The Best Clay to Use for Step 3 of Max Hydration Method

My top 5 bentonite clay recommendations for step 3 of the max hydration method. This step is where your curl definition really starts to come through if you use the best clay.

This is the continuation of the max hydration method series.

In the series, I review and recommend the best products for each step of the process based on my experience and research.

You can read the previous articles in the series at the links below:

• Does the Max Hydration Method Live Up to the Hype?
• How I Modified the Max Hydration Method for My Hair Type
• Collage of Max Hydration Method Results for My Hair
• 5 Best Conditioners for the Max Hydration Method

Clay Rinsing – Max Hydration Method

The clay rinsing step in the max hydration method process is necessary for curl formation and clumping.

It is where all the previous things you’ve done to prepare your hair start coming together.

The clay mix can be left in your hair from 15 minutes to overnight and should be applied from root to tip like you would henna.

Pure bentonite clay powder is recommended for this step and there are many different brands of this but all clay isn’t created the same.

I use three clay brands. One on its own when I can find them and the other two mixed together as each one used separately simply doesn’t work right.

Below are the brands of cleansing clay I’ve found out to be the best:-

Best Clay for the Max Hydration Method

1. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

This is the best clay to use for the max hydration method. In case you didn’t know, the clay swells up when mixed with hot water.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay dissolves almost immediately after hot water is added to it.

You can add ACV, honey, and almond oil to the mix as well but I never did and it worked wonderfully.

A 1lb jar can last for a very long time if used in moderation. The trick is to make sure the clay rinse isn’t that thick at all.

Make it medium to runny in consistency, prepare in large quantities, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks at a time.

Additional tip: Apply the leftover clay to your clean face and leave it on until dry then rinse off with lukewarm water and apply a suitable Vitamin C Serum like below.

You will have glowing, clear skin within 10 – 14 days (applying the clay 2 – 3 times a week).

Tru Skin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

2. Now Solutions Bentonite Clay and Moroccan Ghassoul Clay 

Now Solutions Bentonite Clay and Moroccan Ghassoul Clay work great when mixed together. Independently though, I discovered a few problems:

• The pH level of the ghassoul was too high and it dried my hair out even though the curl definition was commendable.
• The Now Solutions clay refused to dissolve appropriately and made my hair tangle.

Eventually, I conducted an experiment where I mixed the two together and it was a winner. In the below image, pic 1 is the ghassoul clay.

It has richer brown color and doesn’t require much mixing. Just add in hot water till the clay is covered then leave alone for 5 minutes before stirring.

Pic 2 is the Now Solutions clay. It’s a lot of work getting it to dissolve. When it’s done, I then combine the two as can be seen in pic 3.

The end result is the right pH for my rinse. Below is a before and after pH testing of the clay rinse. The last picture shows a comparison.

The green strip is a pH of 8, which is just too high, but when I combine the two, the pH is reduced and doesn’t raise my cuticles quite as much.

This combination leaves my hair much more defined. It also helps my curls last for up to 5 days with only light daily rewetting and fluffing required.  

Below is a length check after rinsing out the clay. The curls are defined, elongated, and separated. 

Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Recommendations

The Moroccan Clay brand I use is only available locally but after some research, below are three suitable recommendations, which are more widely available.

I mix all my clay with distilled water or rose water depending on what I have on hand.

3. Molivera Organics Bentonite Clay

4. Elma & Sana Ghassoul Moroccan Clay

5. Poppy Austin Rhassoul Clay

If you have any questions about the clay rinsing step or the type of clay you’re using, drop them in the comments section.