MHM Hangout

[Holla4mom]

My wash day takes me about 2-3 hours. I water rinse, clay, gel as my main regimen.

Can you share how much time you are spending in each step? Are you completing all steps in the shower or does this include letting the clay sit outside the shower, etc?

 

[GGsKin]

Sure. I jump in and out of the shower. I dont think I could last at the temp I take mine (I do like them hot). If I'm doing water, clay and gel only, I spend about 15 mins water rinsing my hair/ massaging my scalp. Then about 1hr detangling with clay in small sections (out of the shower). I try to be as thorough as I can at this point to avoid matting and tangles further down the line.
Once rinsed, I oil my hair (in the shower) and let that sit while I wash myself- about 15/20mins. Then I rinse lightly and take another 40mins-1hr to apply my gel (out of the shower). I always do this in small sections. I don't twirl but I do smooth and rake and make sure the clumps aren't too large so it's almost like detangling again.

 

[HopefulOne]

Well ladies, I can't keep on the modified MHM and I don't want to do the original because of the baking soda. I am going to have to go my own way. I will keep the clay and the diluted products and hope I don't get tangles. I have all the definition I need I just use the method for retention. I will lurk on this thread to see if there are updates but I won't be posting

 

[DeeLiteFulEKinky]

I thought the same thing about it cancelling each other out, however the foaming action created by the ACV/ baking soda seems to help the protein (Braggs amino acids), and moisturizers (banana- you can do banana babyfood if you're worried about chunks), avocado, honey and molasses, penetrate my lo porosity hair better.

I'll consider it the next time I do the clt. But I'm skipping the eggs.

 

[DeeLiteFulEKinky]

Sure. I jump in and out of the shower. I dont think I could last at the temp I take mine (I do like them hot). If I'm doing water, clay and gel only, I spend about 15 mins water rinsing my hair/ massaging my scalp. Then about 1hr detangling with clay in small sections (out of the shower). I try to be as thorough as I can at this point to avoid matting and tangles further down the line.
Once rinsed, I oil my hair (in the shower) and let that sit while I wash myself- about 15/20mins. Then I rinse lightly and take another 40mins-1hr to apply my gel (out of the shower). I always do this in small sections. I don't twirl but I do smooth and rake and make sure the clumps aren't too large so it's almost like detangling again.

It's amazing the steps we take to do our hair. I honestly think it's worth it.

 

[DeeLiteFulEKinky]

Well ladies, I can't keep on the modified MHM and I don't want to do the original because of the baking soda. I am going to have to go my own way. I will keep the clay and the diluted products and hope I don't get tangles. I have all the definition I need I just use the method for retention. I will lurk on this thread to see if there are updates but I won't be posting

it's probably been asked but...
Have you tried using acv instead of bs?

 

[GGsKin]

It's amazing the steps we take to do our hair. I honestly think it's worth it.

It is funny though. I've got my WnG routine down now. It's flat twisting and braiding that tires me out at the minute. Whenever I stretch my hair without heat, I've suffered tangles. I put some twists in last night and before I did, my hair was so tangled at the ends, it was crazy.
I've put the brush down. I'll go one or 2 more days before I give my hair a good wash. I just want easy styling back and I definitely get that with a WnG.

 

[KiWiStyle]

Finally washed tonight. I mixed the rest of the mud puddle with some water and some sodium bentonite. I left it on long enough to work it through and detangle. I really want to have a night where I let my rhassoul sit for an hour or two but lately I seem to always be rushing on wash day. How can I have less time now with 2 steps than I did when I had 5?

Anyway, I rinsed and baggied for 10 minutes. Then I use the Natural Oasis softening balm and baggied with that for 20 minutes. Then I twisted up with MHC Type 4 hair crème. My hair is definitely retaining. I can now put in 6 flat twists and be done. That's down from 12 at the beginning of the year. I might be close to being able to do a decent flat twist out.

Here's my hair after rinsing the clay. It's coming along.

View attachment 326049

@faithVA yes hunty, your hair is coming along very nicely. You give me hope because I struggled along with you to become hydrated.

 

[nycutiepie]

Well ladies, I can't keep on the modified MHM and I don't want to do the original because of the baking soda. I am going to have to go my own way. I will keep the clay and the diluted products and hope I don't get tangles. I have all the definition I need I just use the method for retention. I will lurk on this thread to see if there are updates but I won't be posting

What happened this time @HopefulOne ? I recall you trying the modified before and not liking it. I still have not taken the plunge so I'd like to hear,

 

[KiWiStyle]

Thanks ladies. I'm happy with the progress I'm making since I've been all over the place with my regimen.

I'm hoping that by the time I get another 2 inches of growth I'm defined root to tip after rinsing.

But my twist are so convenient I may just end up wearing flat twist until next spring

@faithVA can you please list your regimen and products? I want to cross reference yours and mine to see what I need to change or stick with.

 

[faithVA]

I'll consider it the next time I do the clt. But I'm skipping the eggs.

The eggs are optional. It was just an additional source of protein.

 

[faithVA]

it's probably been asked but...
Have you tried using acv instead of bs?

That's true. @HopefulOne you you can use acv instead of baking soda. You can also use a diluted clay rinse for step 1. You can use anything gentle to clarify in step 1. When I was doing the full regimen I was doing castile soap + conditioner. As long as your step 1 is gentle and not stripping it will work.

 

[faithVA]

What happened this time @HopefulOne ? I recall you trying the modified before and not liking it. I still have not taken the plunge so I'd like to hear,

So would I. I don't remember what you were having a problem with. Were you using rhassoul/sodium bentonite + 1/4 acv + water? Or some other combination?

 

[KiWiStyle]

@faithVA I remembered you wanted to know how my permanent hair color appointment went.

I absolutely love the color! Like I said, I only lightened by 2 levels with a 20. I came home and shampooed and did a hardcore protein treatment (Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus), did a really quick clay rinse and then gel. I did my second clay post color yesterday and my hair has improved, even the sides and my rough patch in the back is starting to coil. I have a long way to go but I'm happy as long as I see progress.

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA can you please list your regimen and products? I want to cross reference yours and mine to see what I need to change or stick with.

Good to see you. I miss you when you're gone. I know life is busy though.

My regimen is pretty simple. Water rinse for about 5 to 10 minutes. It takes that long for my hair to accept water still. I use a clay mix of either rhassoul or sodium bentonite. My clay mixes vary just a little in the amount of ACV or oil I use if any. But last wash I did 4 tbs sodium bentonite, 1 to 2 tbs acv, a splash of oil, 1 cup of water. I worked that in and finger detangled and rinsed.

Yesterday I just did a water rinse with no other products. I will do clay again this weekend.

For my hair I am finding that it is just about time. It doesn't matter how often I do the regimen, how long I let things sit or how perfect I try to make the products and do them exactly. My hair needs time to adapt and start holding onto water and defining. It takes about 2 to 3 months of washing every 3 days to see a change in my hair. So I've just learned to be patient.

I'm rolling up on a year of MHM. In fairness though there were weeks that I only washed every 3 to 7 days and weeks I fiddled with that color change shampoo and other things that slowed my progress.

I'm hoping to get a decent wng by august or September. We shall see.

That's more than you asked.

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA I remembered you wanted to know how my permanent hair color appointment went.

I absolutely love the color! Like I said, I only lightened by 2 levels with a 20. I came home and shampooed and did a hardcore protein treatment (Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus), did a really quick clay rinse and then gel. I did my second clay post color yesterday and my hair has improved, even the sides and my rough patch in the back is starting to coil. I have a long way to go but I'm happy as long as I see progress.

Agreed. As long as I see progress I can keep doing what I'm doing.

 

[KiWiStyle]

Good to see you. I miss you when you're gone. I know life is busy though.

My regimen is pretty simple. Water rinse for about 5 to 10 minutes. It takes that long for my hair to accept water still. I use a clay mix of either rhassoul or sodium bentonite. My clay mixes vary just a little in the amount of ACV or oil I use if any. But last wash I did 4 tbs sodium bentonite, 1 to 2 tbs acv, a splash of oil, 1 cup of water. I worked that in and finger detangled and rinsed.

Yesterday I just did a water rinse with no other products. I will do clay again this weekend.

For my hair I am finding that it is just about time. It doesn't matter how often I do the regimen, how long I let things sit or how perfect I try to make the products and do them exactly. My hair needs time to adapt and start holding onto water and defining. It takes about 2 to 3 months of washing every 3 days to see a change in my hair. So I've just learned to be patient.

I'm rolling up on a year of MHM. In fairness though there were weeks that I only washed every 3 to 7 days and weeks I fiddled with that color change shampoo and other things that slowed my progress.

I'm hoping to get a decent wng by august or September. We shall see.

That's more than you asked.

Thanks for posting your regimen, I miss being here too...trust that I peek in more regularly than I post. Hopefully I'll post more if my hair continues to show improvement otherwise it gets to be a bit much for me.

I think my hair likes simple clay mixes; water/whole milk, and a drop of oil, yesterday I did 1 tsp or so of pure argan oil and I love my results! I'll use that instead of EVOO to see what happens. My fine strands really love protein and now that I have a permanent color treatment, I'll be more diligent with incorporating it at least once per month.

I used the porosity control shampoo the day I colored, seeing that its pH balanced, I wanted no question in insuring I get my cuticles closed again as much as possible. I think my "natural" hair is actually sealed closed as in nothing got in unless I forced opened to hydrated with a high alkaline element and clarify daily.

I'll keep you guys posted. I'd post a pic of my color but it won't attach to my post.

 

[Ajna]

I am not sure the modified regimen works for me. I think I get better results when I do the full once a week and then midweek just do a cowash with leave in condish, tea and gel.

Plus I have messed my hair up a bit trying to use products that were questionable but now I know they just do not fit this routine any longer and I am kind of depressed about that because I do not know what do with some of these products.

Also here is a question the longer I do this method the more my hair prefers products watered down. I was wondering is this true for anyone else?

 

[aharri23]

So a lot of y'all have been talking about the AIA curling jelly so I bought it for $6 at target. It's MHM approved except for glycerin I think. I will try it out and report back

 

[Guinan]

I am not sure the modified regimen works for me. I think I get better results when I do the full once a week and then midweek just do a cowash with leave in condish, tea and gel.

Plus I have messed my hair up a bit trying to use products that were questionable but now I know they just do not fit this routine any longer and I am kind of depressed about that because I do not know what do with some of these products.

Also here is a question the longer I do this method the more my hair prefers products watered down. I was wondering is this true for anyone else?

I noticed that too; in regards to the watered down products. When I'm using non-approved products, I water them down and it seems to work pretty well.

 

[GGsKin]

I am not sure the modified regimen works for me. I think I get better results when I do the full once a week and then midweek just do a cowash with leave in condish, tea and gel.

Plus I have messed my hair up a bit trying to use products that were questionable but now I know they just do not fit this routine any longer and I am kind of depressed about that because I do not know what do with some of these products.

Also here is a question the longer I do this method the more my hair prefers products watered down. I was wondering is this true for anyone else?

I'll continue to use conditioners watered down, as I also find my hair accepts them better this way.

 

[faithVA]

I am not sure the modified regimen works for me. I think I get better results when I do the full once a week and then midweek just do a cowash with leave in condish, tea and gel.

Plus I have messed my hair up a bit trying to use products that were questionable but now I know they just do not fit this routine any longer and I am kind of depressed about that because I do not know what do with some of these products.

Also here is a question the longer I do this method the more my hair prefers products watered down. I was wondering is this true for anyone else?

What is it that you notice about your hair when you do the modified method.

If products don't work for you there is no reason to feel bad about giving them away or tossing them. If you had a lotion that made you itch or breakout you would have not problem tossing it. It isn't different with your hair. If it makes your hair dry or break off or whatever it is, let it go. You, your body, your hair, your health are worth more than the few dollars the products cost.

 

[faithVA]

So a lot of y'all have been talking about the AIA curling jelly so I bought it for $6 at target. It's MHM approved except for glycerin I think. I will try it out and report back

That's a good price. It usually runs a bit more than that. You aren't going to make me buy anything though Can't make me.

 

[Ajna]

What is it that you notice about your hair when you do the modified method.

If products don't work for you there is no reason to feel bad about giving them away or tossing them. If you had a lotion that made you itch or breakout you would have not problem tossing it. It isn't different with your hair. If it makes your hair dry or break off or whatever it is, let it go. You, your body, your hair, your health are worth more than the few dollars the products cost.

I know you are right on the products, I think I may try and trade them or sell them - I have a few full bottles.

So first I tried the version where you rinse, use clay then baking soda rinse then conditioner and gel - this one was a problem due to the excess of BS. To rectify that I tried the clay wash leave in and gel which made my hair a bit overly dry and I had started seeing small hair which looks like breakage and my hair was getting knots at the end. Since I started this method and cut my hair this is unusual for me.

Then one day I was in a hurry so I put conditioner (I think it was the one from Trader Joes) on dry hair let it sit while I started getting ready, then I rinsed my hair in the shower, sprayed on the leave in with a bit of gel and I was out the door. I had great results then another time I came back from hot yoga and lets just say we needed more than water but did not have the energy to do all the steps so I cowashed rinsed really well then added leave in and gel. Still had solid results no breakage. However the key is once a week I do the entire regimen, when I do I switch between a BS rinse and ACV rinse to clarify then proceed to the DC clay tea rinse leave in and gel
As long as I stick to the approved list my hair comes out great and the mid week wash takes about 15-20 minutes which I call morning friendly.

 

[faithVA]

I know you are right on the products, I think I may try and trade them or sell them - I have a few full bottles.

So first I tried the version where you rinse, use clay then baking soda rinse then conditioner and gel - this one was a problem due to the excess of BS. To rectify that I tried the clay wash leave in and gel which made my hair a bit overly dry and I had started seeing small hair which looks like breakage and my hair was getting knots at the end. Since I started this method and cut my hair this is unusual for me.

Then one day I was in a hurry so I put conditioner (I think it was the one from Trader Joes) on dry hair let it sit while I started getting ready, then I rinsed my hair in the shower, sprayed on the leave in with a bit of gel and I was out the door. I had great results then another time I came back from hot yoga and lets just say we needed more than water but did not have the energy to do all the steps so I cowashed rinsed really well then added leave in and gel. Still had solid results no breakage. However the key is once a week I do the entire regimen, when I do I switch between a BS rinse and ACV rinse to clarify then proceed to the DC clay tea rinse leave in and gel
As long as I stick to the approved list my hair comes out great and the mid week wash takes about 15-20 minutes which I call morning friendly.

Ok. None of the things you tried are the modified method (DubaiDee's method), although they are modifications.

The 1st one, using baking soda after the clay I have not heard of.

The full regi sounds like it is working for you though.

 

[Ajna]

Ok. None of the things you tried are the modified method (DubaiDee's method), although they are modifications.

The 1st one, using baking soda after the clay I have not heard of.

The full regi sounds like it is working for you though.

What is DubaiDee's method?
The modified versions I tried came from the maxhydrationmethod.com website

 

[faithVA]

What is DubaiDee's method?
The modified versions I tried came from the maxhydrationmethod.com website

Modified is just clay wash + styler with clct every 2 to 4 weeks or as needed. Oil before or after the styler is optional.

It's been a while since I have viewed the site. I may have to go back and refresh my memory.

 

[HopefulOne]

it's probably been asked but...
Have you tried using acv instead of bs?

Well duh I never thought of ACV. I will try that

 

[HopefulOne]

What happened this time @HopefulOne ? I recall you trying the modified before and not liking it. I still have not taken the plunge so I'd like to hear,

I tried the modified and liked it but hen my hair felt really dry and my curls were tighter. I don't think the modified is for me. I am going to try ACV and use the original method. Thank you so much for the hint Delightful.

 

[discodumpling]

20 mins in the shower for a cowash leavein, activator,gel wash n gwan lol! Still experimenting with my overpriced gel and thinking i get slightly better results from my $1 store finds. I'll be using the whole bottle before forming my final opinion.