MHM Hangout

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.
What clay is that?
I think it looks like it's sitting on your hair better than your last post. And the clarified pics seems better than non clarified. How does the hair feel? Which side feels more moisturized? I think I see some definition and clumping on the very ends.
As far as increased shedding, do you finger detangle with the clay in? I personally can't detangle *well* with the clay step. I can rake and separate but not detangle. So I detangle in the previous step of DC with diluted conditioner. Also... I forget if you already posted this, but how long have you been doing this, what products are you using from start to finish and are you doing the original method or modified? If modified, have you tried original and if so, why did you switch?
I think a lot of this is trial and error until things fall into place.
 
Okay, I need some input... Every so often I want to put my hair "away" and mini twist it or do some twist extensions. How would I do that and still ensure I take care of my hair. Clay would obviously be out of the question. Co washing maybe every 3 days?

Eta: I'm also the type that takes twists out after 2 weeks cause I miss my hair. Go figure
 
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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.

Did you clarify with a shampoo before you got started with the regimen? If not you may want to do so.

You don't have to use gel for your last step unless you really want to do a wng. I rarely use a gel. And if you want to wash in twist, wash in twist. It's not that serious.

Are you doing the full regimen or the modified? If you are doing the full regimen, try the modified before you give up the method. I didn't go back to read your initial post to see which one you are doing.
 
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.

I don't think you need to do it every week. I think that is overdoing it. Every 2 to 3 weeks is good.

The ph of your hair is sitting at a 4.5 to 5.5. A 7 opens the cuticles some. It's just not major. But since you are allowing the clct to sit for 1+ hours and hopefully baggying or wrapping your hair in plastic, which gives you the added heat, that enables the hair to absorb what it needs.

My opinion is, if you are using a high ph, then the timeframe needs to be short. I would not routinely do a high ph and a long timeframe. To me keeping the hair in an unnatural state of long periods of time can eventually lead to some degradation of the hair strands.
 
Okay, I need some input... Every so often I want to put my hair "away" and mini twist it or do some twist extensions. How would I do that and still ensure I take care of my hair. Clay would obviously be out of the question. Co washing maybe every 3 days?

Eta: I'm also the type that takes twists out after 2 weeks cause I miss my hair. Go figure

If you are doing the full regimen, you can do step 1 with acv, then use a diluted conditioner to condition, use a diluted leave-in and then seal with a product of your choice. I think as long as you keep your hydrated with water at least every 3 days you should be OK. You may not see increased curl definition but you will still be working on hydrating your hair. If you are only leaving them in a month this should work fine.
 
Okay, I need some input... Every so often I want to put my hair "away" and mini twist it or do some twist extensions. How would I do that and still ensure I take care of my hair. Clay would obviously be out of the question. Co washing maybe every 3 days?

Eta: I'm also the type that takes twists out after 2 weeks cause I miss my hair. Go figure

I agree with what faith said, as long as your keeping your hair moisturized every 3 days you should be fine. My plan is to wash/DC 1-2 a week.
 
I don't think you need to do it every week. I think that is overdoing it. Every 2 to 3 weeks is good.

The ph of your hair is sitting at a 4.5 to 5.5. A 7 opens the cuticles some. It's just not major. But since you are allowing the clct to sit for 1+ hours and hopefully baggying or wrapping your hair in plastic, which gives you the added heat, that enables the hair to absorb what it needs.

My opinion is, if you are using a high ph, then the timeframe needs to be short. I would not routinely do a high ph and a long timeframe. To me keeping the hair in an unnatural state of long periods of time can eventually lead to some degradation of the hair strands.
I totally agree with you on higher ph shorter time frame. I've amended my routine so that:
Clarify with bs and tjttt and right after I apply it and ensure its on in every section (i.e. apply then go back through a 2nd time) I wash it out in the order I applied it. I used to leave it on for 20 or more minutes after applying in the manner I describe but realize I don't need to do that to open the cuticles and get the desired effect. I do the same with my deep conditioning step but really take my time and finger detangle each section throughly. I also warm the conditioner.
This worked well the last couple of washes and it cuts down on the time too.
I leave the clay on for at least 30 mins after my application technique.

The only thing up in the air is my leave in/seal step and the protein treatments (which I didn't think was an issue until the surge in protein posts here recently).
As far as sealing... Yesterday's wash I only used diluted kccc, my hair is still wet now but I'm wearing a scarf around the house and will take down my chunky twist before DH and I go out for dinner cause (Singing Tony Toni Tone- Anniversary)
 
I totally agree with you on higher ph shorter time frame. I've amended my routine so that:
Clarify with bs and tjttt and right after I apply it and ensure its on in every section (i.e. apply then go back through a 2nd time) I wash it out in the order I applied it. I used to leave it on for 20 or more minutes after applying in the manner I describe but realize I don't need to do that to open the cuticles and get the desired effect. I do the same with my deep conditioning step but really take my time and finger detangle each section throughly. I also warm the conditioner.
This worked well the last couple of washes and it cuts down on the time too.
I leave the clay on for at least 30 mins after my application technique.

The only thing up in the air is my leave in/seal step and the protein treatments (which I didn't think was an issue until the surge in protein posts here recently).
As far as sealing... Yesterday's wash I only used diluted kccc, my hair is still wet now but I'm wearing a scarf around the house and will take down my chunky twist before DH and I go out for dinner cause (Singing Tony Toni Tone- Anniversary)

Happy Anniversary!
 
I totally agree with you on higher ph shorter time frame. I've amended my routine so that:
Clarify with bs and tjttt and right after I apply it and ensure its on in every section (i.e. apply then go back through a 2nd time) I wash it out in the order I applied it. I used to leave it on for 20 or more minutes after applying in the manner I describe but realize I don't need to do that to open the cuticles and get the desired effect. I do the same with my deep conditioning step but really take my time and finger detangle each section throughly. I also warm the conditioner.
This worked well the last couple of washes and it cuts down on the time too.
I leave the clay on for at least 30 mins after my application technique.

The only thing up in the air is my leave in/seal step and the protein treatments (which I didn't think was an issue until the surge in protein posts here recently).
As far as sealing... Yesterday's wash I only used diluted kccc, my hair is still wet now but I'm wearing a scarf around the house and will take down my chunky twist before DH and I go out for dinner cause (Singing Tony Toni Tone- Anniversary)
Happy Anniversary!
 
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???

Experts tend to believe that only hydrolyzed protein enters the hair shaft and is the only protein that can have any real effect on the hair. I guess I share a similar mindset, however I will not deny the effects of the CLCT. It really did make some difference, just not as dramatic or as longlasting as actually using a proper protein conditioner.
 
What clay is that?
I think it looks like it's sitting on your hair better than your last post. And the clarified pics seems better than non clarified. How does the hair feel? Which side feels more moisturized? I think I see some definition and clumping on the very ends.
As far as increased shedding, do you finger detangle with the clay in? I personally can't detangle *well* with the clay step. I can rake and separate but not detangle. So I detangle in the previous step of DC with diluted conditioner. Also... I forget if you already posted this, but how long have you been doing this, what products are you using from start to finish and are you doing the original method or modified? If modified, have you tried original and if so, why did you switch?
I think a lot of this is trial and error until things fall into place.

So the clay that I used in this wash was kaolin clay. I posted earlier about how this batch of rhassoul clay was so hard to wash out I actually had to have someone come and help me wash it (and they weren't even sure that they got everything out). I've been washing with rhassoul for about two years and making them as thick as the kaolin mix that I photographed. I like how the kaolin makes my hair feel (very soft), but I think that it's conditioning properties are causing my hair NOT to clump. BUT, it washes out easily -- or I think that I've managed to wash it all out this morning. The consistency of this clay is the same as cocoa powder -- very fine and light.

One side does not feel more moisturized than the next. I started out doing the wng, but switched to twists since my roots would stay dry for too long and I wasn't comfortable with that. (Something to think about: The month before I started this I did water washing only for 4 weeks. With full sebum coverage your hair dries faster. I'm not sure if that is something that this technique is bucking against on my hair?)

As for the shedding I'm 5 months post partum so it comes with the territory. I can kind of detangle with the clay but this process has allowed me to detangle under the running water. Even raking a separating is causing hair to fall out. I tried the full regimen a few months ago but couldn't hack it, then I tried again, but switched to the modified because it was almost identical to my regular wash routine. Also, I can get it done faster which is key for me if I want to wash my hair period. (I have 3 kids under the age of 5.)

So basically, I clay wash (recently with the very runny consistency from dubaidee recipes, but previously to pancake mix consistency), rinse, and sometimes seal sometimes no. If I seal it might be with some broccoli seed oil; flax seed gel, or a combination of almond/macadamia oil+flax seed gel. When I started I clarified then did the CLCT, but haven't done the treatment since. It would have been at the beginning of March. Heh. Maybe that's the problem....
 
I'm just about six months into my natural hair journey and the max hydration method; regular and modified. I am sad to report that my hair is not much hydrated or defined than when I first began. My wet and product free hair looks a hot mess, my dry and product free hair is a hot mess and my hair with gel (KCCC) IS a hot mess when it dries. I'm losing hope that its even possible at all for me and have momentarily considered the creamy crack again, cutting it all the way down to 1/2", wearing breads to hide my hair from my own eyes. I have stared in the mirror nearly crying and saying how much I hate my hair. Its still a dry frizzy mess and I regret my BC so much because I can't do anything to it but attempt
wng with gel which looks fine while wet...I'm so over hard hair but creams laugh at my hair. It's fine, weightless and even coiless. At least I don't have ugly and gray hair tho...I'm glad I colored it or else I might've sank into a depression. Vent over.
 
Hi!

Can someone share the link to the site where the modified method (clay and gel only) is posted please?

Thanks!!!!

You will love the results! I did! I think I will go back to the wash n gos. I missed them during my twists. One thing I learned is my hair loves to be brushed. My finger detangled twists did not hold, but the brushed ones did. I believe I will do the protective styles after the summer ends or when it gets cooler.
 
I'm just about six months into my natural hair journey and the max hydration method; regular and modified. I am sad to report that my hair is not much hydrated or defined than when I first began. My wet and product free hair looks a hot mess, my dry and product free hair is a hot mess and my hair with gel (KCCC) IS a hot mess when it dries. I'm losing hope that its even possible at all for me and have momentarily considered the creamy crack again, cutting it all the way down to 1/2", wearing breads to hide my hair from my own eyes. I have stared in the mirror nearly crying and saying how much I hate my hair. Its still a dry frizzy mess and I regret my BC so much because I can't do anything to it but attempt
wng with gel which looks fine while wet...I'm so over hard hair but creams laugh at my hair. It's fine, weightless and even coiless. At least I don't have ugly and gray hair tho...I'm glad I colored it or else I might've sank into a depression. Vent over.
Im sorry you are having a tough time. There was a time when you first started where you were making progress and posted pictures with good results. Maybe you need to get back to basics. When was the last time you clarified with shampoo or did a real protein keratin treatment?

Have you stopped using bentonite and baking soda?

Walk us through what you are doing and maybe we can help.
 
I'm just about six months into my natural hair journey and the max hydration method; regular and modified. I am sad to report that my hair is not much hydrated or defined than when I first began. My wet and product free hair looks a hot mess, my dry and product free hair is a hot mess and my hair with gel (KCCC) IS a hot mess when it dries. I'm losing hope that its even possible at all for me and have momentarily considered the creamy crack again, cutting it all the way down to 1/2", wearing breads to hide my hair from my own eyes. I have stared in the mirror nearly crying and saying how much I hate my hair. Its still a dry frizzy mess and I regret my BC so much because I can't do anything to it but attempt
wng with gel which looks fine while wet...I'm so over hard hair but creams laugh at my hair. It's fine, weightless and even coiless. At least I don't have ugly and gray hair tho...I'm glad I colored it or else I might've sank into a depression. Vent over.
We are with you Kiwi and you will get over this rough patch and your hair will do what you want. Stay away from the crack. I know Faith will have an idea for you
 
Im sorry you are having a tough time. There was a time when you first started where you were making progress and posted pictures with good results. Maybe you need to get back to basics. When was the last time you clarified with shampoo or did a real protein keratin treatment?

Have you stopped using bentonite and baking soda?

Walk us through what you are doing and maybe we can help.

@faithVA its so weird how you read my mind. After I posted earlier I brainstormed and said what the heck, imma go old school. I clarified with Redken Chelating/clarifying shampoo and did a hard protein treatment with Redken Extreme builder plus with heat. My hair felt conditioned so I didn't do a DC. I decided to add 1 tbsp Aztec Calcium Betonite clay to 2 tbsp Rhassoul and added EO, Argan oil and ACV. This mix exploded like crazy after shaking it. My clay never reacted like this before. Anyway, I left it on for about an hour or so. After I rinsed I omitted the leave in because my hair was conditioned enough then applied KCCC. My hair haven't looked this good wet or dry in a long time. My hair wet but with no products still lacked definition but I was satisfied with the dry"ing" results. Completely dry is better than before.

I examine my hair all the time and I can honestly say that my hair is probably finer than anyone else's hair I've ever seen. It has no weight to it at all and products build up extremely fast. I'm going to repeat today's regimen monthly to see how well my hair responds long term.

To answer your other questions, I have not done the BS clarify since starting the modified regimen but I have cleansed with shampoo though. I think I even did the same Redken protein treatment immediately after my permanent color application. The only other thing I added today that i haven't used in a whike was the bentonite clay.
 
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I examine my hair all the time and I can honestly say that my hair is probably finer than anyone else's hair I've ever seen. It has no weight to it at all and products build up extremely fast.
I have super fine hair too, it weighs nothing, sticks up with the slightest provocation, etc. So, my new and improved wng method is to use bigger sections than I used to. I don't mean that I apply product to larger sections, I still part my hair into the same rows. What I mean is, instead of individuating each and every curl singly (tedious and time consuming), shaking, and drying, I might let two or three curls clump together and then smooth/ rake/ or doodle as usual, and dry. Therefore, each curl has more weight on it while it dries. Once I get it down pat, I'll post pics to explain. You might need more length to see the effect, idk.
 
I too have been having withdrawal from here lol. I washed my hair on Sunday- water rinse, clay, oil and gel.

This time, I decided to stop being lazy and use some shea butter. I melted some in a water bath, and after applying my usual grapeseed and sunflower oils, I applied the liquid shea butter to the length and ends.

This added step left my hair feeling moisturised and so soft once dried. So much so that there is no real need to wash my hair again today, but I'm not sure I'll put it off- the way the rest of the week has me...

I will try this again to really see how my hair responds. It'd be good to add shea butter (the white one) back into the mix (I used it throughout my transition for braids).
 
I have super fine hair too, it weighs nothing, sticks up with the slightest provocation, etc. So, my new and improved wng method is to use bigger sections than I used to. I don't mean that I apply product to larger sections, I still part my hair into the same rows. What I mean is, instead of individuating each and every curl singly (tedious and time consuming), shaking, and drying, I might let two or three curls clump together and then smooth/ rake/ or doodle as usual, and dry. Therefore, each curl has more weight on it while it dries. Once I get it down pat, I'll post pics to explain. You might need more length to see the effect, idk.

@Honey Bee, thanks! I think I understand what you mean. Are you applying product and then let is clump on its own some before working with it? With my hair I have to alternate applying gel and spraying water on my hair in order for it to get enough weight to start clumping. I have to plan my hair way ahead of leaving the house so it won't be drenched from all the water.

I know I need way more hair before I can do much to it. I know my hair can define now because I have a few pieces throughout that are defined from root to tip and resists frizz. The only non drying gel that works to help define is KCCC but its still too light but I have no other choices. I even toyed with the idea of using eco styler gel but have resisted buying it.
 
@faithVA its so weird how you read my mind. After I posted earlier I brainstormed and said what the heck, imma go old school. I clarified with Redken Chelating/clarifying shampoo and did a hard protein treatment with Redken Extreme builder plus with heat. My hair felt conditioned so I didn't do a DC. I decided to add 1 tbsp Aztec Calcium Betonite clay to 2 tbsp Rhassoul and added EO, Argan oil and ACV. This mix exploded like crazy after shaking it. My clay never reacted like this before. Anyway, I left it on for about an hour or so. After I rinsed I omitted the leave in because my hair was conditioned enough then applied KCCC. My hair haven't looked this good wet or dry in a long time. My hair wet but with no products still lacked definition but I was satisfied with the dry"ing" results. Completely dry is better than before.

I examine my hair all the time and I can honestly say that my hair is probably finer than anyone else's hair I've ever seen. It has no weight to it at all and products build up extremely fast. I'm going to repeat today's regimen monthly to see how well my hair responds long term.

To answer your other questions, I have not done the BS clarify since starting the modified regimen but I have cleansed with shampoo though. I think I even did the same Redken protein treatment immediately after my permanent color application. The only other thing I added today that i haven't used in a whike was the bentonite clay.

My suggestion is to be consistent with products, steps, regimen, etc. If it is working, stick with and don't vary things often. Once you have the regimen the way you want it, then you can try something every now and then. Sometimes we shift things often without realizing it and our hair ends up in distress.

I think you are back to a nice basic and you can tweak it ever so slightly until you get it just right.
 
@Honey Bee, thanks! I think I understand what you mean. Are you applying product and then let is clump on its own some before working with it? With my hair I have to alternate applying gel and spraying water on my hair in order for it to get enough weight to start clumping. I have to plan my hair way ahead of leaving the house so it won't be drenched from all the water.

I know I need way more hair before I can do much to it. I know my hair can define now because I have a few pieces throughout that are defined from root to tip and resists frizz. The only non drying gel that works to help define is KCCC but its still too light but I have no other choices. I even toyed with the idea of using eco styler gel but have resisted buying it.
Why resist Eco.. it just might change your life. Also let me reiterate the point of max hydration is not root to tip definition. It is simply to hydrate maximally and for some of us root to tip definition may be a lofty goal but the fun and the lesson is in the journey!
 
@Honey Bee, thanks! I think I understand what you mean. Are you applying product and then let is clump on its own some before working with it? With my hair I have to alternate applying gel and spraying water on my hair in order for it to get enough weight to start clumping. I have to plan my hair way ahead of leaving the house so it won't be drenched from all the water.

I know I need way more hair before I can do much to it. I know my hair can define now because I have a few pieces throughout that are defined from root to tip and resists frizz. The only non drying gel that works to help define is KCCC but its still too light but I have no other choices. I even toyed with the idea of using eco styler gel but have resisted buying it.
Yeah. I apply diluted KCKT and gel, and then depending on what part of my head we're talking about, it either curls on its own or I doodle (my bang area is still frizzy, but the crown is good now). I'm trying something new: I apply a curl cream after the KCKT and before the gel. I needed some extra weight.

re: gel. So, since I shampoo often, I use whatever gel I wanna use! :lol: :look: I have the eco with argan oil, Goddess Curls, KCCC, and 'Wetline Xtreme'. Out of those, Wetline Xtreme is the one that I use when my hair is acting up. :look: The ingredients are probably terrible, oh well. I avoid eco and am trying to figure out another use for it cuz I bought a big ol' jar. :lol:

 
I didn't clarify yesterday instead I used a protein conditioner, rinse and then my diluted DC. So i plan on keeping my hair twisted today and doing MHM tonight.

I'm trying to.get my hair in optimal health prior to the braids. I def need to up my protein game. I'm gonna rummage through my house to see if I can find some protein conditioners.
 
Why resist Eco.. it just might change your life. Also let me reiterate the point of max hydration is not root to tip definition. It is simply to hydrate maximally and for some of us root to tip definition may be a lofty goal but the fun and the lesson is in the journey!

I finally stopped resisting Eco and I'm telling you, my wash and go is the stuff of legend lol. I sang the praises of Hello Curly for months, which is still a good gel btw. One day I decided to buy some Eco Olive oil and I didn't like it at first, I was so used to the texture of HC. But now that I have my technique down I'm loving this stuff. I do my hair in the shower so I put a little in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together and put them under the shower stream, then smooth onto my hair while separating my strands some since my hair tends to overclump. My hair comes out beautifully. I walked by the Camille Rose curl maker in Target yesterday and started to buy it but then I thought for what, I don't think my hair can get any better. As an aside, I hope I don't sound "braggy" I just really love my hair :)
 
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