LOC Method: Beginner’s Guide to Moisturize Natural Hair

As more and more people are deciding to enter the world of chemical-free hair, they are quickly learning that choosing not to put chemicals in your hair is only half the battle. You now have to learn how to care for your natural tresses and one of the popular methods is the LOC method.

Caring for your natural hair goes further than styling. The most important part of caring for your hair is to ensure that your hair is healthy. Years ago, when the natural hair care movement was on the rise, several hairstylists and people caring for their own manes began to look at the methods that worked best to maintain a healthy head of hair.

LOC routine worked like a charm and here’s a quick guide to LOC that’ll help you determine if it’s suitable for you.

What is The LOC Method?

LOC is an acronym for liquid, oil, and cream. The LOC method keeps moisture locked in your natural hair. Naturally, tight curls are prone to dryness. When your hair is dry, it becomes frail and easy to break. Keeping your natural hair moisturized is essential for your hair to stay healthy and thrive.

Your hair strands are made of a protein called keratin. Keratin is also in your skin and nails. This protein is necessary for your hair’s health and well-being, but it also is the main culprit in drying your hair out. It is crucial to find the right balance of protein and moisture for your hair.

The LOC method can help you find that balance. The LOC method involves a three-step coating and layering process that includes a water-based product or water, an oil, and a cream-based product. Each layer of coating is done with a specific intent to help lock the moisture in place.

The “L” in the LOC method stands for liquid. Liquid is the most crucial element in hydrating your hair. The liquid used can be either regular water or a water-based leave-in conditioner.

The “O” in LOC stands for oil. Oil is another vital element in keeping your locks hydrated. If you have tightly curled hair, you probably find it challenging to retain your hair’s naturally produced oil, also known as sebum. This is due to your hair’s porosity.

Curly hair textures make it difficult for your natural oils to travel down the hair’s shaft to maintain moisture in the area where it is most needed — your ends. Because naturally produced sebum cannot reach the areas where it is most needed, you must add oil to ensure proper hydration.

The letter “C” involves cream. This step consists of applying a cream-based product to your hair. This step will provide another layer of moisture, another layer of sealant, and help you style your hair.

What Hair Types are Suitable for LOC?

The LOC method is suitable for any type 3 or 4 hair texture prone to dryness. The technique works best on this curly and kinky hair because it will hydrate the hair and quickly lock in the moisture to ensure that it remains moisturized for a more extended period.

How to Do The LOC Method?

The best time to apply the LOC method to your hair is after washing. At this point, your hair is wet, which means it is hydrated. 

1. Add your favorite leave-in conditioner to add nutrients to the water that your hair has soaked up. Make sure to distribute the conditioner in your hair evenly so that all your strands get the same amount of care.

2. Add your oil. During this step, it is essential to note that you do not need a lot of oil. A thin layer of oil is enough to lock in the moisture created by your liquid. Do not forget the ends of your hair. They need to be well coated with the oil, as they are the part of your hair that is most prone to dryness.

3. Add your cream-based product. This product will ensure that moisture is effectively locked in and help you in any styling you want to achieve. You may apply this as needed to help you attain the style that you desire.

Best Products for LOC According to Hair Type

Not all products are created equal, and not all products work the same on your hair. Knowing the LOC method and what it involves is important, but it is also essential to know what products you should use.

Liquid

Although water is the best way to moisturize your hair, we recommend using a water-based leave-in conditioner. Because this type of leave-in is made mostly of water, it is healthier for your hair. The leave-in conditioner also contains elements that will help draw moisture into your hair by way of humectants. 

Oil

The oil that you use is essential to maintain a healthy head of hair. Thankfully there are many different options. Some of the most commonly used oils are jojoba, avocado, olive, coconut, and sweet almond oil.

Cream

Some good products to use for this step are products that are cream-based or butter-based. These products will usually be of a thicker consistency but still be moisturizing. There are many products to choose from, but be sure to look for ones with natural ingredients.

How Often Can You Do it? 

How frequently you use the LOC method will depend on your hair. The LOC method will usually keep your hair moisturized for approximately three days. Some people will need to hydrate before this, and others may experience more days. Everyone and every hair type are different.

Pros and Cons of the LOC Method

There is always a positive and negative side to everything. In this case, however, the positives in using the LOC method outweigh the negatives. The combination of these elements is not in question.

Pro:

• The LOC method is a sure way of retaining moisture in your curly textured hair.  

Con:

• This technique will not help you clean your scalp of dead skin and other daily build-ups

LCO vs. LOC

As you now know, the LOC method is the adding of liquid, oil, and cream, to your hair to retain moisture. You apply the products in the stated order.

The LCO method, on the other hand, asks that you apply products in a different order, with the liquid being the first step, followed by the cream product, and then the oil. Determining which method works best for you will depend on your hair type and its porosity.

The rule of thumb is that if you have low porous hair (hard to absorb moisture), you should use the LCO method. The liquid and cream-based product will add a double combination of moisture before the oil seals it in. This combination will help low porosity hair absorb the moisture better.

High porosity hair (hard to retain moisture) will benefit most from the LOC method because the oil applied immediately following the liquid will quickly lock it in place.

Final Thoughts

The best thing to do now that you have all the information you need regarding the LOC method is to test it out. Remember that finding a routine and a strategy that works for you and your hair is key. Once you have achieved that, you are well on your way to a healthy head of hair.