The LOC Method Explained - Why It Is The Best Way To Moisturize Your Hair

Contents:

• What Is The LOC Or LCO Method?
• Here’s How To Do The LOC Or LCO Method
• Just A Note On Low Porosity Hair
• LOC or LCO For Your Skin?

If you’re on a new hair journey, abbreviations can get a bit daunting, and hard to remember. By ignoring the fancy sounding new vocabulary and concentrating on the meaning behind the techniques, you and your hair will both be happier.

Here is a hint, do not jump on every band wagon because every head of hair is different. However, if a method or hair practice is popular and you keep seeing it everywhere then it makes sense to take a second look at it.

What Is The LOC Or LCO Method?

The L.O.C. or LOC method and the L.C.O. method is one of those things you may have seen everywhere, the abbreviation simply means Liquid, Oil and Cream for LOC or alternatively Liquid Cream and Oil for LCO. This signifies the products used in succession to moisturize and seal the hair in order to keep it hydrated for longer periods.

It is not a new idea of course, having been around for a good while before it was popularised. The premise behind the method is really simple, you’re essentially layering the products on your strands to get the most out of your moisture routine by sealing in your moisture with two blocking agents: an emulsified cream and oil.

In recent times the L in LOC has morphed from Liquid to Leave-In in some circles but hey, whatever gets moisture into your strands fastest is absolutely fine!

Ultra dry hair is the most common cause of breakage and loss of length and unsurprisingly it is also the number one characteristic of afro textured hair. With that said, finding ways to retain moisture in our curly locks should be our number one goal and the LOC or LCO method was created with just that in mind.

Incidentally there isn’t a great deal of difference between the LOC or LCO methods. Typically oil is the best sealant so most agree that it should be the final layer in your ritual. As a starting point it should be noted that most people will find the LCO version works better. Still give both methods a try and see what your hair likes best.

Here’s How To Do The LOC Or LCO Method:

Step 1: Part your hair into workable sections to ensure that you get full coverage when applying your liquid or leave in conditioner*. The only caveat is that the leave in conditioner* has to be water based in order for it to be truly moisturizing, so if water is the first ingredient then you are good to go.Try It’s A 10 Miracle Leave In Product.

Plain water or a great homemade moisturizer will work just as well. For example, you can mix aloe vera juice* with plain water in a spray bottle as your liquid of choice. Your mix can be 50/50 or you can just add a little bit more aloe than water.

After you wash your hair, spritz the mix liberally into your strands section by section.

Step 2: Apply your oil next for the LOC method. If you opt for the LCO instead, it will be cream next. Apply it one section at a time to ensure even coverage.

The oil can be a light one like grapeseed* or coconut oil* or a heavier one like castor oil*. Really though any oil will do, just pick your favorite and smooth each section from root to tip. If using a cream then a medium thickness one like a whipped pudding or a light milky cream will both work just fine.

Step 3: Apply your cream or oil last depending on which method you have opted for. Apply thoroughly to each section repeating the smoothing motion.

After you are finished applying the products you can move on to styling your hair.

Just A Note On Low Porosity Hair

Unfortunately we have to single out those of you with low porosity hair because the LOC or LCO method might not work as great for you as it would if you had highly porous strands.

When your hair does not absorb product very well, layering it with oils and butters* might lead to weighed down oily limp strands which I assume is not really the look or feel you are going for.

Making sure that you know your hair’s porosity is imperative before trying any method because that will be the key to determining how your hair will react in certain situations.

If you know that your hair drinks everything in sight and is thirsty every few hours then maybe give the LOC or LCO method a try, it will help to keep your hair moisturized for longer.

LOC or LCO For Your Skin?

Say what? Yes, these methods are not just limited to hair; they can be really great for your skin too. If you suffer from dry skin and you need a solution try either the LOC or LCO method using your favorite face oil and your favorite moisturising cream for your skin.

The liquid will actually be the water that’s intentionally left on your body and face after a warm shower.

Don’t use a towel to rid your skin of every drop of moisture because this just perpetuates dryness, instead apply your favorite oil in the shower right on top of the water and blot the excess dry.

Once you are done use your favorite cream over the oil for an extra layer of protection. Alternatively wait until your skin is has dried slightly and apply your body lotion before finishing with the oil.

Additionally never dry your face completely with a towel, after cleansing your face, blot the excess moisture and apply your cream or serum on top of your damp skin and allow it to air dry and finish with the oil. Your skin like your hair will thank you for it.

Do you LOC or LCO after your washes?