The L.O.C method is definitely a common technique that is practiced within the natural hair community. Many naturalistas routinely practice this laying technique as a way to help retain as much moisture as possible in their hair.
For those new to this term or method, L.O.C is an abbreviation for leave in conditioner, oil, and cream. The name itself provides easy-to-remember steps on what order the products should be applied to the hair.
The L.O.C. method has become very popular because it really does help maximize moisture retention, by in coupling oil and cream/butter which are both designed to seal and lock in moisture within the hair shaft making it difficult to escape and evaporate into the air.
Although many have achieved true moisture success by using the L.O.C method, many argue that the L.C.O method is the way to go. This method has the same methodology as the L.O.C. method, but you would apply the leave in conditioner, cream, and then the oil to the hair. The thought is you would apply the oil last in order to seal in all of the moisture into the hair shaft. Many think that if you apply the cream/butter over the oil you are not receiving the full moisture benefits of that product because the oil has already sealed up the hair shaft preventing any further moisture to penetrate.
No method is right or wrong, it’s really up to you and how well your hair responds.
To incorporate the L.O.C method or the L.C.O method into your hair regimen or routine, follow the steps below:
Directions for L.O.C. Method
1. Step 1 - Apply a moisturizing water-based leave-in conditioner to cleansed hair
2. Step 2 - Apply a thin layer of oil to your hair to help lock in the moisture
3. Step 3 - Apply a butter-based, creamy moisturizer to your hair to seal that moisture in
Directions for L.C.O. Method
1. Step 1 - Apply a moisturizing water-based leave-in conditioner to cleansed hair
2. Step 2 - Apply a butter-based, creamy moisturizer to your hair to lock in moisture
3. Step 3 - Apply a thin layer of oil to your hair to help seal in the moisture
You can follow up with any styling product as usual once you have completed the above steps.
Switch It Up
Remember, it is all trial and error and what works for someone may not work well for you. Feel free to modify and switch it up a bit in order to suite your hair needs. Test out different products in order to find out the best leave in conditioner, cream/butter, and what oil combination responds best on your hair.
Also, if your have finer hair, suffer from product build up, or your hair doesn’t absorb moisture easily (you have low porosity hair) you may want to limit the amount of product you apply to your hair or opt for lighter oils and creams, so your hair isn’t really greasy or weighted down.
Lastly, make sure you give it some time to work. Don’t just try it out one time and decide that it’s not for you. Whenever you change something up you have to give your hair some time to adjust before you can actually make a final determination as to if your hair loves it or not. I would try it out a least 2 or 3 times before making a final decision.
I hope this was beneficial to you and will help you on your journey to healthy hair.
We want to hear from you. Leave a comment below letting us know what method you prefer to use the L.O.C or the L.C.O.
Until Next Time,
Take Care and God Bless!!
Tiffany Nichols
Tiffany Nichols Design
Uplifting, Educating, and Promoting the Beauty of Natural Hair
