What Is LOC Method – What Does It Do?

What Is LOC Method- What Does It Do?

The LOC method is one that includes a moisturizing and layering technique. One needs to apply the liquid that can hydrate the hair, provide oil to lock in moisture, and cream that prevents the loss of moisture. The natural hair’s porosity usually determines this. Those with curly hair have a strong urge to clean hair by using shampoos and other conditioning products. Different types of curly hair face various challenges and thus need some unique treatment. Check out more haircare tips.

Here is an example of hair care followed by a woman with a 4C type of hair. This type of hair is the thickest and has the tightest hair strands. 

1. To wash or condition your hair. 
2. Comb through your hair with fingers and use a leave-in conditioner before rinsing   
3. Separate your hair into sections and apply leave-in conditioner for the hair to remain hydrated     
4. Now apply the leave-in conditioner again and detangle the hair with a wide-tooth comb.   
5. Next, use heavy moisturizing cream with a wide-tooth comb.
6. You can apply grapeseed oil to each of the sections
7. Now blow-dry the curly hair and apply heat protectant spray.
8. You can then apply styling cream or gel and twist the strands into place.

This is in accordance with the LCO – liquid/cream/oil – method.

What exactly is the LOC method?

LOC is an acronym that stands for liquid, oil, and cream. So this is a 3 step technique of applying products to seal moisture into the hair. All three steps have their importance. The liquid product acts as a protection for moisture. Next up is oil that makes sure that the moisture stays sealed in the hair. Last but not least, the cream adds style and shine to your hair, providing strength to the hair strands in containing moisture. 

For a better understanding of L, C, & O

This LCO method is also referred to as the layering technique, where liquid, cream, and oil are the hair products applied to the hair strands. This is done to lock in moisture. Now the protocol for LCO on a person’s hair hugely depends on the hair’s natural porosity. There are many other methods like CLO, i.e., cream/liquid/oil. The main purpose of LOC is to clean and moisturize the hair. It is  LO, i.e., liquid/oil; the exact protocol you use depends on how thirsty your hair is, often determined by your natural hair’s porosity. Variations on LOC are the CLO (cream/liquid/oil) or LO (liquid/oil) methods. The general idea of the LCO that stands for liquid, creme, oil, is to keep a perfect balance by cleaning and moisturizing the hair. You can use liquid conditioners or water, then thicker creams, and finally oils or butter to protect the hair from the humidity outside. This will help your hair strands remain frizz-free and get damaged.

How Porous Are You?

The meaning of hair porosity is the degree or amount to which the hair can absorb and retain water, staying moisturized. It depends on how the cuticles lay. If the hair is curly, damaged, frizzy, or color-treated variations, it is seen to be more open. Thus, it can be said to be quite porous. If the hair is highly porous, it loses moisture easily. 

What products should I use for each step?

For the liquid products: you can use water, a leave-in conditioner, curl refresher, or hydration sprays. Many people prefer starting the LOC method by washing the hair and then applying oil and cream.

Concerning oil: Oils like coconut oil, avocado oil, castor oil,  jojoba oil, and olive oil are the best. It is best to use carrier oils since essential oils are quite light when it comes to sealing moisture into the hair. Essential oils evaporate quite quickly. They are used with a carrier oil to ‘carry’ the oil onto the scalp. You can even use natural kinds of butter like shea butter or mango butter.

In this step, in the case of cream: you can use curling cream, creams like following and define cream, moisturizing creams, and others.

THE PROS & CONS OF THE LCO APPROACH TO CURL CARE

What are the benefits of the LOC method?

The most important benefit of the LOC method is that it helps in retaining the moisture of the hair. When the hair strands are moisturized, they break less and do not become frizzy. Thus, leading to less hair loss. The products you use in each step of LOC helps in keeping the hair moisturized for the longest time. Whenever you feel that your hair is not hydrated anymore, you can use this method.  

Let‘s find out the way in which you do not benefit even after using the LOC method!

By using this method, you can manage moisture, have shampoo-free curls while your hair stays healthy. But at the same time, you should know that none of the liquid(L), cream(C), or oil(O) can help in getting rid of the built-up oils, dead skin, and particulates that your hair is subjected to and collects from the surrounding. But having said that, the fact that this LCO method is beneficial to your hair cannot be denied.

If you want to have healthy hair strands and retain moisture in your hair, introduce the LOC method to your health care routine. 

Is LCO or LOC method better for low porosity hair?

Since low porosity hair has a harder time penetrating the hair shaft since the cuticles in the hair lay flat. It is recommended to use the LCO method. With low porosity hair, our goal is moisture, always.

Which is better LOC or LCO?

The Bottom Line. In general, low porosity naturals will find better results from the LCO method, while high porosity naturals will find better results from the LOC method. Remember: it’s important to experiment with a routine for at least a few weeks to see if your hair responds to it.

How often should you do LCO method?

You can do the LOC method every time you attempt your wash-and-go. This can range between every few days or a week or more. You shouldn’t have your hair-washing sessions exceed more than two weeks, however, or you risk severe product buildup.

Is LCO better for high porosity hair?

High porosity hair generally responds better to the LOC method using a water based leave in such as our high porosity Hair Dew Leave In Conditioner followed by oil and then a cream because its larger open pores can absorb the product rather than letting it sit and clog the hair follicle.

What is the LCO method for low porosity hair?

The LCO method is a technique used in the natural hair community that consists of adding a liquid, such as a revitalizing mist or water, followed by your cream of choice, then finishing up the process with your favorite oil.

Does the LCO method grow hair?

The LCO method stands for Liquid, Cream, Oil whereas LOC is an abbreviation for Liquid, Oil, and Cream. Both methods refer to the sequence you are to apply your hair products to increase moisture retention and ultimately lead to longer hair growth.

Does LOC method work for 4C hair?

Why Does The Loc Method Work For 4c Hair? This method works for 4C hair because it takes into consideration how it has to layer the products and make your natural hair retain maximum moisture. This method puts liquid first because the liquid is the biggest moisturiser and more importantly water is.

What hair type is the LOC method for?

high porosity hair
The LOC method will work best for high porosity hair or hair that always feels dry. Many Type 4 coilies use it as our coils and kinks are typically very thirsty. However, keep in mind that porosity will play a major role in whether or not this method works for you.

What is the C in LOC method?

It’s simply an abbreviation for the layering steps that will help infuse and seal moisture into dry curls. It refers to the steps in which you apply your products. So, what does LOC stand for? L is for leave-in conditioner or liquid, O stands for oil, and C refers to the cream.