You’ve probably heard the LOC Method acronym mentioned several times in the natural hair space.

Consequently, you may be wondering; what is the LOC method, and does it really work?

If you’ve NEVER tried the LOC method, or you’re looking to brush up on your routine, keep reading as we get into more detail about this technique.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, this means if you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

What is the LOC Method for hair?

The LOC method is an acronym that stands for:

• Liquid/Leave-in
• Oil
• Cream

It’s a simple technique of layering products to effectively moisturize the hair.

This method promotes maximum moisture retention, giving your curls definition and keeping them hydrated for more extended periods of time.

How To Do The LOC Method

Step 1: Liquid or Leave-in

The first step in the LOC Method is to apply a liquid, usually water or a Leave-in conditioner.

This step is important as you actually need to have some moisture to seal in the next two steps.

If you’re just from washing your hair, it probably is already damp. But if you’re refreshing your curls, you can use a spray bottle to get your hair damp. 

Section your hair so that each strand gets moisturized.

Then, take a small amount of your leave-in conditioner and apply it to your hair, starting from your ends (as they need the most care) and heading towards your roots.

Step 2: Oil

The second step in the LOC Method is to apply some oil.

Applying oil helps to seal in the moisture that we have obtained in step one, and prevents that moisture from escaping. 

AS MUCH as there is no generic rule on how and what oils to apply, understanding your hair porosity is very crucial in identifying the oils that will work well for your hair.

• Go for light oils such as Argan oil and Jojoba Oil if you have low porosity hair
• and go for heavier oils such as Olive oil if you have high porosity hair.

With oils, it’s all about understanding your hair, and experimenting on which oil brings the best out of your curls.

Pro Tips

• Warm your oil to make it easier for the hair to absorb the oil
• Experiment with different oil blends to benefit from the nutritional composition of different oils
• Apply a little oil on your hands and massage the scalp to stimulate blood flow
• Refrain from being heavy handed with your oil as you may end up with greasy hair.

Step 3: Cream

The last step is to add a cream.

Adding cream at the end helps further seal in that moisture. (This is why you didn’t need to go crazy with the oil in step two.)

Applying cream also helps to prevent frizz and gives your curls an extra bounce.

As with step one; divide your hair into sections, start with the ends and ensure each strand gets enough attention.

An additional tip that applies to all the steps is that don’t apply too much or too little product.

Either of the two won’t get you the moisturized bouncy curls that you want.

It will take a lot of trial and error and knowing your hair to find that sweet spot.

LOC Method Products

These are the most recommended products for the LOC Method

LOC Method Leave-ins

• TGIN Rose Water Smoothing Leave-in Conditioner
• Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave In Conditioner

LOC Method Oils

• Argan Oil for hair
• Jojoba Oil for hair

LOC Method Creams

• Mizani True Textures Curl Define Pudding
• SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream

Does the LOC Method Really Work? 

The LOC method works provided you follow the steps correctly and use the right products.

This method work well on high porosity hair because this type of hair easily absorbs products but also loses moisture fast.

In summary, whether the LOC method will work on not will depend on the following:

• Your hair porosity
• Whether you can find that sweet spot.
• The products that you are using.

Does the LOC Method Work for Low Porosity Hair?

I hate to break it to you, if you have low porosity hair; this method doesn’t work well. To understand why this is so, let’s first find out what low porosity hair is. 

What is Low Porosity Hair?

First, Porosity is a term used to describe the ability of your hair to absorb and retain moisture and hair products. 

Based on that definition, low porosity hair is hair that:

• Has large and open cuticles
• Doesn’t absorb water and hair products as easily
• Doesn’t lose water and hair products from its cuticles easily.

These characteristics of low porosity hair may result in a myriad of problems such as:

• Product build-up on your hair strands as products tend to sit on your hair since they don’t get absorbed.
• Your hair takes a long time and a lot of water before it gets wet.

How do I Know if My Hair is Low Porosity Hair?

There is one reliable test that you can perform on your hair to find out if it is low porosity hair. This test is known as the float test. To perform this test, follow these steps:

1. Shampoo your hair. For the test to be accurate, you need to use a clean strand of hair.
2. Let your hair dry.
3. Take a strand and drop it in a glass of water.
4. Carefully observe the strand as it floats in the water.

If your hair strand floats for a while and then sinks to the bottom, you have low porosity hair.

You can also do a hair porosity quiz in addition to the float test for more reliable results.

Why Doesn’t the LOC Method Work for Low Porosity Hair?

Your low porosity hair struggles to absorb products. Applying oil before hair cream makes this situation worse. 

You’ll end up with product build-up which can be bad news for your hair.

What Method works for Low Porosity hair?

A better option for Low porosity hair is the LCO Method ( Liquid, Cream and Oil)

Basically the cream comes before the oil.

Conclusion

When it comes to getting those frizz-free bouncy curls, the LOC Method may be the answer for you. But then again it may not.

Knowing your hair type and a little bit of research may help you know if the LOC method is right for you.

BTW, did you know hair porosity plays a key role in hair growth? Take this simple hair porosity test to determine if your hair is HIGH, LOW or NORMAL porosity.

Recent Posts