The LOC method is a technique that is used to retain hair moisture. You need to take three steps to use this method. First start with a liquid, next use an oil or butter, and then use a cream.
Each application is meant to seal in each layer. In many cases you will find that this is an effective means for sealing moisture into your hair, however if you find that it does not work evaluate the products that you are using.
If your hair is overly greasy or dries out quickly, the odds are you are not using the right product for you.
First lets start with the liquid that you are using….
Water is one of the best natural moisturizers that you can use, however when it used wrong, it can go really, really wrong. For those who have hard water problems, please do not use this in your hair. Instead try using filtered water. Hard water with mineral deposits can be drying to your hair and will do nothing to help your dryness woes.
Also you want to make sure your hair is saturated with water when applying certain products like Kinky-Curly curling custard, but I find that this is applicable for most products as well. When your hair starts to dry before you apply the product the moisture from the product begins to escape, which is why if you find this happening spraying your hair with water is helpful.
Applying an oil or butter to your hair is the next step to sealing the moisture from the water in. You can even use something right from your kitchen, like Extra Virgin Olive Oil to get the trick done. Whatever you use, go with an oil product that doesn’t have all the unnecessary extras in it that may be promoting dryness in your hair.
The cream is the final layer that helps to seal in the two underlying ones. What you choose will be based upon your preference. but my personal favorites are:
Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque
Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme
To add curl definition and to protect your hair while you rest, two strand twist, braid, or cornrow your hair, this will also help with moisture retention.
This method definitely works, how successful it will be will be dependent on the quality of the products that you use. When the LOC method is used along with a protective style, you may find that you can even go a couple of days without the need to heavily moisturize your hair.
Hello. First of all thank you for your tips and all the infos. I just have a silly question about sealing. I thought that the use of a butter or an oil was for the last step and the cream the second one. Because once the butter or oil added it blocks the hydratation in the hair in order to avoid dryness and by the same impeaching anything to go in the hair. Am I missing something ?
The order is Liquid, Oil, Creme. Which is why it is called the LOC method.
When you combine oil and water, the water will be at the bottom and the oil floats to the top.
We are applying this same method to hair. So when your hair is wet from a liquid preferably water, the oil will be the top layer sealing in the water, for extra moisture and sealing the creme is then applied. Each layer seals in the other.
Hope this helps : ) !
Hi, I’m a Newbi (transitioning) and the whole LOC and MS (moisture&seal) thing is simple enough but a little confusing!! I say that because since I started my transition I was told to make sure I M&S Daily!! And now it’s all about LOC!! Ugh lol (I’ll get it
LOC
you make sure your hair is wet then you apply a water based leave in conditioner of your choice 2nd then you put oil in hair and 3rd you put a curl definer and do hair. that’s it
So I just completed my transitioning phase, and I’m trying to do research on how to keep my hair healthy and grow it longer. My question: when applying these products do you apply it to the hair or scalp? I suffer from dry scalp and I’m assuming that’s where the moisture goes, but what do I know?
Hello my fellow naturalistas, I believe that I have 4c type hair.. I have been natural for 2 years from the BC until know and I think that my hair should be longer then it is.. When I do the stretching method my hair goes a little past my shoulders., but when I look at other women’s hair , their hair appears to be longer.
One person told me its because my hair is growing up so its really full and thick.. Idk but when I two strand twists my hair it doesnt stay twisted because my ends are puffy and they come undone unless i put rubber bands and i dont want to use those.. Any suggestions on why my hair is doing that ???
How often should I LOC? Or just do it when it feels like it is drying out?
Does the LOC method work for women with locs?
Stephanie,
I have no personal experience with locs, but I found this video on YouTube that demonstrates what you’ve asked.
Hope this helps!
Kanisha
i Did a big chop about 2 years ago and i took good care of my hair now i did a textuizer and now a lot of my edges have broken off , what can i do to get my hair back what products for would be right i use coconut oil vitamin e cholesterol just for me hair milk and detangler helppp
We have a great post on this here: http://naturalandproud.com/2015/03/27/how-to-grow-your-edges-back/
I just did the big chop today, so I’ve been doing a lot of research on how to keep my hair moisturized. I’m pretty sure I have type 4b, and I want to try either the L.O.C or L.C.O methods. How often would you suggest I apply the L.O.C method? I really don’t want to over-moisturize my hair.
I do it as needed personally. which is usually every 2 to 3 days.
Do you wash It those every 2 to 3 days? Or just wet it??
Do you have to do the LOC method every day if you’re a natural? As in no protective styles, just a straight fro?
What are good product to use for the L.O.C. method????
I’ve got mostly gray hair and I find it hard to keep moisturized. Do you have product recommendations for the LOC method for dry gray hair?