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Getting Moisture on LOC with the LOC Method

Afro and curly tresses are especially susceptible to dryness because kinks and curls make it harder for sebum from the scalp to travel down each strand of hair. This dryness is one of the main causesΒ of breakage and aΒ hindranceΒ to length retention.Β 

What are the LOC and LCO methods?

Layering products is the most effective way to combat dryness and maximise hydration. This is the basis of the LOC and LCO methods. Both are acronyms where:

L = liquid O = oil and C = cream

The order of the letters indicates the order by which the products should be applied to the hair. For example, if following the LOC method, the liquidΒ isΒ applied first followed by the oil and finally the cream. If following the LCO method,Β again, the liquid isΒ first, butΒ in this instance it is followed by the cream and then the oil.Β 

Β 

L - Apply a Liquid.

A water-based moisturising product in the form of a spray is best. We recommendΒ Sheen, a water based blend of aloe vera juice, grape seed oil and essential oils. The hair is made of protein bundles kept together with hydrogen bonds and disulphide bonds. To keep hair strong, it's important to keep it full of the moisture it needs for the hydrogen bonds and the most effective moisturiser is water!

O - Seal in the moisture with an Oil.

Water evaporates easily from the hair so a relatively thick oil blend is needed to seal in moisture. The best blends contain olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil and jojoba oil.

SealΒ contains all of these and more so it's our top recommendation, it was recently voted the topΒ Indy BestΒ oil for afro hair because it: "penetrates the hair shaft and leaves your strands feeling hydrated and super soft, and it remains that way for hours afterwards."

C - Layer on a Cream.

This should be a water based moisturiser but not as fluid as the product used in the liquid step. A moisturising cream or leave-in conditioner will do the trick. We recommendΒ Smooth, with its blend of coconut oil, olive extract and organic & fair trade shea butter.

Which one should I use?

When it comes to deciding between using the LOC and LCO methods, there is no right or wrong; it is a matter of your hair's preference.Β To find out which one works simply use trial and error β€” try one method first and if you're not happy with the results try the other.Β 

OurΒ Moisture Surge SetΒ contains productsΒ for all three stepsΒ β€” Sheen natural moisturising sprayΒ (liquid),Β Seal (hairΒ oil)Β and Smooth (moisturisingΒ cream).

If you are constantly struggling with dry hair then incorporating one of the above methods into your hair routineΒ shouldΒ make a difference. This method keeps your hair at optimum moisture for at least three days, so repeat as often as you need.

Other articles:

5 Reasons your Hair is Breaking

What exactly is hair porosity and how do I determine mine?

5 Things You Need to Know About Natural Hair

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