The L.O.C. Method

3/8/2013

The LOC method is simply sealing in each layer of moisture to add to your hair. LOC stands for liquid/leave in, oil, and cream :) This is the order of which you apply your products to clean hair. I used to do the LCO ( Leave in/ liquid, cream, oil) method when I was relaxed and transitioning, but after I big chopped, my hair did not remain moisturized for long at all :( So making the switch to the LOC method has been extremely helpful to me. Here is what I have been doing at this point in my journey:

L
(liquid/leave in)

Water-
the best moisturizer for the hair :)

O
(oil)
Preferably a penetrating oil

Olive oil- penetrates the hair. It moisturizes and seals in the moisture that the water has given my hair :)

Avocado Butter- acts kind of like an oil by penetrating the hair and leaving it soft,shiny and protected :)

(These are subject to change as I try new oils/butters)

C
(cream/butter)

Avocado Butter- Because this butter is solid and creamy, I count it also as a cream lol.

Conditioner/Creamy leave in - I like to use a conditioner like Giovanni Smooth as Silk, Shea moisture Curl and Style Milk, and Tresemme as my "creamy" leave ins lol.

(These are subject to change as I try different leave ins)

Another example would be: Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie :D

I love the LOC method! Or at least the "version" I'm doing lol. I kind of double up with the oil and creams because my hair totally needs it :D The LOC method along with cowashing, have been a lifesaver for my fro. After I chopped my hair in Auqust, I was REALLY struggling with dryness. My hair always felt very rough and hard within hours of me moisturizing it. I knew that there had to be a better way for moisture to remain in my hair for longer periods of time lol. The LOC method has helped me do just that. Have a blessed day!

NOTE: It took several weeks before I started to notice a change in my hair. If you decide to try the LOC method, try to give it some time for your hair and scalp to adjust :)

Check out Updated Cowashing/Moisturizing Routine- NaturalMe4C to see how I do the LOC method :D

42 Comments

Renee

3/15/2013 10:23:25 am

What method to you recommend for a second day/third day method (for retwisting at night)

NaturalMe4C

3/15/2013 12:56:07 pm

Hi Renee!
I usually don't have to re moisturize my hair too much other than on my wash day. I like to use shea moisture hold and shine moisture mist for some extra moisture and shine between cowashes :) But If I ever decide to re twist my hair,sometimes I'll lightly mist my hair with water and then either add a little olive oil, avocado butter, or leave in conditioner on dry hair. I make sure not to use to much product to prevent weighed down hair.

Angela Gordon

4/30/2013 05:53:48 am

God bless you for this!

Naturalme4c

4/30/2013 05:58:53 am

Hi Angela!
Thank you! I'm glad this helps :) God bless you too!!!

Andrea

5/6/2013 09:31:05 am

I have heard of the LOC method before but I'm new to this kin of hair and need some help.
So do you wet the hair and then put the oil on while it's still wet?

naturalme4c

5/6/2013 09:38:03 am

Hi Andrea!
With the Loc method the first step is usually water or water mixed with something lol. Some people mix aloe vera juice with their water or conditioner in with water :) I apply my oil directly to my hair after I've lightly blotted it (so it's not raining all over the place lol) so its still really wet :)

Bonnie

6/20/2013 12:12:12 pm

I'm soooooo happy that I found you! I have been looking for someone with real 4C hair for the longest. I have FINALLY found someone that I can relate to.
Now... I just recently cut my hair into a "faux hawk" because it was breaking on the sides & in the back. I believe it was because I was moisturizing enough. I'm going to try the loc method along with co-washes. Wish me luck!

6/21/2013 12:12:59 am

Hey Bonnie!
Thank you soo much! I hope the LOC method helps out! It's helped out many ladies with similar textures :D God bless you and have fun on your journey!

Luana

6/23/2013 09:03:17 am

I am hoping this LOC method work for me. I moisturise my hair on Monday but by morning its really dry. I hope this works for me!! Sorry for my english i am Brazilian.

6/23/2013 11:19:12 am

Hey Luana!
I hope it it helps out! It takes some time for your hair to adjust to new regimens but once it does it should be a whole lot better :)

4CTISHA

6/30/2013 05:53:23 am

Heyy Naturalistaas! I'm a new natural girl (4C kinky chick to be precise lol) its been officially two months since i BIG CHOP'D but my problem ever since turning natural is that my hair is sooo dry but I want to try this method to see if it will do me some justice.

BUT QUESTION: IS CASTOR OIL GOOD TO USE L-OIL-C PLS??
Thanks in advance for your helpful answers :)

6/30/2013 08:42:26 am

Hey 4CTISHA!
Congrats on your BC!!!! For the Loc method, its said that using oils that penetrate like ( olive, avocado, and coconut) as your second step or "O", is more beneficial. Oils like those are said to help hold the water molecules to the hair which is awesome for moisture. For your cream, if you like castor oil, you could try castor oil since it is more of a sealant...which is the job of the "cream" in the LOC method. It helps seal in the L and O if that makes sense lol!!! People like to use different things as their creams :)

4CTisha

7/2/2013 12:23:00 am

Thank you soo much Kriss I'm going to give it ago!! & also sending you lots love alla way from London Town :) x

Lala

7/28/2013 04:07:59 pm

Hello Kriss! How often do you do the LOC method?

7/29/2013 02:16:48 am

Hey Lala!
I do it every time I wash my hair :) At least 2x a week. Now that I have been working out and wearing more wash and goes I've been cowashing sometimes daily lol. (BTW, I no longer use Tresemme because they changed the formula. I also prefer shea moisture curl and shine conditioner over the milk now as well :) I have a tab called Regimen/ Products on here that lists the stuff I like to use...I keep that updated in case things change :) )

Lauren

8/6/2013 10:12:40 am

Hey, I've been searching for a new way to style my hair. I've had relaxers for as long as I can remember but I've decided to go natural. I've looked through my toddler pictures (the afro years) and I believe I'm 4C too. I'd appreciate it if you could give me some tips on where to start. How do you go from relaxed hair to natural hair?
Thanks~

8/7/2013 11:39:42 am

Hey Lauren!
You can transition or big chop :) I transitioned for 6 months and then chopped (my hair was about 3-4 inches long) While transitioning I decided to start treating my entire head as though it were already natural. The things I was going to be doing to my natural hair is was what started early on. I wanted to make sure that my new growth was healthy and the relaxed ends became secondary lol. The main style I chose to wear were braidouts because it blended my hair textures together the best :) I have a video called "Kriss answers your questions (hair, diet, exercise)" that I share my transition experience as well as my big chop experience. I think it may be able to help! I also will be posting an update tomorrow since I'm finally 1 year natural! :D

Fran

8/13/2013 05:56:51 am

Hi there, I have been struggling with dryness ever since my big chop in 2009. I am definitely a 4c so I am eager to try this method. I already use coconut oil religiously. Would cupuacu butter be a good option sealant? Thanks in advance for your input!!
Peace and blessings...

8/13/2013 08:12:23 am

Hey Fran!
I hope this helps! Just remember to give it some time for your hair to adjust. I even had to give my skin like a month to accept using coconut oil as a body lotion lol!!!) I've never tried cupuacu butter before but I think its supposedly similar to cocoa butter but softer... I would guess it would be more of a sealer than a penetrative butter. Hey if it works, why not? lol
Also, coconut oil is awesome for hair but a little tricky for me especially when the temps cool down. Some people experience harder or drier feeling hair because the oil solidifies :/ God bless you too!

Paula

1/2/2014 03:13:19 am

Just wanted to know how often to use the loc method, I just cut my hair 2. Weeks now and am struggling with driness.ALso I like your tutorials but my hair is short any suggestions

1/2/2014 04:14:43 am

Hey Paula!
I usually use it on my wash days. :) I cowash every 3 to 5 days typically. You can do it however often you need to though especially in the beginning after a big chop :)

Amaka

3/3/2014 08:39:38 pm

Can the loc method be done before a wash and go. Also if you use a leave in as the Liquid, what cream do you recommend, because its a bit confusing, some leave-ins are creamy in nature (e.g cantu shea butter), can they then be used as both the Liquid and cream

3/4/2014 10:28:27 am

Hey Amaka!
The LOC method is just a way to moisturize :D It can be used before wash and gos. There isn't really a rule to it all I always say to tweak it to your needs and only use the letters as guide lines. In the post above I listed some of the things I used at the time for the LOC method. Some people like to use a liquid leave in/ mist and some like to use the creamy ones.

Here's are two updated vids where I talk a little more about the methods

Talkin' Bout Moisture! (Moisturizing Regimen Tips For Hair) - NaturalMe4C
http://youtu.be/4AZeKN5VQMg

Winter Regimen Tips & Chat - (Moisturizing, Regimen, Protective Styling & more!) - NaturalMe4C
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmSUYZXvZhk&list=PL5qf4s8mZrJuMTtNEoJuAs7_CYnDpqxmI&index=7

3/5/2014 10:28:42 am

Thanks for your reply, I just did a BC yesterday evening, so excited and ready to try out the things I've learnt, without being a product junkie :D

3/12/2014 04:41:40 am

Congrats on your Big Chop! Have a blast! :)

Erica link

9/26/2014 05:48:41 am

Hello, hi.. So I want to begin my natural hair journey and I wanted to know would you recommend doing the big chop.. Or would it be possible to just maintain and clip the dead ends.. I also want to know what natural products do you use, shampoos conditioners... Help I want my wavy curly hair back..

Nicole

9/29/2014 02:27:37 am

How often would you recommend doing the LOC method with 4c hair? I know some people might say whenever your hair feels like it, but my main concern has to do with how much of my hair breaks off during the detangling process. Recently, I've been using the Suave Moroccan Infusion shampoo, then add coconut oil with the conditioner and leave in until the end of my shower. But it seems that my hair tangles right back up after I detangle then rinse the mixture out with cool water. Thanks for reading and hope to hear back from you soon

cindy

10/13/2014 12:27:01 am

I am really going to try the LOC method. I hope it works, I found out that my hair is extremely low porous after doing the porosity test. So I did my first ever phogee portein treatment. Will the LOC method help to get my hair to normal porous?

Cindy

10/13/2014 10:36:05 pm

I did my first LOC method last night, SHrewww, after putting the water on the my along with coconut oil and Shea Moisture Curling Smoothing Enhance, my hair was still a little damp this morning, greasy and shorter than normal. Can you tell me if it's ok to just mist my hair then put on very little coconut oil and creme. Also I wanted to know can I use my Sheabutter mix as my sealant and call it a day?

10/14/2014 10:47:25 pm

Hey Cindy!

The LOC method can take a bit of trial and error depending on your hair type. You may have to take a bit of time to figure out what oil and cream will work best and give you the results your looking for. I too don't really use coconut oil as a part of my moisturing process because it make my hair too greasy too. I do like to use it as a pre poo and for deep conditioning. Back then I used olive oil but at the moment avocado oil work even better for my hair. So again, it's a trial and error thing lol. It's fine if you just mist your hair as you "L". Some people, myself included use leave in mists as the L section at times.

As far as porosity, it wont normalize your porosity but if it ends up being the correct way for you to moisturize your hair and your hair is responding well to it... over time the health and manegabiliity of your hair will improve. :)

10/14/2014 10:48:28 pm

Use can use your shea butter mix if you like. :) There is no rule :D

Rose

12/21/2014 12:11:16 am

Mrs. P

1/4/2015 07:06:35 pm

Hello 4c sistah!!!! I was wondering, after my cowash and LOC method, how do you suggest I keep my curls deffined as the week goes along until I cowash and use the LOC method again?

Alyboo

1/24/2015 03:09:34 am

I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS) So happy I found this)

First of all I love you and your hair u make me look so forward into growing out my 4c hair...at first I didn't like the fact I had 4c hair but watching your videos gave me confidence in my hair

I just did the big shop (like a serious big hop, sporting a mini Afro) and I have a question

1. How often should I wash my hair?
2. How often should I deep conditioning?
3. How often should I do the LOC method?

I read your previous comments and u said u do it every time you wash ur hair but what about when everytime it get dry, should I do the loc method? Or do you prefer something else.

Last but not least I orderd hairfinity pills idk if you ever heard of them..what is ur view on them, should I use them?

I'm sorry sorry for this book I just wrote you :(

Aailyn

1/31/2015 10:42:57 pm

Hello I was wondering if I can ask for your opinion. I have gone natural and it's only been five months, I have noticed my hair is quite dry, I think I'm high to medium porosity when I did the cup test. Well I recently discovered the L.o.c.s method and was wondering if you can tell me if these products are OK to use. I believe I have 4a and 4b hair.
Also how do I make a Spritz?
L- Giovanni Direct leave in conditioner
O- Coconut oil for my hair and Castor oil for my scalp.
C- Neutrogena Triple moisture silk touch leave in Cream
S(sealant)- Elasta QP Olive oil & Mango Butter Hair Moisturizer
Should I out castor oil also as a sealant too aaatmyends, or on my scalp and scalp massage? I'll use the coconut oil also as a deep conditioner. Is this an OK regime?

Anastasia

6/23/2015 06:00:11 am

Do I have to do the LOC method every day, once a week, co-wash day ,or on my wash day? sorry I'm new at this

Maurice

10/15/2015 10:15:32 am

I've had my locs for a better part of 5 years now. And my hair along with my sister's is pretty thick and eats up everything i put in it. Ive tried some other LOC and even LOCO methods lol; it only last 3 days at best. Is there anything you recommend for a prolonged mositure technique(s) maybe thatll last a week?

straight and loose wavy hair link

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Qui

7/16/2016 04:04:09 pm

I am going to start this new loc method for my 9 year old daughter her hair get really dry fast and drinks up everything you put in it how many times or how often should I do this loc method to her hair.

Angie

11/26/2016 05:10:18 am

Hi, I've been trying both l.o.c and l.c.o method on my 4c thick hair.
But after I wake up from bed or even a few hours, my hair is really dry. I use SM Jamaican black castor oil leave in, Asiam double butter cream and Jamaica black castor oil.

Madeline Aviles

6/11/2018 07:18:11 pm

My daughter has 4c hair and I would like to try the LOC method on her hair because it is very dry and very short.y question is how often do I do the LOC treatment on her hair and once it is completely air dryer can I flat iron it and still until I do the next LOC method?

The L.O.C. Method

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