https://youtu.be/pmpioWTK9Pc
Further to the LOC method post you all liked so much, we are coming back with some product recommendations that can be used for LOC or LCO method.
In case you are not aware, the LOC abbreviation means liquid, oil, and cream and refers to a method of moisturizing and sealing your hair to keep it softer for longer. The abbreviation also relates to the order in which the products should be applied. Although it should be mentioned that the LCO version of the method is actually more popular. You can learn more about how the LOC and LCO methods work here.
With this post, however, we want to look at actual product examples that we can use for each stage of the process. We have also taken the liberty of adding homemade examples of each category for you kitchenistas out there.
It is almost impossible to list every product on the face of the earth or even to say for sure which the best moisturizers are so if you have some great products that we may have missed, go ahead leave a comment so we can all benefit.
Note that everything on this list can be used on natural as well as relaxed hair so don’t skip over any of them because you fall into either category. Anyway, on to the products now…here goes:
The Liquids
Plain ole water
Yes, I know that technically this isn’t a product, but nothing moisturizes better than H20. You can moisturize and seal your damp hair straight after a wash and the moisture remaining in your hair will act as the liquid. Otherwise, if you are giving your hair a mid-week moisture boost, spritz your hair with a little water before you move on to the next step.
Infusium 23 Leave-in Treatment
The first ingredient in this one is water which makes it perfect for the liquid category and it is a lightweight old school conditioner that hydrates your strands right after washing your hair. It is just one of those conditioners some of us have grown up with and just cannot bear to be parted from. If you’ve never used it, you should give it a try.
Lusters S-Curl Activator Moisturizer
Because of this product’s high level of glycerin, it is great at keeping hair hydrated and soft for extended periods of time. It is often recommended for both natural and relaxed hair because it just…works. It is reasonably priced and well worth it if you want to have something really good in your arsenal.
Homemade Liquid For The LOC Or LCO Method
A classic aloe vera juice and water mix will work wonderfully here. This can be a 50/50 mix with half your spray bottle containing water, and the other half being aloe vera juice*. You can choose to add more aloe if you would like but whatever you decide aloe vera does not disappoint as one of the best liquid conditioners you can find out there. Remember that it has to be stored in the fridge to keep it fresh.
The oils
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For the LOC method or LCO method, we tend to want to use a light oil because you will also be using creams or butters. This makes extra virgin olive oil* a perfect candidate for this method. Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils you can use for your strands as it penetrates the hair shaft. Whether you are relaxed or natural, it is all-natural and does an excellent job at locking moisture in, increasing manageability and shine.
Coconut Oil
This oil can be considered a pretty light oil although those with high porosity strands may not find it effective enough on its own. Considering the fact that it is one of only a few oils that actually penetrate the hair strand, some opt to use it first before adding the cream or butter just so that they get the added benefit of the oil itself. Either way, it’s a great addition to your regimen.
Grapeseed Oil
This oil is super light and great for all hair types. It glides on easily and is one of a few oils that are considered to be a natural heat protectant, not to mention that it’s also chock full of ceramides. If you want a light oil, this one works well and is very easy to find.
Sweet Almond Oil
This light all-purpose oil is a great sealant and hair smoother. It really helps to give your hair a great finish when used on top of your moisturizer and cream. If you have never tried it before, give it a whirl and see how you like it.
Homemade Oil Mix For The LOC Or LCO Method
Can’t make up your mind? A custom oil mix may just be in the cards for you. All you will need is an applicator bottle* large enough to hold your oils and a few of your favorite oils. Mix your oils together, add in a few drops of essential oils for added growth benefits or for fragrance, and get sealing!
To discover the best 6 essential oils for hair growth, click here.
The Creams
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Cream
Cantu shea butter leave-in is a staple for many of us, and even though it has water listed as the first ingredient, its creamy texture makes it perfect for the cream category. This product has some protein in it which might be one of the reasons those with fine hair tend to like it so much. It also helps to smooth the hair and leave it feeling super silky once dry. It’s pretty cost-effective too which can’t hurt!
Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner
This one is also one of the best lightweight leave-in conditioners on the market and with the first ingredient being water, it is perfect for all hair types and perfect for the cream category.
Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment
You can’t go wrong with shea moisture, and this leave-in conditioner* is so creamy, it remains one of the top sellers for the Shea Moisture products* line. Consider this leave-in perfect for the LOC or LCO method because it is thick enough to work well but light enough not to weigh your hair down.
Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding
Oyin hits you with the unrefined shea butter* and aloe vera early on the ingredient list making it ultra-thick and perfect for locking in moisture. It is fancy and a little pricey but a little goes a long way. It is the kind of product you have to invest in at least one time but be prepared for it to turn into a staple.
Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner
This baby has Holy Grail status for those with natural hair and is a great mix of ingredients to smooth your hair and help tame frizz. It’s suitable for all hair types and also contains heat protection benefits. It’s a simple product and formula but it works wonders on natural and relaxed hair.
Homemade Cream For The LOC Or LCO Method
Why not treat your hair to a creamy homemade moisturizing cream? This simple concoction includes a cup of aloe vera juice, 2 tablespoons oil of your choice, 2 tablespoons of your favorite conditioner; this will provide the emulsifiers needed to keep the ingredients combined, 1 teaspoon of glycerin, and a few drops of a lovely smelling essential oil of your choice.
Once well combined, place in an empty pump bottle or a glass jar. You may want to store this leave-in conditioner* in the fridge to be on the safe side but it should leave your hair wonderfully hydrated and soft.
Well, that’s all folks; a few products to consider while using the LOC or LCO method. Again, if you have some great products that we may have missed, go ahead leave a comment so we can all benefit.
I’m a big fan of many of the listed products.
Good post!
great article.thank you.
Sheena Y. Ferdinand this is what I was telling you
Thank you for the post.
I use a homemade cream that consists of shea butter, oils (olive coconuts and castor oils) and beeswax. Because I live in very dry country.
I want to ask if Palmer s hair food are good to be used as cream.
I read that I can mix water with my conditioner to have a leave-in conditioner that is used as liquid ib LOC method. Is this ok?
I am not sure about the palmers, only because I’ve never seen or used the product, but again it really isn’t about brand but rather ingredients. So if palmers is creamy in consistent and the first ingredient is not water then it would work as your cream. Or if it isnt creamy but clearly not water based but more oil based then it can be used as the oil.
I think it’s perfectly fine to mix conditioner with water to make a leave in, alot of women use certain conditioners in that manner, again it’s all about ingredients. I prefer to use a conditioner that has no cones in it as my leave in only because I don’t want to create buildup on my hair. It’s all about preference but if you want to make a leavein I think that’s fine…
Em
I want to try this method. I’ve been using Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie,Hair milk, and Moisture spray. I also use ORS olive oil smooth-n-hold pudding. I wanted to know if loc method means using all those products at the same time? What about build up? Products clashing/clumping? Oil melting down your face and back? Scalp residue and hair follicle blockage? I also like having some hold, I don’t feel comfortable having my hair to wild at work.
Hi
I have loc’d hair and i was wondering if this LOC method can be used for someone with locs. Creams aren’t something i’ve heard recommended for loc’d hair. would you have any hair conditioning and moisturizing tips for those of us with loc’d hair?
I am also looking for some tips on toddler’s hair. my daughters hair is very tightly curled. it’s lovely when her hair is wet, because that is when her curls are more noticable. she has spiral curls when her hair is wet, but once it dries those pretty curls leave. I have tried a number of different childrens products, but the only one that seems to work well for her is taaliah waajihd’s kids line.
I just want to find some thing to keep her hair moist so when its time to restyle her hair, its not the drama spectacular that it is now.
1/3 of this is technically wrong. A lot of the creams listed are actually oils. Go with whatever works for you though. …
I think ‘cream’ refers to a product with a creamy consistency…and while the products listed do contain oils, it is their creamy/buttery consistency that leads to the great results and longer lasting moisture
Not in our house! Water based moisturizers work better for us here. Shea butter works as a flat out oil and dries us out.
Even whipped oils still act like oils but like I said whatever works for you…
Good Day
I am a male, and current LOC method is…
(L) water+aloe vera juice+vegetable glycerine
(O) virgin coconut oil+extra virgin olive oil
(C) hollywood beauty olive crème
Your thoughts?
Thx!