The LOC Method: Retain Moisture & Grow Healthy Hair

Are you looking for a way to keep your hair healthy and growing? The LOC method may be just what you need! This method, which stands for “liquid, oil, cream,” is a sequence of applying products to your hair to retain moisture and encourage hair growth. This article will discuss the benefits of the LOC method and how to use it properly. We will also provide a few product recommendations to help get you started.

So let’s get right into it!

What is the LOC Method?

The LOC method is a tried-and-tested technique to retain moisture in hair and promote growth. The sequence of “liquid, oil, cream” refers to the order in which you should apply the products to the hair.

Liquid: This first step includes water-based products such as a leave-in conditioner, detangler, or water, meant to hydrate your hair. Water is a crucial ingredient for healthy hair, and this method helps provide moisture to the strands by applying it first.
Oil: This second step includes oils made up of fatty acids like avocado oil or jojoba oil, which help seal in moisture and add shine to your tresses! They also increase hair elasticity by strengthening its cell membranes not to break off easily.
Cream: This final step includes products with a heavier consistency, such as moisturizers and lotions. Creams seal in moisture from the previous steps while also protecting against environmental factors like pollution or harsh weather conditions.

The Benefits of Using the LOC Method

There are many benefits associated with using this method on your natural hair:

It helps seal in moisture and keep strands from being dry, which can cause breakage.
It also reduces frizziness and makes your hair more manageable.
The LOC method can also help define natural curls and add shine to hair.

How to do the LOC Method

Now that you know what the LOC method is and some of its benefits let’s discuss how to use it on your tresses properly.

Here are a few tips:

Start by cleansing and conditioning your hair with a shampoo and conditioner designed for your specific hair type. If you have curly or kinky hair, look for products that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, Argan oil, or avocado oil

Apply the liquid product to wet hair, using fingers to distribute evenly throughout strands. Be sure to avoid the scalp, as this can be too drying

Next, apply the oil to your hair using a brush or your fingers. Be sure to focus on the ends of your hair and any damaged areas

Finally, apply the cream product to wet or dry hair, depending on your preference. You can also use this step as a styling cream to define your curls

Allow the products to air dry or use a diffuser to help speed up the process

Be sure to repeat this technique regularly, especially if you live in a drier climate or regularly use heat styling tools

Tools you’ll also use for the LOC Method.

Sectioning Hair Clips
Wide-tooth comb or Paddle Brush
Spray bottle
Hairdryer with a diffuser (in case you opt-out of air drying)

Other Consideration when using the LOC Method

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when using the LOC method:

Start with a wet or damp head of hair. This state will help ensure that your products are absorbed as deeply as possible into each strand of hair

Use the right products for your hair type and porosity. Below is a quick guide on hair types

Hair Porosity

Porosity refers to the ability of your hair to absorb and retain moisture.

It is determined by how well water enters the cuticle layer or outer portion of your hair shafts through natural oils called sebum.

There are three main types of hair porosity:

Low porosity: Hair is resistant to moisture, and products do not penetrate the strands easily. This type of hair usually has a tightly coiled texture
Medium porosity: Hair absorbs moisture and products reasonably well but can still experience dryness. This type of hair typically has a wavy or curly texture
High porosity: Hair absorbs moisture and products quickly and loses moisture easily. This type of hair usually has a loose or straight texture

If you’re not sure what your porosity is, there are a few ways to test it:

The Float Test: Fill a glass with room-temperature water and drop in a strand of hair from your head. If the strand sinks to the bottom, it means that your hair has low porosity. You have medium porosity if it floats on top of the water for a few seconds before sinking.

The Slip Test: Take two strands from different parts of your head and hold them in front of each other with one hand. With your other hand, try to slide the strands against each other. If they move easily and there’s a lot of slippage, then your hair has high porosity. You have low porosity if they don’t move or only move a little bit.

While the LOC method works well for most hair, it is significantly more beneficial for high porosity hair.

Hair Type

Now that you know about hair porosity, let’s discuss the different hair types.

As stated before, there are three types: low, medium, and high. But there are also a few more specific categories:

Type 1 Hair: This is the most common type of hair. Its main characteristic is fine strands that are usually straight.
Type 2 Hair: This hair type usually has a wavy or curly texture and medium thickness.
Types 3 & 4 Hair: These hair types are thick, coarse, and have tight curl patterns.

The LOC method is most suitable for Type 3 & 4 hair as these hair textures tend to lose moisture and dry quickly.

Who Should Use the LOC Method?

Although the LOC method is ideal for natural hair, anyone who wants to retain moisture and minimize frizz can use it.

It’s especially beneficial for curly or kinky tresses because it helps retain moisture to prevent frizziness and flyaways.

You can also use this method if you have fine or thin hair but use light-weight products to avoid weighing your hair down.

Products Recommended to Use in the LOC Method

The best products to use on your natural hair will depend on your individual needs and preferences. But here are some suggestions that work well with most curl types:

L – Liquid

O – Oil

Best oils for high porosity hair:

Best oils for low porosity hair:

C – Cream

What is the difference between LCO and LOC methods?

The only difference between the LCO method and the LOC method is in which order you apply your hair products.

For example, if you’re using a leave-in conditioner and oil, applying the leave-in first (LOC) will give your hair more moisture than applying it last (LCO).

So for those with high porosity hair, the LOC method works best. And for those with low porosity hair, the LCO method is more effective.

How Often Should You Use the LOC Method?

How often you use the LOC method will depend on your hair type, climate, and activity level.

For instance, if you have:

High porosity hair and live in a humid environment, you may need to use it daily
Low porosity hair and live in a dry climate, you may only need to use it once a week

But as a general rule, it’s best to use the LOC method every time you shampoo and condition your hair.

You can also add a little bit of oil or cream to your hair before bedtime to help retain moisture overnight.

Conclusion

The LOC method is one of the best ways to lock in moisture and prevent frizz.