Select a 1/2 oz. More specifically, you must know about your porosity. O stands for oil. So the title of the article alludes to a second method, the LCO method. Which method do you prefer: the LCO method or the LOC method? On a similar note, if you find your hair weighed down by too much product, try eliminating one step and see how your strands fare. RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to High Porosity Hair. Get started with our natural hair care products. The LOC method simply refers to a layering techniqueso you can sub in any products you please. LOC stands for lotion (or leave-in conditioner), oil, cream. Simply put, the best conditioner for dry natural hair is one that is rich and slippery, makes your hair Ayanais The Curl Markets brand founder. ), hella conditioning, provide ample slip and lock in all that glorious moisture. She has a B.A. NO mineral oil NO silicones NO dyes NO parabens NO triclosan NO formaldehyde donor preservatives NO phthalates NO animal testing. Medium porosity hair often has just enough porosity to capture moisture, but the cuticle is just closed enough that it doesnt escape easily. She currently lives in New York City. In a nutshell, since these cuticles are so tightly shut, both water and products have a difficult time entering into the hair shaft. Over time, the build of layers of products can prevent the absorption of moisture. Applying an oil immediately after the L will lock in that first, critical layer of moisture (remember: we want to prevent evaporation in high porosity hair). In her role at mbg, she reports on everything from the top beauty industry trends, to the gut-skin connection and the microbiome, to the latest expert makeup hacks. However, sometimes, when hair is dry it can lead to unhealthy hair which occasionally can show up as frizzy hair as well. The short answer: it depends on your hair porosity. is The Curl Markets brand founder. In short, both the LOC and LCO methods are great for making sure your natural hair stays moisturised and healthy. The most ideal oil for your hair is highly dependent on your hair porosity. Experiment with which order works best for you. How frequently you wash or co-wash depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Additionally, you dont want to cause build-up by starting with a heavy product. Lets continue with the next step; oil. You know the saying oil and water dont mix? A perfect staple product for high porosity strands in need of some TLC. If you havent noticed already, you may have to tweak the LOC method to meet your personal hair needs and goals. Specifically, the liquid part of the LOC equation becomes even more important: Youll want to make sure your hair stays wet as you apply your oil and creamyou may even want to use steam (like from the shower) while applying to help open the cuticle and make it easier for the water and moisture to seep in. You just need a slightly different approach, as your strands have denser cuticles and a harder time absorbing water and product. You know whats empowering? Why? Because oil sits on top of the water to seal it in. If youre unsure of your porosity, check out our article. Too much buildup will lead to more dryness! Choosing products for low porosity 4c hair should be an intentional process. Contrary to popular belief, its not hard to pop and define 4c coils. The key is to use, product step that could potentially be applied before or after your oil, based on your hair type. Spray a bit of water in it, this will help prevent breakage. Jamie Schneider is the Beauty & Wellness Editor at mindbodygreen, covering beauty and wellness. Product build-up on your hair shaft can mimic low porosity hair and give unreliable results.) Treating high porosity hair is more than just slapping on a deep conditioner. Additionally, you should start on freshly washed hair to get the best out of the LOC method for your curls. Read full disclosureHERE. You dont want the liquid to be too heavy for this first step because of the other products coming up. In contrast, high porosity naturals have cuticles that refuse to close. As mentioned above, low porosity natural hair has difficulty absorbing product. I use a leave-in that doubles as a conditioner to keep my hair nourished and moisturised. Some even claim that they just use water as the first step. Ask anyone in the curl community the secret to soft, bouncy curls, and they'll likely tell you: Moisture, and lots of it. At PATTERN, we honestly love some frizzy hair. However, there is plenty you can do to, Just be sure to keep a healthy balance of moisture and protein. in Organizational Studies and English from the University of Michigan, and her work has appeared in Coveteur, The Chill Times, and Wyld Skincare. The LOC method is a layering technique created to achieve peak moisture levels in natural hair. A much more effective deep conditioning strategy than the baggy method, and best of all: its much more affordable than a $100 steamer. This means that anything that creates a barrier between the hair and water only makes it more difficult to fully hydrate the hair. ), This doesnt allow much room for water to come. You can also create your own mixture of oils and use that instead. Lets make sure youre getting the full benefit of your products. My hair is no longer a "brittle" and "dry" feeling. It is difficult for this hair porosity toretainmoisture. If keeping on a bonnet in the night isnt for you, you could sleep on a satin pillowcase instead. This is the hair product step that could potentially be applied before or after your oil, based on your hair type. When your hair retains moisture its flexible and this makes it less prone to breakage. A popular term in the curl community that isn't so difficult to add to your post-shower routine (you may even have all the products you need at the ready). Why? While it's hard to identify a general rule of thumb (everyone's hair is different), heavy product usually weighs down fine hair, while too-light products might not provide dense coils with enough moisture. Another thing to note, different strands in your hair can have different porosities. The result? Lets continue with the next step; oil. This is why oils come later in your natural hair routine the oils assist in sealing the liquid and/or cream, depending on if you use the LCO method or LOC method. And we all know that dryness = breakage. Find your recipe for beautiful, healthy-looking Hair & Skin. Get the latest news about upcoming sales, deals and new products. You could try both and see which one works for you. If youre not sure what your porosity level is, read What is Hair Porosity and How to Check for Hair Porosity before reading this article. For high porosity hair, you want to use a heavy hair butter or a hair cream that isnt water-based such as below:-. This is a must have tool for low porosity naturals. High porosity coils are incredibly sensitive and fragile to damage, and if youre interested in learning about how to treat high porosity hair, know this: You dont need to commit to a Its no secret that low porosity hair suffers from dryness. Those with high porosity, healthy hair have the opposite need. Using a protein treatment when your hair becomes, Product Education, Styling Sessions, Hair Care. It is hard to find the words to express how happy I am. This collection of products is exceptional! On the flip-side, if you have a looser curl structure, you may want to dry your hair with a microfiber towel or T-shirt before starting the LOC method. On the other hand, high porosity and low porosity hair have the most complex relationship with hydration, requiring a little more love and effort to aid in moisture retention. No other cream exists on the market quite like this one not only does it have amazing slip, but its rich formula with shea butter and vitamin E will lock in moisture and reduce friction between your coils, keeping breakage at bay! This results in moisture entering the shaft easy, but it being released just as fast. These oils both absorb to aid moisture retention while washing off easily to keep your hair prepped to receive moisture. While the LOC method can work for low porosity hair, I much prefer the LCO method for low porosity hair and finer hair types. Some will also opt for the LCO method (leave-in conditioner, cream, oil). The method includes 3 steps known as liquid, oil, cream and is broken down as follows:-. Make sure youre using products that contain ingredients such as proteins (of varying sizes), aloe vera, and coconut oil. Which is important, because where you fall on the texture spectrum will determine how frequently you should wash (or co-wash, which is essentially rinsing and reconditioning your hair without a full shampoo)and thus, how often you should apply the LOC method. She is also the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. Curious about how to refine those curls? If the hair strand sinks to the bottom, then you likely have high porosity hair. Naturals that are low porosity commonly experience the below traits: Deep conditioner doesnt absorb into the hair, even after being in a bag for a few hours; The hair takes forever to dry after its washed; and. Are you newly natural or just wanting to shake up your natural routine, then you definitely need to learn about the LOC / LCO method! For my low porosity kings and queens, where moisture PENETRATION is imperative, youre going to want to use theLCOmethod, for the following reasons: Product application is as critical as the products themselves. A water-based Styling Cream that contains yummy hair oils hydrates while it seals. We also provide lifestyle tips, both self care and mental care, to ensure you are optimizing your bodys natural hair growth cycle because you cant grow natural hair if youre stressed out! For more oil choices, read 97 Best Hair Care Products for High Porosity Hair. Before we get into whether you should use the LOC method or the LCO method, you need to know a bit more about your hair before you decide which method you should use. Follow her on Instagram at @tothecurlmarket. While using the LOC or LCO method is great for keeping your hair moisturised and healthy, there are a couple of other things you can do to compound the effects. Again, it depends on hair type. (Well get into this in just a moment.). I have spent many years and lots of money trying products that my hair would Love! Buying from these links will give us small compensation which we use to run this website. The LOC Method not to be confused with locs is a term frequently used to describe a process of applying natural hair styling products to hydrate curly natural hair and retain hydration. Its easy to ask yourself, Why is my curly hair so frizzy? but some frizz is natural, healthy, and good. Cream is your final and outer layer and primary sealant. I love it! When shes not deep in natural hair research or creating content, shes hanging on the couch with her husband and her cat, reading a book or scrolling through TikTok. I strongly believe that the most natural products are best for my hair. The detangling ghee is fantastic and smells wonderful. Match your curls with products they'll love. We use the latest evidence-based scientific research to provide you with the top tips on growing your curls. The key is to use hair oils that provide the best benefit for your natural hair. Goddess StrengthCollection, FOR EXTREMELY DAMAGED, OVER-PROCESSED HAIR, MOISTURIZES AND STRENGTHENS WEAK STRANDS WITH CASTOR OIL, An error occured on the server, please try later or contact the customer service, For the best experience, please turn your device. One of those tried-and-true ways is to condition and seal the hair shaft immediately post-wash. And that's where this layering order comes into play. If you color or chemically process your hair in other ways, then you definitely need the LOC method because you will likely have high porosity hair. "If you put product on when it's sopping wet, it's just going to be flatter," Dickey says. Every time you wash your hair, you can practice the LOC method. Nothing actually makes hair grow faster. Method Collection for High Porosity Hair contains the only leave-in, oil and cream you will need to keep your extremely dry hair super soft and supple for daaayys, without the need to re-moisturize! If you use LOC method, you may experience accelerated product buildup as the cream is sitting atop of the oil and not penetrating. You can also apply them in L.C.O. Depending on your hair types needs, the cream could potentially draw in more moisture into the hair, just like the leave-in conditioner, if it contains humectants such as Shea Butter. My lo po hair loves your Burdock Butter creme and so do I! This doesnt allow much room for water to come into the hair shaft. Thank you. I wish I had learned about Qhemet Biologics years ago. This is because the cuticles lay completely fact, acting as a barrier to water and product penetration. To avoid this, an oil should be used as a buffer between the liquid and the cream. Now that we have that out of the way, lets dive into the mechanics of the LCO vs LOC method and which one is right for you! In this article, I share the best products for the LOC method, how to do the LOC method on curly hair, and how effective it is for low porosity hair and high porosity hair. Low porosity natural hairhas a low absorption rate, because the cuticles are stubbornly closed. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Check out the chart below, as well as our blog post about how to moisturize curly hair. This buttery, soft leave-in conditioner contains incredibly moisturizing ingredients such as avocado oil, rice oil and aloe vera (aka the moisture G.O.A.T.)! For instance, if you wash your hair every week, do it and keep your hair in a bun until the next weekend. So the first step in this routine is liquid or a leave-in conditioner. Over time, the build of layers of products can prevent the absorption of moisture. It could also act as a sealant to that moisture if it contains an ingredient with occlusive properties such as Coconut Oil. Heres a quick summary of the difference between the LCO vs. LOC method, and which one is right for you. PATTERN BEAUTY, LLC. Eventually, this can lead to tangling, breakage, and rough cuticles on the hair shaft. The LOC method can be performed after co-washing your hair if you are using styling products, but keep in mind: your hair may still have a film on it from previous hair products if you have not thoroughly cleansed your hair. The LOC Method is best for type 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C hair. Its easy to ask yourself, Why is my curly hair so frizzy? but s. ome frizz is natural, healthy, and good. It's been a popular topic among many natural hair forums, where beauty fans discuss their own natural hair journeysincluding what helps keep their curls healthy and hydrated. Join the PATTERN family! The beauty of coily, tight, textured, and curly hair in its natural state is our everyday mood. And the heat supplied by this product will do just that! Its also important that you use products that are good for your hair and wont dry it out. Learning how to moisturize low porosity hair is not as complicated as weve been led to believe. METHOD COLLECTION FOR HIGH POROSITY HAIR. What is Its simple, really: the best curl defining products for 4c hair are ones that are moisture-rich (aka water-based! Porosity is arguably the most important concept to understand about your hair yes, even more important than knowing your hair type. For all my high porosity naturals, where moisture RETENTION is the goal, the LOC method should be your go-to, because: Using the right products for high porosity hair is imperative to encourage cuticle flattening and moisture retention. If youre still not sure, pull one clean, dry strand from your scalp. You can also do the LOC method every time you wash and go. Low porosity naturals have stubbornly closed cuticles. High porosity hair absorbs water easily, but it also loses water quickly. After hopping out of the shower and detangling, mind the three steps: After, just let your curls dry in their natural form, and try not to touch your hair (it only creates more frizz!). Check out the chart below as well as our blog post about how to moisturize curly hair to learn more. Experiment with which order works best for you. The speed at which your hair grows is already locked into your genetics. Keeping your hair hydrated is key to maintaining your hair growth. Because oil sits on top of the water to seal it in. All the leave-in products recommended above are suitable for high porosity hair and low porosity hair. All rights reserved. In other words when you are moisturizing your hair, you start with a liquid, then continue with an oil and finish with a cream. Learn more. However, there is plenty you can do to maintain your hair growth. If I could include a before and after photo I would!! And breakage = no length retention (aka growth). If youre deep conditioning, using lots of water, protective styling and you still experience dry natural hair, it may be time to take a look at your conditioner. Using a heavier oil will seal in hydration to prevent it from escaping the hair shaft. Another factor to consider before trying the LOC method is your hair porosity, or how well your hair cuticles absorb and hold on to moisture. A water-based Styling Cream that contains yummy hair oils hydrates while it seals. Nothing actually makes hair grow faster. Heres the l-o-w on LOC. The good news is that there are so many leave-in conditioners to choose from. Until now nothing has made my hair so soft and stayed moisturized for days before. This content may contain affiliate links. 2022 Qhemet Biologics 2009 - 2022 MindBodyGreen LLC. You guessed it! Theres nothing more frustrating than buying products that claim wonders for your hair, only for it to fall flat (pun intended). The LOC method is one of the ways utilized by naturalistas to maintain moisture in curly hair especially type 4 hair and high porosity hair. The beauty of coily, tight, textured, and curly hair in its natural state is our everyday mood. Follow her on Instagram at @, These Are The Must Have Tools For Natural Hair, Foods You Need To Eat To Grow Your Natural Hair, This quiz will give you the lowdown on exactly what your curl type is, so, 8 Hydrating Tips On How To Keep Low Porosity Natural Hair Moisturized (Until Wash Day), 5 Of The Most Afffordable and Hydrating Products for Low Porosity 4c Hair, The Not-So-Secret Secret To Treat High Porosity Hair for Ample Moisture, Heres How To Grow Low Porosity Hair (In 5 Seriously Easy Steps), Best Curl Defining Products for 4c Hair (That Actually Work), The Top 5 Best Conditioners for Dry Natural Hair in 2022, 8 Quality Leave in Conditioners To Moisturize 4c Hair, An oil, since it has no water content, should be used last to lock in all the moisture from the L and C; and. Allow us to reemphasize, the perfect air-dry game is a journey, not a destination. But sometimes your hair is perpetually thirsty no matter how many hydrating hair masks you lather onleaving it dry, frizzy, and dull. Sign up for our email list to receive our exclusive newsletter and keep up with the best tips for growing natural hair, right at your fingertips. I use a curl cream as my next step, but sometimes also make my own using shea butter. If its smooth, you have either low porosity or normal porosity hair. Below, weve compiled some common ways to switch it up: The LOC method is just a clever way to remember how to layer products for a frizz-free, curly style. A water-based, Use an Approach Tailored to Your Hair Porosity. (Wondering what low porosity hair is? Think of a pot of boiling water that you dont want to boil over. Using a water-based leave-in conditioner with humectants such as honey, aloe, and. Keeping your hair hydrated is key to maintaining your hair growth. (This test works best after you have shampooed your hair. in Organizational Studies and English from the University of Michigan, and her work has appeared in Coveteur, The Chill Times, and Wyld Skincare. C stands for cream, and is responsible for locking in the moisture and holding down the fort. This quiz will give you the lowdown on exactly what your curl type is, soyou'll never have to wonder again. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); HNHP is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Curly, coily, and kinky hair types would want to seal the hair shaft immediately post-wash, which is exactly what the LOC method entails. These oils both absorb to aid moisture retention while washing off easily to keep your hair prepped to receive moisture. .Its very moisturizing but I did find the oil to be a little greasey. This raises the, your hair may be more receptive to cleansing more frequently than if you have tight-textured natural hair which often craves more oil. With low porosity hair, the cuticle of the hair shaft is extremely closed. free standard shipping + klarna pay later. If you do this, you will cause severe product build-up and the products will stop working properly. High porosity natural hairhas a high absorption rate, because the cuticles are always open. Qhemet Biologics products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If youre a curly girl, have curly hair, your hair may be more receptive to cleansing more frequently than if you have tight-textured natural hair which often craves more oil. If you dont know your hair type, check out our quick quiz and find the best products for each strand pattern here. I would not recommend using heavy hair butter on low porosity hair for the LOC method. So in order for the LOC method to have any lasting benefits, knowing how often to rinse is a key point. For 4c low porosity hair, having a solid arsenal of go-to products can be the difference between healthy hair and dry hair. Watch out for drying alcohols (SD-alcohol, isopropyl alcohol) and mineral-oil, which run rampant in our products. Some folks (namely, those with low-porosity hair) find that applying their water-based curl creams, After completing the LOC method, you can also opt for protective styles (like. Abi is a curly hair expert and author of the successful Healthy Hair Care Series. A Mielle cult classic, this moisturizing hair milk is formulated with film-forming, moisturizing humectants such as aloe vera, nettle and horsetail extract. 2022 HEALTHY NATURAL HAIR PRODUCTS | POWERED BY, Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioner, Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate Twist Butter, Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Souffl, Curls Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream, Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme, Megan Thee Stallion Natural Hair Natural Hair Inspiration, C cream for keeping the moisture in for several days at a time. In other words, using oil-based products first will dry out your hair. A Canadian-based brand, Earthtones Naturals focuses on holistic, natural ingredients and this gel is no exception. However, sometimes, when hair is dry it can lead to unhealthy hair which occasionally can show up as frizzy hair as well. Depending on your scalp condition, hair type, and your natural hairs relationship with hair oils, how frequently you should use the LOC method varies. The products actually work in terms of keeping the hair moisturized, and another plus is that there is no white residue!! However, we also know that some actually prefer conditioners with mineral oil, because it tends to work better on their hair. It is difficult for this hair porosity toabsorbmoisture. Another variation of the LOC method is the LCO method which changes the order in which the products are applied. We use the latest evidence-based scientific research to provide you with the top tips on growing your curls, regardless of hair type. We need this second step to provide a barrier for our freshly hydrated strands and to prevent moisture leaving your hair. Buying by clicking on the links helps to support our efforts to provide you with the most accurate information. In addition to protective styles that put less friction and wear on your hair, preventing hair from brittleness helps stop it from snapping when you do want to manipulate and style your hair. As for which hair types can benefit most from the LOC method, its especially great for curls that fare well with tons of moisture (typically your type 3s and 4s). Even though cream functions as a sealant, make sure it is nourishing for your hair. We are fans of the ones that do not have parabens, silicones and mineral oils to keep it as natural as possible. Individual results may vary. Using a protein treatment when your hair becomes too hydrated can help keep it strong by balancing the hair. Keep in mind, you cant layer products repeatedly without washing your hair. At PATTERN, we honestly love some frizzy hair. And on top of that? Think of a pot of boiling water that you dont want to boil over. The softening serum also has a wonderfully fresh smell and works great with the other products in this collection. A win-win! Depending on your hair porosity, the LOC method can be your secret weapon against dry hair. So make an educated guess. Much like skincare, the order of product application is essential to meeting your hair goals. I myself have 3c/4a low porosity hair and I prefer the LCO method over the LOC method. If you find your strands practically screaming for moisture, consider this clever three-step technique to lock in the hydration. If you color or heat style your hair this can affect your cuticle and change your hairs porosity. Moisture is notoriously hard for natural hair to retain, which is why we must use water/leave-ins underneath other products. Some of the best oils and oil-based products for this step include:-. Now youre ready for the final step, this is where it gets creamy. The appearance of hair growth through hair length retention.
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