How to Do the LOC Method for Natural Hair

For those with curly hair, wavy hair, or coily hair, it can be hard for your strands to retain moisture. You may have even tried to lock in moisture by using leave-in conditioners and hot oil treatments to no avail. If you have natural hair, then that’s likely the point when you turn to the LOC method. 

If you aren’t well versed in this moisturizing technique and think you should be — in other words, your thirsty hair is crying out for hydration — keep reading to get all the need-to-know info on the LOC method, including which hair porosity types can benefit from it and how to add it to your curly hair care routine.

What Is the LOC Method?

The LOC in LOC method stands for liquid (or leave-in conditioner), oil, and cream. This hair care technique consists of combining water or a water-based product, a hair oil of your choice, and a cream to retain moisture. The name itself signifies the order in which you should apply the products to ensure that your hair stays moisturized for longer. The goal of this trio of products is to help improve the overall look and feel of your hair.

The best way to grasp this concept is to think of your skin care routine. Just as a toner preps your skin for moisturizer, this method does the same for your hair. The liquid or leave-in conditioner is applied first and followed by an oil and a cream to help retain moisture.  

Who Should Use the LOC Method?

Not sure if the LOC method is suitable for your hair type? The truth is, the LOC method works best for those with high porosity hair. High porosity hair types have strands that look and feel dry, have excess frizz, and air dry rather fast because moisture escapes the hair shaft just as quickly as it enters it. If you’re not sure what type of hair porosity you’re working with, you can do an easy strand test.

If you have low porosity hair (where the hair shaft stays shut and therefore makes it difficult for moisture to get in at all) and are still interested in the LOC method, you’ll want to make a slight change. The method that’s typically preferred for low porosity is the LCO method. 

As you might have guessed, the technique involves layering a liquid, then a cream, and lastly an oil. This slightly switched order can make a major difference in whether your hair ends up being weighed down by the products you’re layering onto your strands.

How To Do the LOC Method

Now that you have the basics, you’re probably ready to experience the wonders of the LOC method. Below, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on how to hydrate your natural hair using the LOC method.

1. Prep Your Hair

Always start with your normal wash day cleanse and conditioning. Use a paraben-free shampoo and conditioner that will gently clean your hair, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris Elvie Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner. Used together, this system made for waves and curls will replenish your hair with moisture and provide softness and bounce.

2. Apply Leave-In Conditioner

Once your hair is washed and detangled, you can select your choice of liquid. We recommend a lightweight leave-in conditioner that your hair can easily absorb. Take your pick from the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Leave-In Conditioner and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Cream Leave-In. 

They’re both formulated with castor oil to moisturize and nourish curls, plus they add slip, and provide your hair with luminous shine without weighing your hair down. Part your hair in sections, re-wet your hair if dry, and apply the leave-in conditioner evenly through your mane.

3. Oil Your Strands

Once your hair is saturated with a leave-in conditioner, it’s time to apply your hair oil. You can use all different types of oils, but coconut oil is a popular product pick for this hair care method. 

We recommend reaching for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment, which is formulated with coconut oil and will hydrate, nourish, and provide instant shine. Apply a drop or two on each section of your hair from root to tip.

4. Finish With Cream

Now, you’re at the finish line. Seal your strands and lock in moisture with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil-In-Cream. Formulated with a blend of coconut oil and flower oils, this cream helps to hydrate your hair for long-lasting moisture. Grab a quarter-sized amount of cream, apply it to each section, and style your hair as desired.

Next: 8 Ways to Stretch Natural Hair Without Using Heat

Edited by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn