If keeping your hair moisturised between wash days is a challenge, you may have come across the LOC and LCO methods.
Both are ways of layering products to help textured hair hold onto moisture for longer. LOC stands for Liquid, Oil, Cream, while LCO stands for Liquid, Cream, Oil.
The difference is simply the order in which you apply your oil and cream. Here's how both methods work and how to decide which one is right for your hair.
What Is the LOC Method?
The LOC method layers products in this order:
L – Liquid
Water, a hydrating mist or water-based leave-in gives your hair hydration.
O – Oil
Oil helps soften the hair and reduce moisture loss.
C – Cream
A moisturising cream or leave-in adds moisture, softness and manageability.
LOC can be worth trying if your hair tends to feel dry again quickly after moisturising or responds well to richer layers of product.
What Is the LCO Method?
The LCO method uses the same products but switches the final two steps:
L – Liquid
Start with water, a hydrating mist or water-based leave-in.
C – Cream
Follow with your moisturising cream or leave-in.
O – Oil
Finish with an oil to help your hair hold onto moisture.
LCO may suit hair that responds better to cream directly after hydration or becomes easily weighed down by layered products.
Why Do LOC and LCO Work?
Both methods start with water because water is what hydrates your hair.
Oils don't hydrate hair in the same way as water. Instead, they can help soften the hair and reduce moisture loss. Creams and leave-ins add conditioning and moisture.
The aim of LOC and LCO is therefore simple: hydrate the hair first, then layer products that help it stay moisturised for longer.
The best order will depend on your hair and the products you're using.
How to Do the LOC Or LCO Method
Both methods start the same way: with hydration. The only difference is whether you apply your oil or cream next.
1. Liquid: Start with freshly washed or damp hair. Apply water, a hydrating mist or water-based leave-in throughout your hair.
2. Then choose your layering order:
For LOC: Apply your oil, followed by your moisturising cream or leave-in.
For LCO: Apply your moisturising cream or leave-in, then finish with your oil.
LOC vs LCO: Which Is Better?
Neither LOC nor LCO is automatically better. The best method is the one that keeps your hair moisturised without leaving it feeling weighed down or coated.
Your hair porosity, density, strand thickness, product choice and the amount of product you use can all affect the result.
If your hair tends to lose moisture quickly, try LOC and see how it responds. If applying oil before your cream leaves your hair feeling heavy or coated, try LCO instead.
You may also find that changing your cream, oil or the amount of product you use makes more difference than changing the order.
Understanding your hair porosity can help you make more informed choices about how you moisturise and layer products.
READ: HAIR POROSITY EXPLAINED →
Build Your LOC or LCO Routine
You need three things: hydration, a moisturising cream and an oil.
Find the products you need for each step in the ODARA LOC & LCO Collection.
SHOP THE LOC & LCO COLLECTION →
LOC & LCO FAQs
Can I use LOC or LCO every day?
You shouldn't need to repeat the full LOC or LCO method every day if your hair is staying moisturised. Refresh your hair when it needs it, rather than automatically layering more cream and oil, which can lead to build-up.
Can I use LOC or LCO on protective styles?
Yes. LOC or LCO can be adapted for many protective styles. Focus on keeping your natural hair hydrated and use creams and oils sparingly to avoid unnecessary build-up.
Do I need to use all three LOC or LCO steps?
Not necessarily. LOC and LCO are useful ways to understand product layering, but your hair may not need three products every time you moisturise. What matters is how well your routine keeps your hair hydrated, soft and manageable.
