Moisturizing and Sealing is vital to growing and maintaining healthy hair. In my previous post, I discussed why moisturizing is an important part of the hair care process. Now, I want to discuss how to moisturize and seal your hair. There are three basic steps in the moisturizing and sealing process, you may have seen them online. The most known method is the L.O.C. method. The L.O.C. method is simply liquid, oil, cream. However, there is a variation of LOC that I use. I will discuss both…
There is no set rule saying that you absolutely have to use the LOC order to moisturize. LOC and LCO are truly based on preference, but it’s highly recommended that you use the three steps to ensure that your hair is properly moisturized. The oil in the process holds the moisture in and allows it to penetrate. Let’s walk through both methods.
L.O.C. Method: Liquid. Oil. Cream.
Liquid– use a liquid water based leave-in, moisturizer, or spritz your hair with purified water. I don’t recommend tap water and I would only use bottled water.
Oil– seal the liquid in with an oil of your choice. This will depend on your hair type and preference. I would recommend any oil that is a ceramide.
Cream– use a creamy leave-in product to seal both the liquid and oil in the hair. This can be any cream of your choice; however, most naturals use shea butter as the cream in this method.
The next variation is my preferred method. It still has the three basic steps; however, I have reversed the order of applying Oil and Cream.
L.C.O. Method:
Liquid– apply a liquid leave in or spritz the hair with water
Cream– apply a cream leave-in or moisturizer such as Elasta QP Mango Butter, Hairveda’s Whipped Cream, Giovanni Direct Leave-in, or Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector.
Oil– seal with your choice of oil: EVOO, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, or a ceramide (check out my ceramide post for a full list) I use the same products as anyone doing the L.O.C. method. I preferred to use a cream first, followed by the oil.
Now, you may wonder about the purpose of adding the cream. Why not just use liquid and oil? The cream is an additional moisturizer. The cream, in addition to the oil, provides two additional layers that hold the liquid moisturizer in longer. If you have low porosity or high porosity hair, this is a must!
I will add that I also use a homemade moisturizer mix spray. I know that’s a mouthful. LOL! I prefer applying each product individually; however, there are times that I just need a quick spritz or I may not feel well, so this is a great option to ensure my hair isn’t neglected. The pre-mixed spray makes it easy to get my moisturizing and sealing in…gotta keep Cherrelle happy!
Which method of moisturizing do you use? What products do you use?
How often should I use the LOC method, nightly, weekly, or what?
I use the same method as you do. Liquid (I rinse my hair daily) cream THEN oil. Seems to work better for me.
My hair absolutely loves the LOC method! My go-to product stash has become so much less over the past two years.
EbonyCPrincess recently posted…My Not-So-Big Chop! | The End of My Long Term Transition
I’m trying to decrease mine. I realized I misspoke on your post. The back of my hair is in between my shoulder blades. Still, I was shocked to see how long my hair was when stretched. I think I’m going to send of texlaxing b/c there is no way I could have hip length natural hair. I would drive myself crazy. lol
Just what I need. I’ve moved cities and find my hair falling like crazy! Need to invest a lot more in caring for it.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Inspirational Mary Oliver Quotes
While my hair is fine and thin, I do find it becoming a bit dry and brittle as I age. I think I will give this a try!
Maureen recently posted…Caramel Apple Crisp
Wow! Do you know of anything to make your hair grow longer faster?
Kayla Shown-Dean recently posted…Introducing My Inner Hippy
Thanks for explaining the method, and you are definitely a product junkie 🙂 But the health of our hair is worth it. Thanks for sharing!
I have to go back and read the previous posts. I have been trying to get back healthy hair and it has been difficult. Thanks for the great information! I really know nothing about hair care and this was very helpful!
Kelly recently posted…One Life Changed
Thank you for breaking it down. I heard of this method but it wasn’t really explained.
I’ve been out of the loop for a long time when it come to hair care! I have naturally curly hair and doesn’t look so great when it gets very long, although, I love to have it long. Maybe applying some of your tips would help it.
Renee recently posted…Adventure at Reelfoot Lake, Part 3
Thanks for this informative post. I have been using the LOC method all along but just wasn’t aware that I was using it!
I haven’t heard of these methods but I need to look into protective styling. I will look into to these methods.
Tyra recently posted…Food and Wine for a Cause: Park & Palate 2015
This was great! Funny enough I had been doing the LCO method not realizing it was a “thing” but it just seemed to work better for my hair which can get really dry.
Christine @MomsNCharge recently posted…Rotten 2 The Core Kidz Spa – 10 Reasons to Take Your Princess Today!
I’ve been mostly natural for 10 years and I NEVER knew wahat the LOC method was. I should totally hang my head in shame. Thanks for putting a sister on. lol
I have been using the LCO method for quite some time now and I’ve always gotten great results!
OMG I literally screamed inside. A girlfriend has been telling me about this but Ive yet to do my research. I will be saving this blog so that I can work through this method. Super excited. Thanks!
You have amazing tips on this site! I’ve been using oils on my hair for a couple years now, and I have to say, they make a huge difference in the texture and weight of my hair. I never thought to add a cream to it, though. Thank you, thank you!
Katy recently posted…What’s My Motivation?
I never do much with my hair except use lots of conditioner and use my favorite hairspray, Big Sexy Hair. Thanks for the tips!
Kelsie recently posted…A Moment with Rebecca: Technology & Connecting with God
I had no idea hair was so complicated! Interesting post indeed!
Ms Orange recently posted…How to Cringe Less When You Hear the Words, “What’s for Dinner?”
That’s quite a lot for hair 🙂 (I don’t have much hair so shampoo and conditioner are just fine for me) Great post!
Amanda recently posted…Women’s Wardrobe Must Haves!!
I use just a touch of leave-in conditioner. My hair is naturally oily so I don’t really need to put a lot of product in my hair. Thank you for the hair tips!
Shani recently posted…Great Rhyming Books to Build Reading Skills
Great post. I have never heard of this but will definitely try it.
LaKisha recently posted…4 Fall Must Haves
This a great summary! I love using braid spray on my loose natural hair as the L and C parts.
Oh, dear, I think you would be horrified at my “hair treatment”. I wear it in a bun all day, with a head covering (which protects it from dirt and UV), brush it out morning and night (to distribute the oils), and “wash” once a week (or less) with either plain water or baking soda and vinegar. However, judging by your picture, your system works very well for you – your hair looks beautiful. 😀
Just Plain Marie recently posted…Drink Water
I’ve never tried this method. I’m going to definitely try this on my daughters hair which is typically dry and itchy. I can’t wait to see the results.
LaChaya recently posted…One Haute Mommi presents…The Adventures of Taylor & Morgan!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Ok, I’m clueless about hair treatments and had no idea this was a way to make my hair stronger! yahoo! My whole life I’ve tried to grown my hair long but as soon as it gets close to my shoulder blades it breaks like crazy. I’m definitely going to try this! How often should I try it? Is this a daily treatment?
My daughter’s hair is rough and she is so tender headed. I give up on her hair but I need a good conditioner so it can be soft and smooth when I am done washing it. I have hard about using that olive oil too. I gotta get with it because we will fight if I have to keep doing her hair the way I have been doing it
kita recently posted…The Hottest Trends for Decorating Kid’s Rooms
I need to try this out! It makes total sense!
Amy @ItsAMindfulLife recently posted…Fun and Sassy Clothing For Kids That Gives Back To Charity
I’ve never even thought about using oil for my hair, I don’t have dry hair though so maybe that’s why… either way your post was very interesting!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc. recently posted…Fantastic Finds: 5 Furniture Makeovers!
I usually use just a spritz of my leave in with an oil but my hair still get dry. I might stop being lazy and do this process. How often do you do it?
Kerdisha recently posted…My Five MUST HAVE Lipsticks for Women of Color
I normally moisturize once or twice a week. My hair would prefer more often but if I did, my hair would get weighed down and super oily.
I had never heard of this method (I’m super low maintenance, haha!), but it sounds really interesting. I’ll definitely have to give it a try and see how it goes–I love when my hair feels awesome and that’s pretty rare for me!
Maegan Dockery recently posted…#WeAreMore
well…i do have some olive oil that i just got on sale that i could use for this… 😀
andi recently posted…You Can Save Over $100 Today When Shopping!
I had never heard of this method, but thank you for sharing! I have naturally pretty dry hair, but thankfully after finding out I had thyroid issues it has been a lot easier to manage everything because I am getting the right medicine for my body. Your hair is lovely!
Yes, I always tell people to check internally if they are experiencing certain issues. I’m glad your dr got you back on track.
Yay! I’m so excited to read this post! My hair gave me no troubles until my age hit a certain number and the hormones started acting up. I’ve tried a few things, but not many good results. My hairdresser only knows what salon products to offer. I am going to try the hemp and grapeseed oils as you suggested. I love the idea of fining the right combo and adding one of my essential oils to it. So excited!
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Give it a try! Even try it as an overnight treatment and rinse it out in the am, it will help.
Oooooh I am gonna try this! Never heard of this order.
If I leave something oil based in my hair my head will be a greasy mess. However, I have learned that a coconut oil treatment does wonders for my hair! I work the oil into my scalp and along the length of my hair. Then leave it one for a few hours, overnight is even better. I look pitiful while the oil is in there! But after I wash the oil out my hair feels soft and luxurious and my scalp feels so much better, too. I think it’s a combo of using a flat iron and going gray that have made my hair drink this up so nicely.
Anne-Marie recently posted…What I Would Tell My Younger Self
This was very informative. I didn’t know about L.O.C, method. I like to use homemade products and will most definitely be giving this a try!!
Georgia Lynne recently posted…Roses
Awesome Georgia!
from Junkie to Junkie… great post!
LOL! Thanks so much, Michanda!
I did not realize how much goes into keeping up hair for a lady. Thanks for showing how it can be done on a budget.
Yes Tiki! I love! I’m all about this method! I got serious about learning more about length retention a few years back and my hair has done amazing! The growth I’ve gotten is wonderful! I love the Giovanni products and I’m a big fan of plenty of oils especially castor oil, coconut and others! Great post!
Chicki recently posted…What is a Journey Story?
Thank you so much! It’s really all about retention for sure!!!
My hair is too oily to add anything greasy to it. I try to use products to add body to it.
Beth McIntire recently posted…Get $10 Free for Joining TopCashBack.com
Thank you for this informative post. I have been going crazy with my girls’ hair and have tried every product know to humankind. It kills me to think how much money I have spent trying to get this right : ) A million thanks!
Jeanie Erwin recently posted…Top Strategies You Should Use to Overcome Debt and Financial Hardships
Hope it helps!
My hair is so oily that I have to wash it every day! I have found, though, that I do have to moisturize it now and then to keep the ends from becoming dry and brittle. I’m not careful enough about taking food care of my hair!
Wendy recently posted…What I Learned About God from My Daughter (Who Has Autism) Point #4
I wasn’t either until I decided to grow my hair out. I used to wash daily but I had to cut back to keep my hair from drying out.
Tiki, I never realized how much work it is to take care of natural hair. I’ve learned a lot over the years with a blogging sister, but it’s good that you’ve found a method that really works to keep it healthy.
Sandy Sandmeyer recently posted…Win a Toshiba Satellite Laptop
My hair could use a little loving, it is very dry esp in the winter. Thanks for the tips!! 🙂
Interesting! I’ve never heard about a 3-step process. My hair has been getting drier as I get older – this might be just what it needs!
Thanks for the tip. I am concern about the chemicals and am looking for natural products not tested on animals.
Mary recently posted…Finding Your Calling and Giveaway of “The Art of Work” Book
Thanks for the tips. I’m not able to handle many products because of their chemicals, but I use a non-toxic conditioner. I might try adding some oil. Hadn’t thought of using shea butter either. Anything natural, I’ll try!
Teresa recently posted…14 Unexpected Things to Look for When Buying a House
I try to use as many natural products as I can.
I never thought to use purified water for this makes sense though. I need to switch that up on my next wash.
Mercedes recently posted…Murad Skin Saviors: Battling Adult Acne & Anti-Aging
Yass! Purified water makes a of world a difference. I’m working on a post now about the benefits of using a filtered shower head. I can seriously tell the difference in tap and filtered or purified. Let me know how you like the switch. I would say clarify your hair to when you switch your water.
I used to occasionally do a hot oil treatment, but never really saw that it helped.
Now I just use cream rinse after a shampoo, air dry and go.
Riva Sue recently posted…Ebates Rebates
I’ve been growing my hair out since 2013, it is now in the middle of my back. When I had the ends trimmed in March I was told to either buy a leave in conditioner or use a regular conditioner as a leave in when putting it up in a clip. I also use coconut oil on the ends during the winter. I’ll have to try using olive oil some this winter. Thanks for the tips!
Two of my favorite oils is grapeseed and hemp oil. Love it!
I have never heard of this way of moisturizing before but I’m glad you told me about it! I bet this would be a big help with taming my frizzy hair when it’s humid. Gonna give it a try!
Nicole Tugrul recently posted…Let’s get ready for Halloween!
Yes, it will really help with the frizzies.
I’ve been looking into the different types of oils out there – natural certainly is better. My daughter is putting together a bunch of different combinations for me for Christmas. I especially like to use YL Ylang Ylang in my hair after shower. It smells so good and is really good for the hair.
Val @ Love My DIY Home recently posted…Do Great Things – FREE Word Art
I think I’m addicted to oils. I use them for aromatherapy in my oil burn too.
My hair isn’t one to really need a lot of moisture–but I’m coloring it right now (bleach and then vivid blue color, my favorite hair color) and I will definitely be giving it a little extra coconut oil care afterwards!
Rachel G recently posted…Ask Me Anything
Yes, you have to do a little extra with color. I’m about to dye mine a dark purple.
This is really helpful. My daughters are bi-racial and I feel like I’ve tried everything with their hair and still feel like I have so much to learn. I hadn’t seen this technique before. My biggest problem is finding products without chemicals and the need to detangle every day! I haven’t sealed with oil before but we try creams and only shampoo once a week. I find that whatever I do, we still have to detangle and I feel like I put so much product in their hair. I’m going to explore your website for more ideas!
Allison recently posted…our path to home education
Trust me I understand the struggle. I’m multi-racial and my hair is in its own category. Please explore the site and see if there are other posts that will help. If you need to, feel free to email me.
I’m definitely going to try this!! We’re always experimenting with hair stuff at our house, but the L.O.C. Method is new to me. BTW, I’m also a Southern girl and lover of all things pink and glittery. 🙂 And now I’m off to check out some more of your tips! XOXO, Erin
Oh and my main staple is coconut oil. Can’t live without it! XOXO, Erin
Erin recently posted…MILES FOR CHARITY: #100FORCHARITY
Nice to meet you Erin. There nothing like a glitter-loving southern girl. lol
I’ve never heard of the LOC or LCO method. Is this for all hair types? I keep things pretty simple and just do a regular conditioner and a leave-in. Sometimes I’ll mix leave-in conditioner in a water bottle if I’m using heat on my hair.
Erlene recently posted…Chicken & Rice Burrito Recipe
Hi Erlene, Yes,it’s for all hair types. It sounds like you are doing a variation minus the oil.
I very rarely do more than condition my hair. I had no idea this was a three step process. Once you put the oil and the creme in, do you then wash it out? Very interesting read since I’m not familiar with this method of hair care.
Margarita Ibbott recently posted…Toronto Food and Wine Festival at the Evergreen Brick Works
Hi Margarita, this is mainly for those who don’t wash daily or every other day. Depending on the time of year, the number of times per week I shampoo my hair varies.
Hawaiian Silky and Grapeseed Oil are definitely in my staple stash! This is a great post, T. It’s very thorough and really does a great job explaining how to incorporate the LOC method into our hair regimens. These last few weeks I’ve just been moisturizing and sealing with two products, but I need to make a spritz soon so that I don’t get to slacking on my moisturizing.
Awesome post, love! Will be sharing!
Drea recently posted…Hype Hair + COCOTIQUE | 2nd Anniversary Beauty Box
Thank you! I’m telling you that having a homemade mix is a life saver for those lazy days.