How to Moisturize Dry Hair: LCO v LOC Method
Keeping your hair moisturized, especially in colder months, doesn’t have to be hard. The LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) and LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) are moisturizing methods you can use to protect your curls.
If you have low porosity hair, apply products on damp hair. For high porosity, add products to wet hair. Click here to determine your hair porosity.
There are two different methods (LCO and LOC) to seal and lock moisture into your curls. Check out what each letter means in the process and products that you can use to accomplish them.
L- Liquid
The L standards for leave-in or water. Many naturals use a leave-in that contains water as a spray or just water and leave-in conditioner. You should always use water before styling your hair because styling dry hair can cause breakage. Utilizing a leave-in conditioner, allows the hair to get all of the moisture that was removed in the washing process.
Spray leave-in conditioners with water:Mielle Organics Leave-In Conditioner White Peony Not Your Mother’s Naturals Royal Honey & Kalahari Desert Melon Leave-In Conditioner SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-in Conditioner |
Cream-based leave-in conditioners with water:Mielle Organics Pomegranate and Honey Leave-In Conditioner Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner |
C-Cream
Use a cream that is thick and heavy that can shape and define your curls. The cream should also contain water.
Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Aunt Jackie's Curl La La, Lightweight Curl Defining Custard
Tgin Twist & Define Cream For Natural Hair - Dry Hair - Curly Hair
Long & Luxe Curl Enhancing Smoothie
O-Oil
Depending on what method you choose, the oil is either used as a sealant or a moisturizer. It is imperative to know what oils can moisturize your hair and what oils sit on top to lock moisture.
Sealant oils: |
Moisturizing oils: |
The letters are the same for each method. In the LCO method, the cream comes before the oil because some oils are sealants that will bring everything together. While in the LOC method, the cream is last because it is heavier. Therefore, it can keep the moisture within your hair strands.
Everybody’s hair is different, and that is what makes us unique. Try both methods and see which one works best for your hair. Zoe can’t tell you which moisturizing method will work best for you, but she can help you with the process. That’s why we made Zoe to teach little girls how to love their curls. Zoe’s hair is full of curl power, that can be washed and styled like your own.