Your Guide to the Maximum Hydration Method

No matter where you are in your natural hair journey, boosting your strands with moisture is a top priority. So much so, you’ve likely tried the LOC and LCO methods to provide your strands with long-lasting hydration. However, if you find that your natural strands can still use a little more TLC after your wash day, the maximum hydration method awaits you. If this technique sounds familiar, you may have seen hair bloggers raving about the method on social media—it's that popular.

So, if you’re ready to nourish your coily, curly, or wavy hair with instant moisture, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re giving you the scoop on the maximum hydration method and how you can add it to your hair care routine.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM HYDRATION METHOD?

The maximum hydration method is a hair care routine that helps to provide your strands with the maximum level of moisture. Designed with low porosity hair in mind, this five-step process starts with the cherry lola treatment that includes a mix of nourishing ingredients to boost moisture. Following up with a cleanse, co-wash, bentonite clay rinse, leave-in conditioner, and gel, the routine is meant to hydrate and strengthen hair for the long haul. This method also can be a game changer for those tackling severely dry and brittle hair.

HOW OFTEN CAN YOU DO THE CHERRY LOLA TREATMENT?

As we mentioned above, the cherry lola treatment ingredients are super moisturizing and nourishing, so knowing when to use the regimen is key for success. Typically, the treatment is meant to be done once every two weeks, while the rest of the maximum hydration steps can be done weekly. Remember, introducing your strands to hydrating products too often can offset your moisture levels and cause more harm than good. So, listen to your mane, and don’t be afraid to switch things up. 

DO YOU WASH HAIR BEFORE USING BENTONITE CLAY?

Since you’re working with natural hair, you may have learned about the wonders of bentonite clay already. This clay is beloved for the way it works to remove dirt and impurities from the hair while helping to condition, soften, and define your natural texture. The most popular way to use bentonite clay is as a mask or rinse used after you wash your hair. However, since this clay comes with various moisturizing and cleansing benefits, you can also use it as a pre-poo for your hair. It’s truly up to you!

HOW TO DO THE MAXIMUM HYDRATION METHOD

Now that you’re all caught up on the maximum hydration method, it’s time to give your thirsty tresses some moisture. Keep reading for our step-by-step guide on how to do the maximum hydration method.

STEP #1: START WITH THE CHERRY LOLA TREATMENT

First things first, you want to kick things off with a cherry lola treatment to improve the manageability of your mane. With that said, be sure that your strands are dry and detangled before applying this treatment.

STEP #2: CLARIFY

Give your tresses a solid cleanse to remove all dirt and debris from your strands. Let your clarifying solution sit for 10-30 minutes and rinse out.

STEP #3: CO-WASH

Natural hair always needs as much love as it can get, and this is where a co-wash comes in. We like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm, which is formulated to clean, condition, and soften your strands without removing natural oils. To use, apply six to eight pumps to wet hair and distribute it evenly through your strands. Leave on for three to five minutes and rinse.

STEP #4: BENTONITE CLAY RINSE

A bentonite clay rinse is an excellent match for natural hair. To review, they can be used to moisturize your strands, clarify your scalp and hair, and define texture for a healthy mane. Part your hair into sections and apply the clay rinse to each one. Once complete, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse out.

STEP #5: LOCK IN MOISTURE

Now it’s time to seal your hair with moisture. Similar to the LOC method, you want to apply a leave-in conditioner and hair gel to your strands for effortless hydration. Start with the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion, which works to add slip and moisturize and provide your strands with luminous shine—sans a weighed down feel. Part your damp hair in sections and apply it evenly to your strands. 

Next, you want to reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel, which is formulated with coconut oil. Using an egg-sized amount of gel, apply it from your roots to the ends and style as desired. Voila!

Congratulations, you’re officially a maximum hydration method pro! Ready to learn about other moisturizing techniques for natural hair? Read our article, LOC Method: Moisturizing Hair Care for Natural Hair.