If your curls are parched and falling flat, it’s time to lock in. We’re talking about the LOC method, a three-step product regimen for healthy hydrated curls. We’re breaking down everything to know about this curly hair care hack, with our ultimate guide to the LOC method.

Curly haired girls know that on a good hair day your curls can be amazing. But on a lesser good day, your curls can be unruly, falling flat or frizzy and straight up unmanageable. The only way to keep your curls in check is to make sure they’re getting enough moisture. And using the LOC method is the best way to ensure that they are. So what is the LOC method? In short, the LOC hair method is a curly-hair hack for applying products to maximize moisture retention. Specifically, LOC is an acronym for the order in which to layer products for best results. Starting light and layering to the heaviest, L stands for liquid, the O stands for oil, and the C is for cream. The lightest formula (liquid) absorbs into the hair shaft to moisturize; while the mid-weight formula (oil) serves as the sealant; and the heaviest formula (cream) smooths the cuticle, locking everything in for healthy, hydrated, super-defined curls and coils. 

Your hair type and porosity play an important part in whether or not your strands will benefit from using the LOC method. It works really well for type 3 and type 4 curls that are highly porous. . Most curly or coily hair textures have a high porosity- oran open cuticle. The higher your hair’s porosity, the more easily it lets moisture in. But it lets it out just as easily, making it prone to dryness. So using the LOC method for high porosity hair is a must. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use the LOC method for low porosity hair. Unlike high porosity, hair on the lower end has a sealed cuticle. This results in both moisture and product buildup sitting on top of the hair’s surface, making it even harder for moisture to penetrate the shaft. For this reason, low porosity hair tends to benefit more from using the LCO method. More on this below. 

As you’ve likely guessed, the difference between the LOC vs LCO method is the order in which you layer your styling products. Like the LOC, the LCO still starts with the liquid. But it swaps the order of the oil and cream. Because of the closed cuticle, low porosity hair has a harder time absorbing water and product. So many people find that applying the oil last provides better moisture retention.If you have incredibly thick, coiled or coarse air, you might benefit more from the LCO method’s extra layer of moisture from a cream product and sealing it with an oil.

Ready to try the LOC hair method? It starts in the shower with a good foundation. Use a cream-based cleanser and moisturizing conditioner to clean and nourish your scalp and strands. Once your hair has been cleansed, conditioned, and is still soaking wet you’re ready to rock.

Choose a milk or cream based leave-in conditioner for the L, to add even more moisture to your hair. Apply leave-in conditioner evenly in sections by clapping your hands around your hair and gently scrunching it into strands from root to tip. Make sure to coat your ends, as this is the driest and thirstiest part of your hair.

Next up is the O, or hair oil. Choose a hair oil formulated with emulsifiers to help the moisture absorb better. Apply it to your hair the same way you did the leave-in conditioner. But be less generous with the oil. Apply a thin layer to lock moisture in, applying it in small amounts and adding more as needed.

The final step in the LOC method is applying hair cream- the C. Choose a deeply moisturizing formula to seal in all the hydration from the first two steps. Moving section by section again, apply it evenly by scrunching the cream into your strands until you're left with perfectly defined curls or coils.

The secret to soft bouncy curls is lots of moisture. The LOC method only works if you use the right products for your perpetually thirsty hair. These are our stylist’s favorite LOC method products for your post-shower routine: 

For the liquid try-

OI All In One Milk

Our best-selling multi-functional leave-in treatment milk controls frizz, hydrates, protects, and softens, leaving hair shiny and silky. This hydrating milk conditioning spray tames and detangles for a smooth, naturally shiny look. Formulated with Roucou oil, rich in beta-carotene and natural antioxidants, it also contains deeply moisturizing provitamin B5 and a functional amino complex that provides resistance to stress and heat protection up to 230°

Dede Hair Mist

A lightweight leave-in hair milk conditioner formulated to detangle hair and fight frizz. It moisturizes and remineralizes all hair types without weighing them down. It hydrated hair making it silky and easy to comb.

For the oil try-

OI Oil

Multi-function oil, adds shine and softness to hair while also detangling and fighting frizz, working especially well on coarse or dry hair. The hair structure is left protected, without weighing it down.

Nourishing Oil

A hydrating organic hair oil that seals in the moisture for very dry or dehydrated hair while gently nourishing. It can also be used on the face and body. Hair is left soft, shiny and silky, the skin is left glowing.

For the cream try-

MOMO Hair Potion

A lightweight combing cream to boost hydration. It’s formulated with a silky texture designed to moisturize all hair types. It makes hair soft and shiny without weighing it down.

The LOC method works best for dry hair that struggles to retain moisture, but knowing your hair type is key. Experiment with your products, and the layering order to find what works best for you. In some cases the LCO method may be more beneficial for your strands. Use this curly-hair hack to maximize moisture retention every after wash, and use only high quality products to keep your strands healthy, like the ones from Davines. All of our formulas feature natural active ingredients, obtained with 100% clean energy and zero impact, essential and recyclable packaging. With the right products and our expert-approved tricks you’ll nail the LOC method in no time. 

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor