The LOC Method...My Curly Hair Routine

Keep those curls moisturized!

There are tons and tons of blogs, YouTube videos and websites explaining and demonstrating the LOC Method so I won't bore you guys with that. This post is to explain my curly hair routine, what I use and how I incorporate the LOC Method into my regimen.

I start by Co-Washing my hair with As I Am Coconut CoWash

Liquid - Water and any water based leave in (water being the first ingredient) As I Am Leave in and Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect 7 leave in are my staple products. (I just started using the Aphogee Keratin Green Tea Restructurizer so I cannot say this is a staple yet but I do like it so far)

Oil - Grapeseed oil. This is what I use but you can use whatever oil your hair likes

Cream - As I am Double Butter Cream...HOLY GRAIL STATUS!! I love this stuff and cant rave enough about it. In the past when I ran out I used my daughters Bee Mine Luscious Cream Moisturizer which is a holy grail product for her hair.

My routine:
Products are applied in the order listed above. I co-wash with As I Am Coconut Co-Wash, add As I Am leave in AND/OR Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect 7 leave in (yes, I sometimes use both), add grapeseed oil, add As I Am Double Butter Cream. Then I style as I normally would using Eco Styler Olive Oil gel as my styler. My hair stays moisturized for days. To refresh my hair I might spritz with a little water to "wake up" my curls then apply a teeny tiny amount of gel to re-style areas that were smashed during sleep.

Below is information on the LOC Method from another website. (naturallycurly.com)

"If your curls absorb more water than a Sham Wow towel yet they're forever crying out for more moisture, then it may just be time to try out the LOC method."

"What sets the LOC method apart from other methods is the layering of products in a specific order to maximize moisture retention. The layer of moisture is effectively sealed in by two products which are both known to be excellent sealants: oil and butter. Both oil and butter are praised for their ability to create a layer along the hair shaft that helps to prevent water from being evaporated from it and lost to the atmosphere thus helping the hair to stay moisturized for longer. By using oil then a thicker heavier butter on top you are ensuring that as much moisture as possible remains on the hair shaft which is beneficial for curlies who struggle to maintain moisturized hair."

DIY Deep Conditioner

Homemade Deep Conditioner





Avocado:
Avocado is a great conditioner and moisturizer. Using avocado on your hair will help deep condition it and prevent breakage and dryness. Avocado extends a rich supply of vitamins and nutrients and encourages hair growth and maintain overall hair health.













Coconut Oil:
Use coconut oil to achieve smooth, healthy hair. Its small molecular structure allows for easy absorption by the hair shaft. High levels of saturated fats lend it ultra-hydrating properties that infuse hair with moisture and softness. It is a particularly effective treatment for dry, damaged or over processed hair.














Jojoba Oil: 
Promotes new healthier hair and helps to strengthen the existing hair (avoid hair loss). Acts as moisturizer; even better, it produces a thin film on hair shaft and scalp to maintain  a moisturized condition. Jojoba oil closely matches the sebum, your hair’s natural oil and can be used to balance oil production at the scalp, aiding overproducing glands that cause oily hair. Jojoba is also non-greasy and gives your hair a healthy shine.














Grape Seed Oil:
Is super light and moisturizing and can benefit all types of curls. Grapeseed oil is a  natural heat protectant and can actually be used as a thermal agent up to 425 degrees when blow drying or flat ironing. This oil works great to strengthen each strand, increase manageability and can also be used to combat dry scalp and dandruff. Because it is lighter weight than many other oils, such as olive oil, it absorbs into the skin and hair much faster, and without weighing hair down. Grapeseed oil is rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid, two things that will strengthen your hair.













Honey:
Honey contains vitamins, minerals, is antibacterial, acts as a humectant (attracts moisture), and has incredible healing properties.  The anti-bacterial property of honey helps to have a healthy scalp. This in turn reduces the risk of dandruff and thus, hair fall out. The high sugar content of honey helps to retain water and thereby maintains moisture content of hair. In fact this moisture content helps to keep the cuticle soft.










Egg: Eggs are rich in protein. Protein helps to make the hair follicle stronger and stronger strands of hair are less likely to break. Therefore, you’ll have fewer split ends. Eggs are also known to smooth the hair. Smooth hair is easier to manage and less likely to become tangled or knotted. Eggs act like a conditioner and moisturize dry hair. Eggs also make dull hair shine because unlike shampoo, eggs maintain the hair’s natural oils that shampoos tend to strip away. 

**If you/your hair are protein sensitive DO NOT use eggs in your DIY Conditioner**













Olive Oil: Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, which can keep the skin of your scalp in better shape. Olive oil can make your hair shiny and soft. That's why it has been used for centuries as a natural hair conditioner. Olive oil has the ability to treat split ends, heal dandruff and add shine. Olive oil contains omega fatty acids, specifically omega-6 and omega-3 which has a positive effect on skin and hair.
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, as well as vitamins A and E, which protect the keratin in hair and help to lock in moisture.

 

 

 

**Disclaimer - I am not a cosmetologist, scientist or chemist. I am a woman/mother who has done her own research to discover what works for our hair. This is what I have found that works best for myself as well as my daughters hair. I did not include measurements for the mixture because that should be decided based on the needs/length/thickness/thinness of your hair.