Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licensed cosmetologist for severe breakage or chemical concerns.
Moisturizing natural hair has become a science. Over the years, the natural hair community has popularized techniques like the LOC method, originally coined by Rochelle Graham-Campbell, alongside its cousin, the LCO method. But how do these two compare, and when should you use them?
These two moisturizing methods work by layering different densities of hair products on your hair.
In both methods, the L represents liquid or leave-in conditioner, the O represents oil, and the C represents cream. So, the sequence of application is different between LOC and LCO.
What Is LOC Method?
LOC is a moisturizing technique where you layer the liquid first into the hair to hydrate it, then seal the moisture with oil. You then use a cream to lock in moisturizers and prevent frizz.
This method is excellent for highly porous hair. High-porosity hair has no problem absorbing moisture. However, it loses it just as fast, which can be frustrating when maintaining natural hair.
With the LOC method, the liquid hydrates the hair rapidly. The oil seals the liquid moisturizer into the hair strand, preventing it from drying.
A layer of cream provides additional protection to prevent moisture from escaping.
Pros and Cons of LOC
Here are some benefits and drawbacks of the LOC method:
Pros
- Great at moisturizing dry hair
- Minimizes frizz
- Protects hair from damage
- Can improve the definition of your curls
Cons
- Too much product could weigh down your hair
- Not suitable for fine or thin hair
What Is LCO Method?
The LCO hair moisturizing technique involves layering the liquid first, followed by cream, and then oil. This method works well for low-porosity hair, which absorbs moisture rather slowly.
This method helps low-porosity hair lock in moisture without weighing it down with too much product. It also enhances the appearance of the hair by smoothing it out and minimizing frizz.
Pros and Cons of LCO
Here are some benefits and drawbacks of LCO method:
Pros
- Softens and moisturizes hair
- Prevents frizz
- Great for low-porosity hair
Cons
- It takes longer to dry
- It requires trial and error with various products before you find the combination that works best
Differences Between LOC and LCO Methods
Hair Porosity
The best method for you depends on your hair porosity (high vs. low).
High-porosity hair absorbs and loses moisture fast, meaning it’s prone to dryness and brittleness. Low-porosity hair absorbs less moisture.
LOC is best for high-porosity hair, while LCO works well for low-porosity hair.
Hair Type
Another difference in LOC vs. LCO is the hair types they work best for.
The LOC moisturizing technique works best for curly hair, which benefits from the heavy products used in this method.
The LCO method, on the other hand, uses lighter products, making it ideal for wavy to curly hair. The main advantage of the LCO method is that it doesn’t weigh down the hair yet provides moisture and minimizes frizz.
Hair Texture
Coarse and thick hair calls for the LOC moisturizing method, as the heavy products help keep the thick hair strands together.
Fine hair, on the other hand, works well when moisturized with the LCO method. This method uses lighter products that do not weigh down fine hair.
Application
The application procedure is the major difference between LOC and LCO.
The first step in both moisturizing techniques begins with water or a water-based product for initial hydration.
You start the application process in LOC with a liquid or leave-in conditioner, an oil, and then a cream. In LCO, you start with the liquid, then apply cream, before sealing it with oil.
Products
Both LOC and LCO methods use a liquid, cream, and oil. In both moisturizing techniques, the base liquid is a water-based moisturizer since oil-based products lack the water needed to actively hydrate the hair.
However, the cream and oil vary between the two methods. Highly porous hair is prone to losing moisture. It requires heavier oils (coconut or castor) and creams to lock in moisture and prevent the hair from drying out.
The heaviness of the cream used in the LOC method keeps the hair strands together, further protecting moisture.
On the other hand, low-porosity hair requires lighter products with more humectants (ingredients that draw in moisture, like glycerin, honey, or aloe vera). These products can keep the hair hydrated and frizz-free without weighing down the hair.
Maintenance
LOC and LCO have different maintenance requirements. The LOC technique uses heavier products to moisturize the hair. This could result in more product build-up in the hair and scalp, necessitating more maintenance.
On the contrary, the LCO moisturizing technique uses lighter products that do not weigh down the hair or cause too much build-up. Therefore, it might require less frequent washing than hair moisturized using LOC.
Here is a table that shows the suitability for LOC and LCO.
| Characteristics | LOC | LCO |
|---|---|---|
| Hair porosity | High | Low |
| Hair Type | Curly to coily | Wavy to curly |
| Hair Texture | Coarse and thick | Fine and thin |
| Application | Liquid > Oil > Cream | Liquid > Cream > Oil |
| Products | Heavy | Lighter |
| Maintenance | Requires frequent washing to prevent product build-up | Less washing required |
LOC Vs. LCO Method: Which One to Choose for Your Hair?
Getting the right moisturizing technique is a matter of experimentation. It’s advisable to try out the two moisturizing techniques and see which works best for your situation. Here are a few factors to help with your decision.
- Your lifestyle should be a deciding factor. How much time do you have for caring for your hair? Since LOC uses heavier products, it might also mean more frequent hair washing during the week, especially if you have an oily scalp.
- Your hair’s moisture needs should be the primary consideration when choosing LOC vs. LCO. If your hair struggles to absorb moisture but holds it well once saturated, LCO is the best technique. The LCO technique is the best choice for dealing with low-porosity hair.
- Your hair type and texture also affect the moisturizing technique you choose. LOC works well with tight coils and coarse-textured hair, while LCO works well with looser curls, waves, and fine-textured hair.
Some people don’t know the best method until they experiment with various product combinations and moisturizing techniques. Therefore, experiment with each technique for a few weeks before settling on one.
Work with different product combinations during experimentation to find one that works well for your hair.
So, LOC is the best choice for anyone with high-porosity hair, while LCO suits people with low-porosity hair. Both methods work well for you if your hair has medium porosity.
If you’re still confused between LOC vs. LCO, try both methods and see how your hair performs on each. Let us know your results in the comments.
FAQs
LCO is the best moisturizing method for low-porosity hair since it uses lightweight products that the hair absorbs easily.
Always start the LOC or LCO method on damp or freshly washed hair. While these methods are designed to treat hair that suffers from dryness, applying heavy products to hair in a bone-dry state will cause severe tangling, breakage, and product buildup.
Yes, you can do LCO or LOC daily, but it’s not advisable. Since you’re not washing your hair daily, using these moisturizing techniques every few days or once a week is best to prevent product build-up.
LOC is often favored for 4C hair if it is highly porous and prone to dryness, but you should always choose the method based on your hair’s porosity rather than just its curl pattern. With the LOC method, you first introduce moisture into your hair, seal it with oil, then layer cream to lock in the hydration.