Know everything About LOC Method: Natural Haircare Routine

One method that has been tested and proven by naturalists is the LOC routine, which details the exact order of products to apply for bouncy, defined curls or coils. If you're not sure what that means or have not decided on your LOC methodology, you're in for a treat. Here, we'll provide you with the ultimate LOC guide and walk you through what you need to know or do every step of the way.

Read on to find out how your hair can thrive with the LOC method.

LOC is an abbreviation for leave in conditioner, oil and cream. The name itself signifies the products a curly should apply, as well as the order in which to apply them, making it an easy-to-remember curly haircare routine. What sets the LOC method apart from other methods is the layering of the products in a specific order to maximize moisture retention. The moisture layer is effectively sealed by two products which are both known to be excellent sealants: oil and butter.

The oil and butter are praised for their ability to create a layer along the hair shaft which helps prevent water from evaporating and getting lost into the atmosphere, thus helping the hair to stay hydrated for long. By using oil followed by a thicker, heavier butter-based moisturizer, you make sure that a good amount of moisture is left on the hair, which is beneficial for curly hair since they cause trouble keeping hair hydrated.

Hair Porosity That Requires LOC Method

The LOC method is best when applied to dry hair that has trouble retaining moisture. This event is typically seen in high porosity hair types that are on the curly and kinky side - which are sometimes perpetually thirsty. Low porosity textures are also suitable for the LOC method, but they may require a different approach as these hair types take longer to saturate or absorb the product due to their compacted cuticles.

While porosity plays a major role in whether or not the LOC method works for you, it is still an effective tactic for treating hair regardless of curl pattern, density, and whether or not the hair is chemically treated, including hair coloring.

The LOC method is easy to implement into a hair routine as it requires products that are likely on your dressing table right now. All you have to do is follow the order of application in the method. If you can't wait to use the LOC method on your hair, here are the steps you can take.

Leave-In-Conditioner

The starting point of the LOC method is to properly hydrate your hair. Moisturizing your hair by washing it first, then using a water-based leave-in conditioner will open your cuticles. This means that the oil can get into your hair and together with the cream it ensures that your hair is protected against moisture loss. Then look for a Curly Girl water-based leave-in conditioner. Here are some of our favorites

Oil

A common myth is that the LOC method does not work because the water and oil do not mix. The point is not that the oil gets into the hair, but that it forms a barrier that keeps moisture in the hair shaft. Use a light sealing or moisturizing oil that doesn't weigh hair down. For example, choose rosehip oil (rosehip), argan oil, almond oil, grape seed oil or jojoba oil. If you have frizzy hair that is very porous, you can also use heavier oils such as coconut oil or castor oil. Here are some of our favorites:

Cream

A cream is not water based, so check the ingredient list, so it should not start with water (water). A common ingredient in creams is shea butter and other butters. You will see terms like smoothie, soufflé, styling cream and butter in this category of hair products, here are some of our favourites:

Can You Do the LOC Method Every Day?
The LOC method is most ideally done on wash day when you’re starting with a freshly washed head. You can also do the LOC technique to refresh and rehydrate curls in between washes, but in this case, use the lighter versions of your products, so hair doesn’t get greasy.