LOC and LCO are terms within the curly girl community that you may or may not be familiar with. They refer to two different but similar methods aimed at hydrating curly locks and are often praised for their effectiveness. In this article, we compare the LOC vs LCO methods so that you can determine exactly which one is right for you.

We have discussed the LOC vs LCO debate long amongst the curly girl community as it has not always been clear which method works best for which hair type. It’s important to note that both methods are very effective, but that each method caters to the individual’s hair porosity.

While we recommend the LOC method for high porosity hair, those with low porosity hair will benefit more from the LCO method.

What Do LOC And LCO Stand For?

LOC stands for liquid, oil, and cream while LCO stands for liquid, cream, and oil. Both methods describe the sequence in which you should apply the chosen products. We target these hair care routines at those with natural hair who are looking to lock in and keep moisture. This is essential for curly hair growth and hair health.

The LOC and LCO methods are highly effective and can be used every few days to maintain hydration. It’s not recommended that you use them every day as this can have the opposite effect and lead to product build-up and dryness.

Who are the LOC and LCO Methods Suitable For?

• Natural, curly, textured hair
• Those who are struggling with dry, brittle, dull hair that needs hydration.
• Dry, frizzy hair is one of the major struggles that many curly-haired women face.

That is why using a method like LOC or LCO can make a difference in the overall texture of the hair, leaving it softer and more manageable.

LOC vs LCO: The Methods Explained

Both methods are a 3-step process that follows a specific order. Although the processes might not seem too dissimilar, the results will vary depending on your hair type. Let’s look at the LOC vs LCO method and how they differ:

The LOC Method hydrates the hair by:

• Applying liquid (water or a water-based product)
• Sealing hair with the use of an oil such as Jojoba Oil
• Applying a Shea buttercream to seal and moisturize ends

The LCO Method hydrates the hair by:

• Applying liquid (water or a water-based product)
• Applying a hydrating cream to seal and moisturize ends
• Finishing it with a natural oil such as castor oil

What Is The LOC / LCO Method?

When you are moisturizing your hair, you start with a liquid, then continue with oil and finish with cream. The individual products that you use are pretty much up to you and whatever works for your hair. Below we will dive deeper into the distinct steps.

Liquid / Leave-In Conditioner

So the first step in this routine is liquid or a leave-in conditioner. This step soaks up moisture, so make sure you use a moisturizing conditioner. If the conditioner that you apply at this stage does not reach far on the moisture scale, then regardless of what oil or cream you use afterward to seal your curls and kinks, it is still going to appear dry.

Oils

Let’s continue with the next step; oil. We need this second step to provide a barrier for our freshly hydrated strands and to prevent moisture from leaving our hair. The most ideal oil for your hair highly depends on your hair’s porosity. If you have low porosity hair, you are better off with lighter oils like argan oil or avocado oil. High porosity hair loses moisture quickly, so if you fall into the latter category, you better use a heavier oil like castor oil or olive oil. If you have normal porosity hair, jojoba oil and grapeseed oil are good options.

Cream

Now you’re ready for the last step, this is where it gets creamy. You guessed it! The cream is your final and outer layer and primary sealant. Even though cream functions as a sealant, make sure it is nourishing for your hair.

Which Method Is Better?

So the title of the article refers to a second method, the LCO method. This is the same method, you just switch the order of your oil and cream. The method you choose is really up to you and your hair type There is a consensus that the LOC method works best on Type 4 hair (4a,4b,4c) and the LCO method on type 3 hair (3a/b/c) and those with low porosity hair.

I have 3c/4a high porosity hair and I prefer the LOC method over the LCO method. I use a leave-in that doubles as a conditioner to keep my hair nourished and moisturized. Olive oil and sweet almond oil are my go-to oils, I use a curl cream, but sometimes also make my own using shea butter as the last step in my LOC routine. I believe that the most natural products are best for my hair.

Which Should I Choose?

There’s always been a huge debate surrounding which method works best, but neither is better nor worse than the other. It simply depends on your hair porosity as this determines how well your hair absorbs moisture.

So while both methods are highly effective at treating dry, damaged hair by locking in moisture, your choice should depend on your hair porosity.

Other Healthy Hair Practices

While using the LOC or LCO method is great for keeping your hair moisturized and healthy, there are a couple of other things you can do to compound the effects. Don’t brush or comb through dry hair when restyling your hair. Spray a bit of water in it, this will help prevent breakage. Make sure you’re moisturizing your hair during the week, because doing LOC or LCO on just wash day won’t get you through the week.

In short, both the LOC and LCO methods are dominant for making sure your natural hair stays moisturized and healthy. While many people believe one is better than the other, it just depends on your hair and your preference. You could try both and see which one works for you. It’s also important that you use products that are good for your hair and won’t dry it out. Neither the LCO method nor the LOC method will be enough to ensure long and healthy hair, but it sure goes a long way.