LCO or LOC Method: What You Should Know

LCO or LOC method, what is that?  As a natural hair girlie, have you ever asked that? Are you still confused about how it works?

With this article, you'll understand how the LCO or LOC method works. Let's start with a clear definition of both methods.

What Does LOC or LOC Method Mean?

The words LCO or LOC are acronyms for:

Leave-in conditioner/liquid

Oil

Cream

They are methods that indicate the order in which you apply products to your hair when moisturizing.

LOC indicates the order- leave-in conditioner first, then apply oil to hold the moisture in and then seal with cream afterwards.

LCO indicates the order- leave-in conditioner first for moisture, then apply cream to nourish and top off that moisture and finally apply oil as a sealant to lock it all in.

Now, you might wonder, why is the leave-in conditioner fixed as the first product?

This is because it serves as the water base, which contains the moisture, so it comes first. The other products lock in the moisture from the leave-in conditioner. 

In applying any of the methods, take note of the oil you use. Some oils are heavyweight, others are lightweight. Read all about oils. 

LCO or LOC method, which is best for my hair? 

Generally, for high porosity hair, the LOC method is ideal. Why? 

Since high porosity hair loses moisture quickly, the use of the oil immediately after adding liquid locks the moisture in place first. Then the cream seals it all, keeping the moisture intact.

For low porosity hair, the LCO method works better. This is because the cream adds more moisture to the hair. Then the oil seals it all in nicely. 

Is there any difference between the LOC and LCO method?

Apart from the difference in the order of application, some naturals say, the method also affects your curls. 

The LCO method will seal in moisture from the surface, giving your curls a lighter feel.

While the LOC method penetrates the hair, sealing in more moisture within, weighing your hair down a little more.

Now remember, while moisturizing your hair with the LOC or LCO method is important, you can use any of the methods that work for your hair, even if it's different from the norm. 

The bottom line is to keep your hair well moisturized.

Wrapping up

As with everything hair-related, when using the LCO or LOC methods to moisturize your hair, make sure you do what works to keep your hair moisturized. So, if you have high porosity hair, you can use the LOC method if it works for your hair and vice versa.

Some naturals switch it up by using an OLCO (Oil, leave-in conditioner, cream and oil), now it’s not the norm, but it works for their hair.

The key thing? Take note of how your hair behaves with either method and stick with it.

Looking to ask questions about the LCO or LOC method? We are here to answer. Join the community and get support from not just us, but other natural girlies.