Living with curly hair isn’t easy. Despite all your time and effort, it still looks messy. In that case, it is high time you include the LOC method in your hair care routine. The Liquid, Oil, and Cream method involves applying all these products in the said order to improve the moisture content of your hair. Read this article for more insights into this path-breaking method and its use for different hair types. Scroll down.
In This Article
What Is The LOC Method?
LOC stands for liquid, oil, and cream. This method is the best way to keep your textured/relaxed hair moisturized for days. The unique feature of this method is the systematic application of products in a specific order for maximum moisture retention. Ideally, this method involves three steps: application of liquid, oil, and cream. These products work together to lock moisture into each strand.
The liquid opens up the cuticle and allows moisture to enter the strand. Once the cuticles are open, the oil penetrates the hair shafts. This will soften your hair while the cream seals in the moisture until you wash your hair.
These products create a protective layer over each strand and ensure that the moisture remains in the hair shafts.
Excited to try out this method? Let’s look into it in detail.
How To Do The LOC Method
Step 1: Apply Leave-In Conditioner
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Start by applying a liquid – such as a leave-in conditioner – to your hair. Make sure to use a water-based product. For better results, divide your hair into four sections before applying the product to each section. Finish off by combing each section to distribute the product evenly. If you don’t want to use a leave-in conditioner, you can also take water in a spray bottle and spritz it onto your hair.
Step 2: Apply Oil
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Apply a little bit of natural oil of your choice. This step can be a little tricky as the type of oil you choose needs to match your hair’s porosity level. Not sure what your hair porosity is? Click here to find out!
- For high porosity hair, use heavy oils such as castor oil or olive oil.
- For normal porosity hair, use medium oils such as jojoba oil, pumpkin seed oil or sunflower seed oil.
- For low porosity hair, use light oils like avocado or argan oil.
Step 3: Apply A Cream
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For the final step, apply a creamy moisturizer to your hair to lock-in the moisture. This cream also defines your curls and helps you style your hair. You can even apply styling products at this point to style your curls.
Along with the LOC method, even the LCO method gained a wave of attention in the hair care industry in recent times. But, what’s the difference? Just the placement of letters? Well, there’s more to it. Let’s look check out the differences between them in the next section.
What Is The Difference Between LOC vs. LCO Methods?
- LOC Method – Here, you need to use a liquid-based product first, then an oil, and finish off with a moisturizing cream.
- LCO Method – Here you need to use a liquid-based product first, then a cream, and finish by oiling your curls.
- LCO Method – The LOC method suits 4A, 4B, and 4C hair types, and the LCO method suits 3A, 3B, and 3C hair types.
- LCO Method – The LOC method makes your hair more manageable while the LCO method can weigh your hair down.
- LCO Method – The LOC method works for fine hair, and the LCO method is suitable for dry, damaged, and thick hair.
Now that you know how to follow the LOC method, let’s check out the best types of products you can use to do it!
LOC Method Products For Different Hair Types
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Do you know what your hair type is? If not, click here to find out.
For the final step, use thick products like hair mousse, hair souffle, cream moisturizer, or hair butter.
- 3A Hair
- Liquid
For 3A hair type, look for ingredients that are light in consistency. These products will not weigh your hair down and make your curls silky and bouncy. Using a lightweight formula will allow you to apply it sparingly.
- Oil
Add a thin layer of lightweight oil to your hair. Take a peanut-sized amount and spread it on your palms. Work it into your hair by massaging each strand.
- Cream
Apply a lightweight cream and air-dry your curls to avoid frizz.
- 3B Hair
- Liquid
For liquid, use a lightweight formula that does not leave behind an oily residue on your hair and scalp.
- Oil
Avocado, grape seed and coconut oils are excellent for 3B hair.
- Cream
For the final step, use thick products like hair mousse, hair souffle, cream moisturizer, or hair butter.
- 3C Hair
- Liquid
If you have 3C hair, use a creamy leave-in conditioner that is slightly heavy. This will provide adequate moisture to your hair.
- Oil
Mix castor oil with some almond or coconut oil. This will give you an oil with a balanced consistency, which is ideal for 3C hair.
- Cream
Finish off by using a shea butter-based product or a styling cream for perfectly moisturized hair.
- 4A Hair
- Liquid
Before you start the LOC method, cleanse your hair with a moisturizing shampoo. Then, apply a creamy leave-in conditioner. This will prepare your moisture-resistant hair to absorb the oil.
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- Oil
Use medium-weight oils like jojoba oil, castor oil, or sweet almond oil to seal in the moisture. These oils will prevent the moisture from evaporating.
- Cream
Apply a good amount of creamy hair butter. If your hair still feels dry, apply another layer of oil and cream.
- 4B Hair
- Liquid
For 4B hair, use thicker products to get the best results. If you want to retain maximum moisture, co-wash your hair before trying out this method. For this step, apply a thick leave-in conditioner to damp hair.
- Oil
Use natural oils like coconut oil, castor oil, or sesame oil to help retain the moisture.
- Cream
Since your hair bonds are densely packed, use thick hair creams to make it more manageable.
- 4C Hair
- Liquid
This hair type needs products that are a bit heavy as it is incapable of retaining moisture. Use a heavy, creamy leave-in conditioner that is infused with heavy oils.
- Oil
Oils like castor, olive, and argan oils can be used on this type of hair. You can even mix them in equal proportions before applying them to your hair all at once.
- Cream
For the last step, use organic shea butter or a cream that is infused with heavy oils.
Now, you must be wondering how often you need to do the LOC method. Scroll down to find out!
How Often Do You Need To Perform The LOC Method?
While it’s safe to say that the LOC method can be done every day, it actually depends on the amount of products you use on your hair. Using too many products can weigh your hair down, creating a ton of product build-up on your hair and scalp. One way to avoid this is by applying just a little bit of conditioner, oil, and cream daily, without going overboard. Also, add a clarifying shampoo to your regimen if you are using heavy oils and butters.
The LOC method involves applying a liquid, an oil, and a cream to your hair in that order. This method keeps textured or relaxed hair moisturized. Each of these three products locks moisture in the hair strands to keep your hair properly moisturized. The liquid opens the hair cuticles, allowing moisture to seep in. The oil penetrates your hair shafts and softens them. The cream seals in the moisture until you wash your hair. You can use this method to soften 3A to 4C hair. While you can repeat this treatment every day, it is advised to minimize your daily hair product usage. Using too many hair products can weigh down your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the LOC method last?
The LOC method keeps your hair moisturized for several days at a stretch. You can follow this method every time you wash your hair, which could be once every few days. Do not delay your washing session beyond two weeks to avoid product build-up.
Is the LOC method done on wet hair?
Yes. The LOC method works best on well-hydrated hair. It is recommended to try this method after washing your hair and while it is still damp.
Key Takeaways
- The LOC method entails applying all a liquid, an oil, and a cream product to increase your hair’s moisture content.
- Begin by using a leave-in conditioner, followed by a small amount of a natural oil, and then a creamy moisturizer to seal in the moisture.
- However, keep in mind that using too many products may weigh down your hair and cause build-up on your scalp and hair.
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