The Max Hydration Method: Is It for You?

August 13, 2014

Photo courtesy of maxhydrationmethod.com

As seen on Black Girl with Long Hair!

The Max Hydration Method (MHM for short) is, according to maxhydrationmethod.com, "a 5 step regimen that systematically increases moisture levels in the hair until Max Hydration is reached." This method, championed by Black Hair Media Forum VIP Member PinkeCube promises to turn the notion that wash and go's don't work on type 4 hair on its head. In addition to forum posts, and social media accounts dedicated to the Max Hydration Method, PinkeCube has launched a blog where everything about the method can be found -- maxhydrationmethod.com.

So what exactly is the Max Hydration Method, how does it work, and are the results for real? Let's explore.

Who is the Max Hydration Method for?
The Max Hydration Method is articulated as being designed for type 4, specifically low porosity 4c natural hair.

What does it do?
PinkeCube, MissDeeKay, and other proponents state that the Max Hydration Method will transform dry, frizzy, undefined hair into coils and curls that clump -- with or without product. Additionally, they claim that once your hair reaches max hydration, many of the issues that plague type 4 hair (dryness, styling, knots, length retention) will cease to occur.

Photo courtesy of maxhydrationmethod.com

What products are required, and how long does it take?
The Max Hydration Method initial period lasts for 7 consecutive days. You can stretch your re-wetting/styling to every 2-3 days, but daily is recommended for maximum results. As far as products are concerned, you'll need:

Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment
Baking Soda Rinse (baking soda + conditioner) or Apple Cider Vinegar
Cowashing Conditioner
Deep Conditioner
Clay Rinse (clay + honey + olive oil + water)
Leave-In Conditioner
Botanical Gel

Click here for the Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment, Baking Soda Rinse, and Clay Rinse steps and recipe.

How do you do the Max Hydration Method?

Photo courtesy of missdeekay.com

As mentioned previously, the Max Hydration Method is aimed at being a 7 day cycle, but can be adjusted per time constraints and the needs of your hair. The method goes a little something like this:

Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment or Clarify: First-timers are to complete the Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment on Day 1 instead of clarifying. After the initial treatment, you can do the Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment every 2 weeks, monthly, or however frequently your hair requires. Days 2-7 call for a baking soda or apple cider vinegar rinse every morning, where the ingredients sit on your hair for 15-60 minutes.
Deep Condition Overnight: This step is optional, but recommended to facilitate increased hydration. If you skip the overnight deep conditioning session, simply condition your hair, allow it to sit for 15 minutes or so, then proceed to finger detangle your hair while rinsing it out.
Clay Rinse: After rinsing and detangling, apply your clay mix thoroughly to the hair and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes.
Leave-in & Curl Definer: After rinsing the clay thoroughly, while hair is still soaking wet (preferably in the shower), the leave-in and curl definer are to be applied section-by-section from root to tip. If portions of your hair begin to dry out, simply re-wet them and move along. The Max Hydration Method allows for LCO layering of products underneath gels, but never LOC because oils are occlusive and will prevent water-based moisturizing products from penetrating and hydrating the hair.
Repeat steps 1-4 daily, or every 2-3 days depending upon your hair's needs. After one Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment, the other days call for the baking soda or apple cider vinegar rinse.

Users of the Max Hydration Method are encouraged to use only approved/botanical products throughout this process. Although I am still trying to identify a consolidated list of products, the general idea is sticking as closely to the Curly Girl Method as possible (no sulfates, no cones, etc.). For starters, Miss Dee Kay outlines a list of Max Hydration Method-approved conditioners here.

Photo courtesy of missdeekay.com

The big question: does the Max Hydration Method actually work?
From a personal standpoint, I don't know. There is a strong possibility that I will experiment with it in the coming weeks, to satisfy my own curiosity. However, there are dozens of ladies on maxhydrationmethod.com's testimony page offering visual proof of their success with the method. You can also search Instagram for the hashtag #maxhydrationmethod to find ladies who are actively participating in the Max Hydration Challenge. For an incredibly detailed breakdown of someone who has and continues to use the Max Hydration Method, visit Miss Dee Kay's blog. For a more scientific approach/breakdown, check out this post by Jc of The Natural Haven.

Photo courtesy of maxhydrationmethod.com

From the sampling of devotees to the Max Hydration Method, the results look incredibly promising. One thing to take into consideration is the amount of time, energy, and product the method requires. It is certainly not for the faint of heart.

Have any of you tried the Max Hydration Method, or will you be trying it? Share your thoughts and results below!