MHM Hangout

[Honey Bee]

Anyone out there who had no hair issues prior to this method, tried it and it did good?!

I flirted with this method during my transition, meaning, I dipped in and out, but didn't get overly committed. I fell off completely during the period immediately before and after my bc. Once I got comfortable with things (read: stopped 'testing' all the products purchased during my transition ), I went back to the method with some amendments. I use shampoo for step one. I do the whole five step process once or twice a week. I'm not super strict about my products, I have fine hair that loves hidden proteins and stuff. As a result of half-@ssing things, my hair is probably not as hydrated as it should be... but it's coming along alright. My only remaining issue is ssk's when I go too long between washes, but it's not like I don't know how to fix it.

My view of the method as a new natural is that it's as good a reggie as any to use as a template. Mix and match as you see fit (ie, I'm adding SAA's somewhere up in here, a la @abysblvd, and I'm bringing back oil rinses, dangit! ). Personally, during my transition, I found out that my hair loves to be clean and shampooed. This method, unlike the ol' cw reggie, aligns with stuff I've already figured out. I've been natural before, but my hair has never been so happy! I have some more recent pics one page back, but I've posted throughout the thread, so you can see my progression. Hth! I've long admired your hair from afar.

 

[hairtimes5]

I have been wanting to do this since I was transitioning. Now that I'm a brand new natural, I'm a little scared.

My hair is doing well so far. I don't want to mess it up. But it can't hurt right?

Anyone out there who had no hair issues prior to this method, tried it and it did good?!

I wasn't having any hair issues beforehand. I tried it for 2 reasons, 1. I didn't have a regimen and wanted one for consistency's sake, and 2. I wanted to master the wasn and go. This method has helped with both. I started with the original MHM and switched to the modified a few mos back. I am pretty much at maximum hydration.

 

[hairtimes5]

So I guess my hair could've benefited from a little protein. Stumbled across some Aubrey's Organics GPB in my stash last night and did an overnight dc with it. My hair felt wonderful upon rinsing and my wng is so light and airy today. I'll be including some protein here and there from now on.

 

[DeeLiteFulEKinky]

Just came here to report that this method has COMPLETELY transformed my dry, brittle 4a hair! Not only has it changed the texture but my hair is now soft to the touch both wet and dry and there's absolutely no breakage! I definitely see me being able to reach my hair goals this time around. I can't stop playing in my spirals!

Now I must admit, the PJ in me still has withdrawals (I reported in the Sally's BOGO thread that I purchased some SheaMoisture Pro and Design essentials stuff) but it's all going back, even the free stuff due to MHM! I've finally found what works for me---- after 13 years of being on this forum lol Now if only I could figure out what will increase my extremely slow growth rate!

Thanks guys

I wouldn't be surprise if you hair growth improves doing this method.
Personally, I have a lot less tangles, can finger comb my hair from root to tip, fewer ssk and my scalp is healthier than it's ever been. All of these reasons are great reasons to follow this method and will help you attain, maintain, and retain longer hair. Having defined hair, and increased hang time, for me, is like an awesome side effect. Because if I could have all the benefits I listed without definition, I would still do this. Don't get me wrong, I love the definition and hang time.

 

[bebezazueta]

I flirted with this method during my transition, meaning, I dipped in and out, but didn't get overly committed. I fell off completely during the period immediately before and after my bc. Once I got comfortable with things (read: stopped 'testing' all the products purchased during my transition ), I went back to the method with some amendments. I use shampoo for step one. I do the whole five step process once or twice a week. I'm not super strict about my products, I have fine hair that loves hidden proteins and stuff. As a result of half-@ssing things, my hair is probably not as hydrated as it should be... but it's coming along alright. My only remaining issue is ssk's when I go too long between washes, but it's not like I don't know how to fix it.

My view of the method as a new natural is that it's as good a reggie as any to use as a template. Mix and match as you see fit (ie, I'm adding SAA's somewhere up in here, a la @abysblvd, and I'm bringing back oil rinses, dangit! ). Personally, during my transition, I found out that my hair loves to be clean and shampooed. This method, unlike the ol' cw reggie, aligns with stuff I've already figured out. I've been natural before, but my hair has never been so happy! I have some more recent pics one page back, but I've posted throughout the thread, so you can see my progression. Hth! I've long admired your hair from afar.

Thanks so much! Really good to know.

I like the modified method with shampoo, cherry Lola, clay/acv mix and then AVJ & botanical gel as leave ins.

I just need to find the recipes!

So I guess I'll be joining y'all after my vacay

 

[deborah11]

I used the MHM for about 5 months but I am going to discontinue it because it has created some hair issues for me. I recently got the komaza hair analysis and my hair has a lot of buildup (probably from the clay) and appears to be overmoisturized from water staying in the hair strands too long. Komanza said my hair lacks enough protein. Maybe the problem is that I did not balance with enough protein because I rarely did the cherry lola. The baking soda is the cherry lola always made me nervous and for some reason I just stopped feeling it. I also noticed that my hair started breaking in the back and top, maybe because it was too wet for too long. My hair is medium strand density. The biggest thing for me is that my hair always felt coated and no matter how hard I tried it just seemed that I could never totally rinse the clay out. You can clearly see hair coating in several of my Komaza hair analysis pics. I wish the method had worked for me but I have learned that everything is not for everybody and I will keep it moving.

 

[bebezazueta]

I wasn't having any hair issues beforehand. I tried it for 2 reasons, 1. I didn't have a regimen and wanted one for consistency's sake, and 2. I wanted to master the wasn and go. This method has helped with both. I started with the original MHM and switched to the modified a few mos back. I am pretty much at maximum hydration.

AWESOME!

Can't wait to try the modified version.

Thanks for responding.

 

[hairtimes5]

I used the MHM for about 5 months but I am going to discontinue it because it has created some hair issues for me. I recently got the komaza hair analysis and my hair has a lot of buildup (probably from the clay) and appears to be overmoisturized from water staying in the hair strands too long. Komanza said my hair lacks enough protein. Maybe the problem is that I did not balance with enough protein because I rarely did the cherry lola. The baking soda is the cherry lola always made me nervous and for some reason I just stopped feeling it. I also noticed that my hair started breaking in the back and top, maybe because it was too wet for too long. My hair is medium strand density. The biggest thing for me is that my hair always felt coated and no matter how hard I tried it just seemed that I could never totally rinse the clay out. You can clearly see hair coating in several of my Komaza hair analysis pics. I wish the method had worked for me but I have learned that everything is not for everybody and I will keep it moving.

This made me think of what I was just saying about using protein. I hadn't did the CLCT or CLT in months, mainly because of the bad reaction my hair started having with baking soda. My hair appeared fine though so I hadn't incorporated any protein until last night when I decided to do an overnight dc with a protein conditioner, really just for the sake of doing it. My hair looks and feels so much better and here I already thought it was looking and feeling great before. For me it is a lesson learned that I have to include protein in my regimen.

 

[msbettyboop]

So I went to braid my hair a few days ago. I washed, conditioned and blow dried and it looked great with fantastic ends!!! . It's the same salon I've been going to for braids for the last 5 years but I haven't been in for almost a year. They were amazed when they saw my hair then I showed them pics of my hair curly after MHM and they refused to believe it wasn't some kind of twist out. lolllll

Two of the salon ladies were going natural and wanted to know the secret cos they have hard hair and mine is really soft. I told them it's hard because of the products they are using, which doesn't work for natural hair. They were gobsmacked when I said I hadn't used a commerical shampoo in nearly 3 years. I wrote an entire notebook of tips before they finally braided my hair but I got the feeling that the ladies didn't really think it was possible and I had some special type of hair . They were both wearing horrendous weaves and one of them had no edges. I told both of them they need to let go of weaves, braids etc and focus on hair health....hopefully, I was able to impart some good knowledge they'll use instead of perpetuating the myth that natural hair is a hard and impossible texture...

 

[discodumpling]

Anyone out there who had no hair issues prior to this method, tried it and it did good?

I had no issues before MHM. I've been natural for over 7 yrs and have used parts of the MHM regimen at points along my journey. I've known of the benefits of rhassoul clay for many years and it is and will always be a staple in my regi. MHM allowed me to put the pieces together and REALLY understand what my hair needs to thrive and what it needs to GET and STAY healthy.
As with anything else YOU MUST pick the parts of the regi that resonate with you and your hair. ie. what step makes your curls pop and work to get to your version of maximum hydration. Trust the process & know that it works...you got proof all up and through this thread!

 

[discodumpling]

Ladies i've fully transitioned to real protein from CLT's. The animal protein was not enough for my growing hair. I NEEDED hydrolyzed forms of protein that i've only found through fully commercial products. My hair feels soooooo good lately I feel like i've found my missing link. Protein. At least weekly! That undercarriage that i've been complaining about is FINALLY beginning to hydrate. I'm really excited about the possibilities.

 

[snoop]

What does your hair look like when the clay is on it? I'm curious cause I've read somewhere that the way your hair looks like when the clay is on it gives you an idea of what max hydration could look like. Personally, I sure hope so. But would you be willing to take a pic of how your hair looks while clay is on it?

@DeeLiteFulEKinky

This is what my hair looks like with the Kaolin clay in it (wash from this week). I've also added a picture from a few of weeks ago with the rhassoul clay in it. I haven't done the CLCT in a while so maybe I need to do it again?

 

[GGsKin]

Ladies i've fully transitioned to real protein from CLT's. The animal protein was not enough for my growing hair. I NEEDED hydrolyzed forms of protein that i've only found through fully commercial products. My hair feels soooooo good lately I feel like i've found my missing link. Protein.

This is me. Hydrolyzed protein is now giving my hair something extra, compared to my results with the CLCT. I think for the most part, when my hair needs protein I'll be reaching for my bottle of conditioner.

 

[snoop]

Ladies i've fully transitioned to real protein from CLT's. The animal protein was not enough for my growing hair. I NEEDED hydrolyzed forms of protein that i've only found through fully commercial products. My hair feels soooooo good lately I feel like i've found my missing link. Protein. At least weekly! That undercarriage that i've been complaining about is FINALLY beginning to hydrate. I'm really excited about the possibilities.

In the full MHM regimen aren't we supposed to have been avoiding hydrolyzed proteins? Just goes to show every head of hair is different.

Out of curiosity, which ones does your hair like?

 

[DeeLiteFulEKinky]

@DeeLiteFulEKinky

This is what my hair looks like with the Kaolin clay in it (wash from this week). I've also added a picture from a few of weeks ago with the rhassoul clay in it. I haven't done the CLCT in a while so maybe I need to do it again?

Why do I feel like the Clay is just sitting on top of your hair? Like your mix is to watery? I'm no expert but I feel like the clay should weigh you hair down and clump your hair more.

 

[snoop]

Why do I feel like the Clay is just sitting on top of your hair? Like your mix is to watery? I'm no expert but I feel like the clay should weigh you hair down and clump your hair more.

I used to mix my clay really thick, like pancake batter until I found dubaidee's modified mix which is very watery. I wasn't, however, finger combing the clay through so I want training my hair to clump. I'm sure I have pictures but you wouldn't see anything spectacular in terms of definition.

The picture with the rhassoul was the last rhassoul wash where I couldn't get the stuff out again and you can see how watered down it was. I'll do a clay wash tomorrow and spot test with a thicker mix.

 

[Holla4mom]

I used the MHM for about 5 months but I am going to discontinue it because it has created some hair issues for me. I recently got the komaza hair analysis and my hair has a lot of buildup (probably from the clay) and appears to be overmoisturized from water staying in the hair strands too long. Komanza said my hair lacks enough protein. Maybe the problem is that I did not balance with enough protein because I rarely did the cherry lola. The baking soda is the cherry lola always made me nervous and for some reason I just stopped feeling it. I also noticed that my hair started breaking in the back and top, maybe because it was too wet for too long. My hair is medium strand density. The biggest thing for me is that my hair always felt coated and no matter how hard I tried it just seemed that I could never totally rinse the clay out. You can clearly see hair coating in several of my Komaza hair analysis pics. I wish the method had worked for me but I have learned that everything is not for everybody and I will keep it moving.

Can you share what steps/ products you were using? I'm wondering with the build-up- were you using conditioner? If so, what was your clarifying step, since you weren't using baking soda? I'm sorry it didn't work for you. Hopefully we can learn from your experience and feedback.

 

[Holla4mom]

In the full MHM regimen aren't we supposed to have been avoiding hydrolyzed proteins? Just goes to show every head of hair is different.

Out of curiosity, which ones does your hair like?

That's a good question. It seems I remember that the theory is that over time, with low porosity hair, the hydrolyzed proteins build up and make it even more difficult for the hair to get hydrated. The hydrolyzed proteins make the cuticle more difficult to lift and penetrate, which is great for normal and high porosity hair though. Keep us posted in terms of how it works out longer term because it would be good to know if it hair continues to hydrate with adding this back into regimen.

 

[Holla4mom]

I used to mix my clay really thick, like pancake batter until I found dubaidee's modified mix which is very watery. I wasn't, however, finger combing the clay through so I want training my hair to clump. I'm sure I have pictures but you wouldn't see anything spectacular in terms of definition.

The picture with the rhassoul was the last rhassoul wash where I couldn't get the stuff out again and you can see how watered down it was. I'll do a clay wash tomorrow and spot test with a thicker mix.

See I was wondering if it was too thick because it looks like your hair is not soaking up the mixture or getting "wet", especially in the rhassoul pic. Are you doing modified MHM? If so, did you do the clarifying shampoo before you started? What is on your hair before you put on the clay (i.e. are you sealing with any products besides a botanical gel?)

 

[GGsKin]

See I was wondering if it was too thick because it looks like your hair is not soaking up the mixture or getting "wet", especially in the rhassoul pic. Are you doing modified MHM? If so, did you do the clarifying shampoo before you started? What is on your hair before you put on the clay (i.e. are you sealing with any products besides a botanical gel?)

It's funny because when I saw the rhassoul pic from @snoop, I thought the mix may not have been thick enough, or there wasn't enough of it. I'd use anywhere between 10-12oz of the thicker mix.

I do love this watery mix now but that batter/ milkshake mix (pictured) served me and others well. It was enough to weigh down my hair so that it looked saturated. I'd only add a couple of drops of ACV, vs the couple of spoonfuls I use now. Here's an example of how my hair looked with the thicker clay.

 

[GGsKin]

In the full MHM regimen aren't we supposed to have been avoiding hydrolyzed proteins? Just goes to show every head of hair is different.

Out of curiosity, which ones does your hair like?

PinkeCube does talk about them, particularly the negative effect she had with hydrolyzed wheat protein. But as this forum has shown me, not all protein is the same. After staying away from it for 6 months, I can say that my hair likes keratin.

I'm not concerned with build up because I am not using protein every wash. I'm not using products that are laden with protein (if they have any at all). And now I am reading the ingredients list on the things I buy- which is something I should've been doing long ago.

 

[discodumpling]

I learned years ago that of all the hydrolyzed proteins wheat was not my friend. I just dont like the feel and texture of my hair after a treatment that has that stuff in it. These days my hair tends towards hydrolyzed keratin and vegetable proteins in that order.

 

[DeeLiteFulEKinky]

With all this protein talk, I wonder if animal protein/yogurt is enough for low porosity gals like myself. For the longest time I thought I was protein sensitive cause my hair would feel HORRENDOUS after a protein treatment. I thought it was my method and that I needed to use a heavy moisturizer after, but nope.
Same issue, I had harder to manage hair... Also, it took me a long time to realize that what I thought was a need for protein was just a need for moisture. My hair was dry/is dry naturally. And no matter what product I used in the past, I wasn't getting into the hair itself, so maybe now that I am able to get into the shaft the yogurt is enough???

 

[DeeLiteFulEKinky]

It's funny because when I saw the rhassoul pic from @snoop, I thought the mix may not have been thick enough, or there wasn't enough of it. I woukd use anywhere between 10-12oz of the thicker mix.

I do love this watery mix now but that batter/ milkshake mix serves me and others well. It was enough to weigh down my hair so that it looked saturated. I'd only add a couple of drops of ACV, vs the couple of spoonfuls I use now.View attachment 327064

That's a good photo of clay consistency... I feel like I haven't seen a whole lot of photos clay mixes it's. I would say my mix is slightly thinner.
Your hair also looks great

 

[faithVA]

In the full MHM regimen aren't we supposed to have been avoiding hydrolyzed proteins? Just goes to show every head of hair is different.

Out of curiosity, which ones does your hair like?

Remember the regi was originally for low porosity hair that can't handle the build up. If her hair was acting right before the regimen it is highly unlikely that she is low porosity. Sounds like her hair is normal porosity which has much more leeway in what it likes and can handle.

 

[faithVA]

PinkeCube does talk about them, particularly the negative effect she had with hydrolyzed wheat protein. But as this forum has shown me, not all protein is the same. After staying away from it for 6 months, I can say that my hair likes keratin.

I'm not concerned with build up because I am not using protein every wash. I'm not using products that are laden with protein (if they have any at all). And now I am reading the ingredients list on the things I buy- which is something I should've been doing long ago.

My hair likes keratin as well. You are right, all proteins are not the same. Some sit on the hair and some actually get to the strand. I use and love Komaza's protein. Works like a charm every time.

 

[faithVA]

With all this protein talk, I wonder if animal protein/yogurt is enough for low porosity gals like myself. For the longest time I thought I was protein sensitive cause my hair would feel HORRENDOUS after a protein treatment. I thought it was my method and that I needed to use a heavy moisturizer after, but nope.
Same issue, I had harder to manage hair... Also, it took me a long time to realize that what I thought was a need for protein was just a need for moisture. My hair was dry/is dry naturally. And no matter what product I used in the past, I wasn't getting into the hair itself, so maybe now that I am able to get into the shaft the yogurt is enough???

I think you said you are using the original clt, correct? Are you using the liquid aminos? The reason they were advocating the clct was the balance of moisture and protein. With the frequency of the washing and the extra moisture the hair is getting, the extra protein is needed. I don't think yogurt is enough if doing this method every 3 days even for low porosity.

I would recommend doing the full clct or using a keratin protein on a regular schedule based on your hair.

 

[snoop]

Ugh! Now I feel like my hair is not going to accept this regimen. I know that a few years ago I was very low po hair -- my hair would take quite a bit of time to get wet in the shower. Now it feels as though it's getting wet very quickly, but I've also been noticing what you guys have been pointing out: water sits on top of my hair. I don't think I have a coating of anything more than a little oil which I've been using infrequently (light or medium oils) or sebum which I've been trying to coat my hair with on the days when I water wash/wet.

So, as promised, I took a bunch of pictures (and made a mess in the bathroom in the process! And got some clay in my eye. All in the name of science! HAHA!) I made sure to thicken the clay. I tested one section not clarified and the other clarified. In each set of three I show after wetting or clarifying, then with the clay, then after the final rinse.

Someone asked about the gel. I made flax seed gel with marshmallow root, slippery elm, bamboo extract, magnesium sulfate and some xanthan gum for texture. It was a bit better than when I just used flax seed, slippery elm and marshmallow root. I don't really like gel and found that it nor the KCCC doesn't make my hair feel soft. Maybe the protein from the flax seed?

Side note: I've gone back to washing my hair in twists. I know that's not part of the regimen, but my shedding is horrible and I think that the daily manipulation is making it worse.

 

[GGsKin]

That's a good photo of clay consistency... I feel like I haven't seen a whole lot of photos clay mixes it's. I would say my mix is slightly thinner.
Your hair also looks great

Thanks @DeeLiteFulEKinky this is what my clay mix used to look like. Now, with more ACV it is much runnier and I make more of a mess, but it works just the same. That batter/milkshake consistency works well when squeezing and smoothing into the hair. It actually weighs the hair down rather that just running off..
My very first clay mix with MHM was super duper runny and it didn't do a blasted thing for my hair back then.

 

[DeeLiteFulEKinky]

I think you said you are using the original clt, correct? Are you using the liquid aminos? The reason they were advocating the clct was the balance of moisture and protein. With the frequency of the washing and the extra moisture the hair is getting, the extra protein is needed. I don't think yogurt is enough if doing this method every 3 days even for low porosity.

I would recommend doing the full clct or using a keratin protein on a regular schedule based on your hair.

I do use the liquid amnios, that and full fat Greek yogurt and baking soda. That's it. But I may increase the frequency from every 2/3 weeks to 1x a week first.
I usually feel like I need the clt when my hair is stretching before snapping. That is my indication.

Also, let me ask this question that's been on my mind for a while...
If the ph needs to be on the higher side to open the cuticle (8/9) how can the cherry Lola caramel treatment with a lower ph closer to neutral really work and get in the hair? I know of 2 ways that open the cuticle, heat and higher ph. What say you beautiful people?
This lack of understanding is why I primarily use baking soda in the 1st step and use the original clt.