Winter is coming (although it feels like it’s already here!). With winter comes the challenge of keeping my curls feeling, looking, and genuinely being moisturized. The L.O.C. (liquid-oil-cream) Method is infamous among naturals for sealing moisture into the hair shaft. The key to its success is finding products that work for YOUR curls. So I’ve been on a mission this fall to test an all-in-one system from one product line that will be light on my fine hair strands but still strong enough to protect my tight curls.
The benefit of using products from the same line is that they are created to work together cohesively. Although there is nothing wrong with using products you love and know work for your hair, I’m always keen to try new product lines because I never know what amazing find I might stumble across. It’s rare that I find products that don’t weigh down or sit on top of my hair.
What is the L.O.C. Method?
So before going any further, I should explain exactly what the L.O.C. Method is. The “L” stands for Leave-in, the “O” stands for Oil, and the “C” stands for Creme/Cream. The idea is that you apply these products, in that order, to freshly washed hair so that you can seal in the moisture (or use a water based product like the leave-in instead of water).
The oil acts as a barrier that literally traps the moisture within our hair because the molecules from oils are too big to penetrate the hair shaft.
The final step involves applying the cream at the end of the process so that it lays down the cuticles after they have been lifted by the previous steps. The whole process protects your hair from damage, especially in harsher, colder months.
What are the benefits of using the L.O.C. Method?
Well, I advise people to use the L.O.C. Method year-round but it’s crucial during winter and fall because the air is dryer during these seasons so your hair doesn’t have the opportunity to absorb as much moisture. You have to actively hydrate your hair frequently so that you don’t fall prey to breakage and split ends.
This process will ultimately help you retain any hair growth you acquire during the winter months because your strands won’t snap and beak due to dryness. Coupled with protective styles, the L.O.C. Method is extremely effective in helping your hair stay long and healthy.
Lastly, the L.O.C. Method can also make your hair appear thicker because you’re literally trapping water within your hair shaft. Have you ever noticed how your hair swells when it’s wet? That’s courtesy of all the water currently occupying your hair shaft. Though the water will eventually dissipate, you can benefit from the appearance of thicker hair when using the L.O.C. Method.
What products did I use?
I was sent three products from Dr. Miracle’s “Feel It” Formula line. They were formulated specifically to seal in moisture for maximum hydration:
• Leave-in Conditioner (blended with Vitamins A, C & E)
• Daily Moisturizing Gro Oil (blended with Vitamins A, E, Avocado & Aloe Vera)
• Daily Anti-Breakage Strengthening Creme (with Aloe Vera & Natural Wheat Protein)
I used the products on freshly washed and deep conditioned hair. I usually wash my hair every 2 weeks so these products arrived just in time. While you can practice the L.O.C. Method in between wash days, I think you get maximum benefit when your hair is clean because you can truly assess the effectiveness of the products without previous product build-up.
How to do the L.O.C. Method
So this is super easy! My hair was still wet after washing out my deep treatment.
Here are photos of my hair after applying the L.O.C. Method to my natural hair. My hair felt super soft and had plenty of shine. I’ll be following this process throughout winter.
In between washes, I spritz warm water on my hair and repeat the process above. And that’s pretty much it. I’ve got my winter-safe curls on lock!
What changes will you be making to your hair care regimen this winter? Will you be trying the L.O.C. Method? Leave your comments below…
