Curly hair of all types has unique challenges. Maintaining moisture is one of the significant challenges. Therefore, there are many thoughts and ideas about the proper methods of gaining moisture. LOC and LCO are two famous and practical methods for curly hair. When it comes down to understanding how to moisturize natural hair, the process takes trial and error before locking in a process that works for your hair type. In this article, we are going to discuss all angles of the LOC and LCO methods and their benefits for maintaining curly hair.
What is the LOC method?
The LOC method is a moisturization layering technique that applies liquid to hydrate the hair, oil to lock in moisture, and cream to prevent moisture loss; the exact protocol you use depends on your natural hair’s porosity, which often indicates how thirsty your hair is. In contrast to other wash-and-go or styling routines that apply products without rhyme or Order, the LOC method takes time to layer products carefully while maximizing moisture retention.
How to do the LOC method for curly hair?
The method requires products you probably already own, but the order in which they are applied to your hair only needs to be altered. You shouldn’t have trouble incorporating it into your routine since it uses products you probably already own. It may take some trial and error before you find the best combination of products for your hair. Follow these easy steps to get started using the LOC method.
Step 1: Leave-in conditioner (or liquid)
L stands for leave-in or liquid, as curlies use both to provide the moisture that hair will seal in. Apply a moisturizing, water-based leave-in conditioner after cleansing your hair. You can also use water in a spray bottle for this step. If you’re looking for a suitable leave-in conditioner for this method, we recommend Bounce Curl Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner.
Step 2: Oil
After applying a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer for locking in the moisture, apply a small amount of oil to your hair to create a layer on it. You will need different oils depending on how porous your hair is. If you use a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer which contains lots of oil and butter, you can skip the oil part. But if you feel that moisture is leaving your hair this way, add oil to the process again. If you’re looking for a great oil for your hair care routine, check Alikay Naturals Naturally Unique Loc Oil or JessiCurl Oil Blend for Softer Hair.
Alikay Naturals Naturally Unique Loc Oil:
JessiCurl Oil Blend for Softer Hair:
Step 3: Cream
Lastly, seal those moisturizing properties by applying a creamy moisturizer. The cream can also provide your curls with definition and hold, so pick a styling cream that works for your hairstyle. Feel free to style your curls with your regular styling products if you need more hold than a creamy moisturizer can provide. Check Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump & Define Creme If you are looking for a perfect cream for your curly hairs.
Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump & Define Creme:
What is the LCO method?
LCO stands for liquid or leave-in conditioner, cream, and oil, as you may already know (if you’re familiar with LOC). The purpose of this technique is to keep your hair moisturized as long as possible, similar to the LOC method.
How to do the LCO method for maintain curly hair?
As described in the acronym, you apply a water-based product, a hair cream, and hair oil for long-lasting hydration. This three-step method is designed to lock in moisture and improve your hair’s manageability. After your usual washing routine, follow these three steps:
Step 1: Leave-in conditioner (or liquid)
Now that you have done your wash routine and your hair is washed and conditioned, It is time to apply a leave-in conditioner for moisturizing. You can apply in sections for better and easier applying. A good leave-in conditioner can provide the moisture your curls need and prevent future frizz or breakage. If you want a great and award-winning leave-in conditioner, check Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner.
Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner:
It has proved to be the best leave-in conditioner for all hair types every single year. With the help of Essential Oils, Aloe Vera, and Silk Amino Protein, Lemongrass penetrate deeply into the hair cortex to keep moisture in and make each hair strand stronger and softer. Similar to all Alikay Natural products, Lemongrass has a wonderful smell. To see which method works for you and gives you that soft and smooth hair promised only by “Liquid Gold,” try it directly onto your hair or put some on your hand and run it through.
Step 2: Cream
The cream locks in moisture and keeps strands in place. In addition to providing moisture, some creams also contain oil. All curls don’t need to use a cream. Loose curls and waves may find creams to weigh down their hair. On the other hand, many Type 4 naturals may benefit from the cream’s additional slip. INAHSI Rock Your Curls Curl Enhancing Cream is an amazing product that you can use for this step.
INAHSI Rock Your Curls Curl Enhancing Cream:
Step 3: Oil
After the above steps, it is time for sealing in the moisture. Apply 4 to 5 drops to each section of your hair. Suitable hair oil will lock in the moisture and keep your hair moisturized and defined longer. Thus, if you want the result you desire, make sure to use oil in this step.
Common Questions About LOC And LCO Method Based On Curly Hair Porosity :
If you don’t know your hair porosity, you can easily use one of these methods below to determine your hair porosity.
The Float Test: After brushing a few numbers of your strands, put them into a bowl of water. Then, wait for 2-4 minutes. If your hair stays above the water; Therefore, you have low porosity. And if it sinks, you have high porosity.
The Slip and Slide Test: Just move your finger smoothly up to the hair shaft (to the scalp). If you sense any bumps on the way; Therefore, you have high porosity. But if you don’t feel anything, you have low porosity.
Which method is better for high porosity hair?
Hair with high porosity can absorb moisture, but it loses it as quickly as it absorbs it. Low and medium porosity hair needs more moisture locked in. You should use the LOC method if you have high porosity hair. For the first step of the method, you can use water if your hair gets weighed down by moisturizers.
Can I use both method for medium porosity hair?
Both LOC and LCO methods can be used on medium porosity hair. Each method lasts 3 to 5 days. If one of them is not working for your hair type, you should try the other one to get the desired result. After trying both, choose the one that moisturizes the best.
Which method is better for low porosity hair?
You should use the LCO method for your low porosity hair. It can be tough to moisturize low porosity hair. So, you need to use a watery leave-in conditioner with thick cream. Low porosity hair can easily get heavy. If you feel that your hair is heavy, therefore, try lighter oils like jojoba.
Frequently Asked Questions About LOC And LCO Method For Curly Hair:
A difference between the two methods is which comes first, cream or oil. LCO begins with cream and ends with oil. LOC starts with oil and adds cream later.
Although technically you can do this, chances are you won’t be washing your hair daily. Also, applying three layers of product daily, will likely cause buildup and weight down your curls. Therefore, the LOC method is best performed on wash day if you’re starting with a freshly washed head.
A properly applied LOC method can provide up to 2-3 days of hydrated hair, while untreated hair seems to dry out after one day.
Curlies with low porosity will find better results from the LCO method, while those with high porosity will find better results from the LOC method. Try a routine for at least a few weeks to see if it works for your hair.
Due to the flat cuticles in low porosity hair, it is more difficult for products to penetrate the hair shaft. In general, it is recommended to use the LCO method.
Hair with high porosity or hair that always feels dry will benefit most from the LOC method. As Type 4 coils and kinks typically require a lot of moisture, many curlies with type 4 curls use it. Therefore, the porosity of your soil will play a major role in whether or not this method works for you.
After washing your hair with a shampoo and conditioner (ideally sulfate-free and silicone-free), apply hair cream to wet hair. For coarse hair, they can also be used as an add-on product between washes to make it smoother and give it more definition.
In the LOC method, the liquid is applied to hydrate the hair, oil seals in moisture, and cream prevents moisture loss; the exact protocol you use depends on how thirsty your hair is, which is often determined by your natural hair porosity.
If you have found either LOC or LCO method working for your curly hair, feel free to share your routine and hair type in the comments. This can be very useful for those who have your hair type. Have you ever tried the LOC or LCO method? What products do you use for your curly hair during these steps? Share your experience with us in the comments.
Hi there,
Thanks for this amazing article. It is very informative.
You’re most welcome