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
Brittany Sims this is what you were looking for
Esi T Adjei check this out !
How can I maintain it through out the week though? Any one has any suggestions pls?
I just put my head under the shower and done (do not comb it). That works two more days for me.
The pineapple technique works as well
Satin pillow case helps me throughout the week.
Thx ladies will try your suggestions Francis and Amber.
Sorry if I sound stupid but what’s the pineapple technique Jamie? 🙂
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Mousse is best, do tell which products do not have a drying agent? Or added agents for softness.
I use Lottabody Coconut & Shea Oils Wrap Me Foaming Mousse.
Please.
Taya Thomas.. check this out
I’ve fallen in love with the rake and shake method then I use the diffuser, when time permits.
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 !
What?! You can do that?
I can’t believe I have only tried gel once it flaked with the curl enhancing smoothie so I washed it out.
Then maintenance for week
Comb & Pray works wonders for my 3c4a hair
I have been doing MHM Max Hydration Method and my curls stay defined even without any products applied. Try it and see 🙂
I will give it a try
Candice Bryant thanks. I really need this! Lol
Lol I know
What are some good leave in conditioners?
3&4
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.
Max hydration method is the truth! Just takes forever lol
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