ensure you have:
- Apple Cider Vinegar*
- Bentonite Clay*
- Sulfate-free Conditioner
- Leave-in Conditioner*
- Gel
The first step is stripping the hair with the ACV rinse. Next, you use the Bentonite Clay* to help cleanse and moisturize by filling in gaps in the cuticle layer and adding some weight to the hair to make the curls elongate.
The sulfate-free conditioner comes next to help moisturize while you detangle. All this is raked through the hair a step at a time and after the rinse, you finish off styling with a Leave-in conditioner* and a gel. This is done daily ( yes it is a little time consuming) but the results are awesome.
The Water Only Washing Method
Next on the list comes the water only method for cleansing your hair. I have always wondered what people did for hair care before the first shampoo and conditioner was made. Water only washing seems the closest thing to what they did; it’s seriously back to basics. It’s also curly girl friendly because as with the CG and MHM, you would have to eliminate sulfates and silicones so there will be no need for shampoo and co-wash.
So basically the principle behind this method is that water is the ultimate moisturizer and cleanser. No build up is created from piling on styling products and so surfactants don’t dry out your scalp and mess with the natural oils* it produces. This sebum-rich environment is ideal as you would then help the sebum down the length of the hair by smoothing it down with your hands.
I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of this method. It takes a few months so if you are looking for a quick fix, this isn’t it, but from what I have observed, with this method the hair takes on a life of its own. The curls pop more in the areas where you smooth down the sebum on the hair shaft, and since water is used every day, the hair is moisturized, bouncy and healthy looking.
From observation, it is no secret that maintaining that ideal curly look is easier for some than it is for others. If you are in that group that has found it more challenging to maintain the pattern, perhaps an adjustment in your regimen will do the trick.
What about you? Are there any specific ways you maintain your curl pattern? Comment below!
Updated by Marsha Buchannan
Loren Sims says
Brittany Sims this is what you were looking for
Jayjay Parker says
Esi T Adjei check this out !
Julia Droushioti Songue says
How can I maintain it through out the week though? Any one has any suggestions pls?
Francis Davis says
I just put my head under the shower and done (do not comb it). That works two more days for me.
Jamie Carter-Bailey says
The pineapple technique works as well
Amber Chike-Udenze says
Satin pillow case helps me throughout the week.
Julia Droushioti Songue says
Thx ladies will try your suggestions Francis and Amber.
Sorry if I sound stupid but what’s the pineapple technique Jamie? 🙂
Ieisha Alexander says
Pineapple Technique is putting your high in a loose, high ponytail. You have to have a scrunchy for this method because you basically stuff the hair into the scrunchy. Mahogany Curls has a YouTube video. You’ll want to look for the Regimen she created in 2012 I believe. The music is house music, so you can’t miss it when you find it.
Melissa Waechter says
But what about detangling and getting loose hair out? Can this be done with just finger combing or can u use a comb? Or would this prevent the curl and just make it fro?
Amber Chike-Udenze says
I finger detangle in the shower with the conditioner on it then carefully rinse most of it out then squeeze as much water out as possible before applying a generous amount of mousse. That’s what has been working for me. Hope this helps.
Melissa Waechter says
Great, thank you. I’m still learning. I have a 4 year old daughter that we adopted from Ethiopia when she was 18 months but I have only been really doing and learning how to take care of her hair for the last year since its longer now. These sites are so helpful.
Sheri A Campbel says
Amber Chike-Udenze do you mind sharing which brand of mousse you use? I never thought of using mousse, I figured it had alcohol in it.
Cheri Jacoby says
Mousse is best, do tell which products do not have a drying agent? Or added agents for softness.
Bayanna says
I use Lottabody Coconut & Shea Oils Wrap Me Foaming Mousse.
Cheri Jacoby says
Please.
Carla Thomas-Herron says
Taya Thomas.. check this out
Kimberly L Walker says
I’ve fallen in love with the rake and shake method then I use the diffuser, when time permits.
NubianPrize says
I just use Knot Today & Kinky Curly & get curls for DAYS; only have to refresh with a water spritz in the morning to re pop the curls & off I go !
Cheri Jacoby says
What?! You can do that?
Deborah Bogie says
I can’t believe I have only tried gel once it flaked with the curl enhancing smoothie so I washed it out.
Chermine Belhomme says
Then maintenance for week
Kashmere Noel says
Comb & Pray works wonders for my 3c4a hair
Denise Burrow says
I have been doing MHM Max Hydration Method and my curls stay defined even without any products applied. Try it and see 🙂
Sarah Nneke says
I will give it a try
Arnesia Clark says
Candice Bryant thanks. I really need this! Lol
Candice Bryant says
Lol I know
Diamond Lopez says
What are some good leave in conditioners?
Brian Jones says
3&4
Kayla says
The MHM is really only done daily in the beginning. Pinkecube suggests not going longer than 3 days—so roughly twice a week. I used to do MHM for over a year but moved on to methods that gave me the same results.
Kiauna Monet Mason says
Max hydration method is the truth! Just takes forever lol
sydni says
What is the curl type in this before and after picture? this is the closest pic I’ve seen of my pattern. trying to figure it out so i can start taking care of my hair properly