Maximum hydration may be the answer to fighting post-wash dryness for natural hair. 

This five-step method is designed to increase moisture to the maximum amount so that those with 4c hair can live with a wash-and-go hairstyle. The method cropped up in 2014 on Black Hair Media, and it’s one that many people swear by.

This method can be adapted to deal with individual hair concerns, and you might need to change it a bit to make it fit your schedule, but the basic method below will give your hair all the moisture it can handle–and then some. 

Maximum hydration 5-step method

Keep in mind, this method is for people with low porosity hair, meaning the individual strands of hair are so dense and tight together that water has a hard time penetrating the shaft. More often than not, water simply beads up and rolls off.

Step 1: Cherry Lola

This treatment was created by a blogger in 2009 using the name Cherry Lola. The blog no longer exists, but the treatment was so popular, it’s still easy to find. The treatment focuses on liquid amino acids and plain yogurt. 

Since its inception, many people have altered the recipe to create their own version with apple cider vinegar, baking soda, conditioner, and other personal favorites. We suggest the following recipe for the best results.

Ingredients: 

16 ounces full-fat plain yogurt

2 tablespoons baking soda

2 tablespoons liquid amino acids

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ tablespoon raw honey

La Muse Organic Moroccan Oil, dime-sized amount or more, as needed

Mix thoroughly then apply to dry, detangled hair. Saturate your hair root to tip, and tuck it into a shower cap for one to two hours. Rinse thoroughly with warm water when done.

Why it works: 

♦ The liquid amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Adding them directly to your hair helps create strength so your hair can grow longer and healthier. 

♦ Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, yogurt is excellent when it comes to moisturizing and nourishing your locks. 

♦ Baking soda and apple cider vinegar clean, revive, and soften your hair. 

♦ Natural, raw honey is a humectant and emollient, so it smooths the hair and makes it look shinier while adding and holding onto moisture. 

♦ Finally, Moroccan oil or argan oil is natural hair’s best friend. It reduces frizz, improves softness and manageability, penetrates the hair shaft, and increases elasticity. It’s also good for your scalp health.

Step 2: Clarify

Once you’ve completely rinsed your Cherry Lola out, it’s time to clarify. You can use your favorite clarifying lotion or make your own by mixing a tablespoon and a half of baking soda into 1/3 cup conditioner and let it sit on your hair for 10-30 minutes, depending on how deep you need your cleanse to be. 

Follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse that is customized to your hair needs. Start by mixing a half cup of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and put it in a spray bottle. You can adjust the amount of vinegar up or down until you get the best results. 

Let this spritzed mixture sit for up to a half-hour.

Step 3: Co-wash

Skip the shampoo to avoid the drying nature of some shampoos, and instead, use a conditioner as you would a shampoo. Massage it into your hair from root to tip, and let it rest for about 20 minutes tucked up under a shower cap.

We recommend using the Hair La Vie conditioner in your co-wash routine. Loaded with organic ingredients that natural hair loves, this proprietary blend is the perfect mix of lightweight oils and strength-building ingredients. Used as a co-wash, it lifts out dirt and any remaining Cherry Lola while adding softness and moisture to your hair.

Step 4: Bentonite clay mask

Bentonite clay is an absorbent aluminum phyllosilicate clay made of montmorillonite, and it generally sourced from Wyoming. It’s known as an effective, all-natural health and beauty aid. 

When it comes to your hair, bentonite clay has many benefits.

♦ It detoxifies

♦ It protects the scalp from fungal and bacterial infections

♦ It’s a dandruff fighter

♦ It helps hair grow faster

♦ It adds shine

♦ It adds moisture to scalp and hair

♦ It tames frizz

There are a variety of different DIY recipes for bentonite clay hair masks, and once you get the hang of a standard one, you can give them a try or create your own. But the basic mask recipe is a good starting point.

Ingredients:

♦ 1 cup bentonite clay

♦ 1 cup water

♦ ½ cup apple cider vinegar

Mix it in a non-metal bowl until it creates a paste and apply to your sectioned hair. Since water helps thin the clay and reconstitute it when it starts to dry, you’ll want to keep some warm water handy to help you apply it.

Let the mask sit on your hair for at least 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

Step 5: Lock in moisture

Now that you’ve added all sorts of juicy hydration to your hair, it’s time to seal it in place. To do this, you need a fantastic leave-in conditioner and a quality hair gel. 

N°77 Leave-In is the best choice for a leave-in conditioner because it gives you the lightweight softness that’s also packed with nourishing ingredients to constantly fuel your hair throughout the day. Best of all, it doesn’t cause a build-up that will weigh your hair down.

Final thoughts

It takes a lot of time to do the MHM treatment, which is why it’s so important to use the best products so you can rely on the results every time. It’s recommended that you only do a Cherry Lola every other week, while the other steps should be done weekly.

Adding moisture to your hair requires a multi-pronged approach that works to cleanse, fortify, and nourish your hair at the same time. If you focus on moisture and forget about supporting hair health, you’ll reap fewer benefits, and you might see a decline in your hair over time. 

But with a broad approach that makes a thoughtful use of key ingredients, you’ll improve the health of your hair, which will allow it to absorb and hold more moisture. It’s a win-win!