The L.O.C Method
L.O.C stands for Liquid, Oil and cream and this is a method of moisturizing curly/coily hair. Afro hair requires all three to be properly moisturized. I am sure you’ve noticed the difference between wet hair (shiny, detangled, soft and well defined curls) and dry hair (dull, matted, frizzy and coarse.) This change occurs as water escapes the hair. The purpose of leave in- conditioner, oil and cream is to keep as much of the hydration from the water in the hair. I have listed all featured product details mentioned in this article at the bottom.This article is not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.
Liquid
Applying water or a water based product (or both) is the first and most crucial step in moisturizing afro hair. Our hair actually needs water more than anything else and wetting the hair should be the first step whenever moisturizing. Water penetrates the very core of our hair; moisturizing it from the inside out. Wetting the hair can be done with a spray bottle to avoid creating a mess.A sulfate free leave in conditioner is equally important and should be applied onto wet hair. The leave-in detangles and hydrates the hair as well as leaving it super soft. I find that applying water then a leave in works best on my hair, I’d suggest you try that too. I am currently using my all-time fave leave in conditioner; Shea moisture’s Jamaican Black castor oil leave in conditioner.
Oil
Oils provide a barrier between the water and the air around you, preventing the water from evaporating. With natural hair,use natural oils that bear "100% Extra Virgin" on the packaging (just about as pure as an oil can get). Popular ones you should try out are Olive oil,Argan oil,Coconut oil (my personal fave) ,Jojoba oil and Almond oil just to name just a few.
Cream.
A cream or butter is the heaviest of the L.O.C ingredients and its purpose is to completely seal the moisture in the hair. A cream or butter also softens the hair.There are some that opt to L.C.O instead of L.O.C, (they apply a cream before oil) I would suggest trying out both orders of application and seeing which works best with your hair.A paraben and sulfate free cream should be used, or you can opt for natural butters like Shea butter. I am currently using Now Shea butter.
Featured product details:
Leave in conditioner; Shea moisture Jamaican Black castor oil strengthen and regrow leave in : bought from Beauty Studio Kenya (Pre-ordered)
Coconut oil: Chandarana/Foodplus
Shea butter: Now Shea butter , bought from Beauty Studio Kenya (also pre-ordered)
