How to use the L.O.C. method
You may have heard of the L.O.C. method in blog posts or forums, but what does it actually mean? L.O.C is an acronym for:
L - Leave-in (or Liquid)
O – Oil
C – Cream
This refers specifically to the order you apply a moisturiser, oil and cream to your hair. In general, most people moisturise and seal their hair with a daily moisturiser and oil. The aim of the L.O.C method is to follow up with a creamy moisturiser or butter, which acts as a second sealant. This creates an extra barrier to maximise moisture retention, which helps to slow down the rate moisture escapes from your hair. For this reason, the L.O.C method is also popular to use during the winter time as the colder weather can have a harsh effect on the hair causing it to be drier than usual.
If you are interested in trying out this technique here is how to do it.
How to do the L.O.C method
Step 1: Begin with your normal wash routine, whether that is cleansing your hair with a shampoo or conditioner. Although it is ideal to do the L.O.C method on clean hair, you can also do it on dry hair.
Step 2: Once your hair has been washed remove the excess water (you do not want the hair to be dripping just damp). Then choose a moisturiser of your choice and apply it to your hair. This can be your typical daily moisturiser, leave-in or your own mix of water and aloe vera in a spray bottle. Shea Moisture Transitioning Milk, As I Am Moisture Milk, and Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner are also good products.
Step 3: Apply your hair with an oil, which will act as your first sealant. Examples of typical oils are Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond oil and Grapeseed oil.
Step 4: Lastly, apply your creamy moisturiser or butter. Styling and curl defining products such as Auntie Jackie’s Curl Mane-Tenance and Cantu Shea Butter Conditioning Creamy Hair Lotion. Butters like Shea Butter and Mango Seed Butter are also great choices.
Who can benefit from the L.O.C method?
The L.O.C method is commonly mentioned in the natural hair community as natural hair tends to be drier and has difficulty retaining moisture. To see how this method can benefit natural hair watch the YouTube video by Journey to Waist Length here. However, if you have chemically relaxed hair there are also advantages to adopting this moisturising technique. The blog post by Ebony C. Princess in Longing4Length explains how well the L.O.C method worked on her relaxed hair read here. Charisse Christine also demonstrates how she uses the method on her relaxed hair here.
Alternatives to the L.O.C method
If you have tried the L.O.C. method but feel you want to use a different combination you can change the order by applying a Liquid, Cream and Oil (e.g. L.C.O) instead of a Liquid, Oil and Cream. You can also experiment with different oils and creams to see how your hair responds. If you have fine hair you may want to use lighter oils and creams instead of butters.
Next time, give it a try and see what you think…
