Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
If you are looking for a highly effective treatment to provide your curls with optimal moisture, then take a look at the LOC method. You may have never heard of it, because unlike in the USA, it is still relatively unknown here.
In this article you will find out in detail what advantages the care technique with the mysterious three letters has and how exactly the whole thing works.
Psst – first of all: If your curls are constantly thirsty, then the “LOC method” could be just the thing and the long-term solution to your hair problems. Curious? Then read on!
What is the LOC method actually?
LOC – which sounds so cryptic as an abbreviation, is a popular technique for moisturizing and maintaining the health of curly and frizzy hair.
The abbreviation "LOC" stands for the terms " Liquid, Oil, Cream " and describes the three application steps of the curl care method .
The basic idea of the LOC method is to first
- moisturize with a liquid or a leave-in conditioner,
- then seal with oil
- and finally apply a hydrating cream to preserve moisture in the hair.
The LOC method can help you better define your curls, reduce frizz, and keep your hair healthier and more hydrated.
How does the LOC method work?
To use the LOC method for curls, you only need to follow three simple care steps. And this is how it works:
Step 1: Leave in Conditioner or Liquid
The method works best on freshly washed hair. Then start with the “L”.
To do this, the hair is first moistened with a liquid or a leave-in conditioner to add moisture to the hair.
Aloe vera or linseed gel are suitable for this, but the most effective are of course leave-in conditioners tailored to curls.
Step 2: Oil / Hair Oil
The nice thing about LOC-ing your hair is that you don't have to wait for it to take effect . Once you've completed step "L", you can go straight to "O" for oil. Apply a thin layer of oil to your hair.
The hair oil ensures that the moisture in the hair is sealed. It also offers the hair optimal protection against drying out.
Depending on the porosity of the hair , this care step is suitable.
- heavy oils such as argan oil,
- medium-heavy oil such as jojoba or coconut oil
- or very light oils such as fragrant almond oil.
Step 3: Cream
Then it goes seamlessly on to the third and final step - the curl cream . This is a moisturizing cream that helps to keep the moisture in the hair for as long as possible.
This will leave your curls wonderfully soft and smooth. Some curlies actually use a hand or body cream for this final step, but we favor a curl cream designed for natural curls.
Which products are suitable for the LOC method?
For deep conditioning of curls using the LOC method, we recommend natural hair care products that do not contain silicones and sulfates.
Artificial additives such as phthalates and mineral oils can also damage your sensitive natural curls in the long term. Especially when it comes to deep-acting care, the ingredients should be selected particularly carefully.
For L like Liquid:
For the first care step, a water-based, nourishing leave-in conditioner is ideal, which provides your hair with plenty of moisture. A leave-in that easily meets these requirements is the Pretty Curly Girl Extra Loving Leave-in Conditioner .For O like Oil:
There is no special LOC Oil, but depending on the hair type, a variety of natural, vegetable oils are suitable, such as
- argan oil,
- jojoba oil
- or almond oil.
Specially formulated hair oils, which consist of valuable oil compositions and plant extracts, are true masters at locking in moisture in the hair and giving it a beautiful shine.
The Ooh So Soft Curls Oil Treatment by Sumilayi contains nourishing grape seed oil and actively combats frizz.
In our shop you will find many oils that are suitable for different hair structures. To find out which oil is right for your hair and which other products you can use to get the best out of your curls, take part in our curl quiz.
For C like Cream:
A moisturizing curl cream completes the LOC method and makes styling the hair easier. This ensures defined, bouncy curls and extra hold.
For bouncy, velvety curls and an unbeatable moisture boost, you can, for example, add the ultra-nourishing Bouclème Curl Cream to your hair section by section in the final step.
Is the LOC method suitable for me?
If you have dry hair or very curly or frizzy hair, then the LOC method may be great for you.
All hair that tends to lose moisture quickly can benefit from deep-acting care.
Even if you feel that your hair is particularly brittle and straw-like and could use an extra nourishing treatment, then give it an extra portion of moisture with the LOC method .
If you have very fine hair , the three care steps of the method could quickly weigh down your curls and make your hair too greasy.
However, you don't have to write off the use of the LOC method. Just vary the products a little and use lighter formulations and less oil.
It is also not set in stone that only the order L, O, C is the correct application. How about LCO or OLC instead of LOC?
Expert tip: The LOG method is also a care routine that is particularly good for wavy and curly hair of curl types 1 to 3, as it does not weigh the hair down too much. The G in this method stands for gel. Curl gel gives the hair hold and definition, which is a wonderful way to keep frizz-prone hair under control.
Be willing to experiment and just try out what suits your curls best and what gives you the best results.
How often should I use the LOC method?
There is no general answer to this question, because just as your hair is individual, it also reacts individually to care.
If you spend a little time looking at your hair, you can quickly find out what type of hair you have and how thirsty your hair is - in other words, how much moisture it needs. The better you understand your hair, the more effectively and purposefully you can care for it.
If you're ready to take your hair to the next level , take our exciting curl quiz now! We're excited to get to know you and understand your unique hair needs and goals.
With just a few questions, we can put together your perfect curl routine . Whether your hair is slightly wavy, curly or very curly - our curl quiz will find the right products for every hair type.
What are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the world of the perfect curly look and take part in the quiz now!
In general, the LOC method can be used very well once a week to deeply nourish and moisturize the hair.
If your hair is very dry, you can use the treatment more often, for example every three to four days . However, be careful not to over-condition your hair or allow excessive amounts of product to build up in your hair.
It is recommended to wash your hair regularly with a clarifying shampoo to remove build up and keep your scalp healthy.
For a deep cleansing without damaging the hair or scalp, the wonderful Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo from Curlsmith is a real essential.
Conclusion
Applying the LOC method can make a big difference, especially for curls that tend to be dry and for hair that has high porosity. This particularly applies to people with curl types 4a to 4c - i.e. a tight curl structure with beautiful "curly" and "coily" curls.
As an intensive moisturizing treatment, the method is extremely flexible due to the free choice of products and can be used on many different hair types.
There is no waiting or exposure time during the application, which is why we give the LOC method the best rating for everyday use. With just three products - leave-in, hair oil and curl cream - your beautiful hair will be perfectly LOC-ed in no time!
FAQ
Should the LOC method only be used on wet hair?
The LOC method can be used on both wet and dry hair. If you use the method on wet hair, the products can penetrate the hair better and moisturize it. If you use the method on dry hair, you can refresh the hair and give it shine and definition.
Can the LOC method help reduce frizz?
Yes, the LOC method can help reduce frizz by moisturizing the hair and protecting it from drying out. When hair is properly moisturized, it is less prone to frizz and frizzy.
The oil in the method also helps seal moisture in the hair and protect the hair from humidity, which can help reduce frizz.
You want to learn more about curl styling & techniques : Then take a look at our magazine.
