L.O.C (liquid, oil, cream) Moisture Method how to, and why?

It's late.  I want to make this post both brief and informative.  The L.O.C moisture method is one of the best kept secrets for keeping your natural hair moisturized.  The method, to my knowledge, was introduced by Chicoro.  I have a link to her blog listed to your right.  This post was sparked after my many hours of Curly Nikki Forum stalking, with countless threads asking about how to keep their dry hair moisturized ESPECIALLY now that winter is upon us.  Well let me tell you...read on.

Here is the blueprint, then we'll get into variations and applications.  First you need a liquid...a liquid is a form of matter that takes the shape of whatever container it is in...so water...then you apply your favorite oil or mixture of oils, lastly apply a non-water based cream like a butter or Chicoro (and sometimes myself) uses grease as her cream.  Now would be a good time to add that her hair is long, thick, and absolutely gorgeous...and if you read her posts, you will soon discover that she is extremely smart.  So, her advice is solid.

These are some of the ways that I've used the method and made it adapt to me.  I've mentioned before that I teach hot yoga...so my hair gets exposed to a lot of heat, humidity, and sweat.  I sometimes teach multiple classes per day and there isn't time in between to patiently do my hair, and I don't want to make a spectacle of myself by taking up the entire counter with my tools and products for over an hour after each class. Not to mention that would be waaaay too much manipulation.

For me, wetting my hair in the shower creates a lot of work. So, instead, I seized the opportunity to purchase some rose water.  I saw Naptural85 using it in one of her Youtube videos.  So it sparked my interest.  I'll be writing a review after I've used it for a bit longer.  I release my bun and spray it all over my hair...then I add my oil of choice...usually a mixture containing olive oil and vatika oil at the very least.  I also now use my Olive Miracle (love) oil.  Lastly, is the cream step, which can be grease...or a Shea butter blend that is growing on me (not releasing details for a little longer until I can better compare it to grease).  Then I rebun and move forward with my life.

Here are some variations I have taken depending on my schedule and hair needs.  Sometimes, the sock bun would feel very dry even after doing this method the day before...I think it was the cotton sock drinking my hair dry.  If my hair feels dry, or if I feel like it needs extra attention after a long day of teaching and having to get up early to do it again, I will do the liquid and oil part and do a full head baggy (plastic grocery bag), tie my scarf on for extra security and less bag crunching, then put on one of my new knit baggy beanie hats (if walking to the train or running errands) I scored at Forever 21 for $6/ea.  Then I can be on my way.  I sleep with the baggy and scarf and I add the cream the next morning after removing the bag, while my hair is still slightly damp.

Another variation, maybe for a 4b/c hair type is to use conditioner as your liquid step or basically anything with water as the first ingredient.  Then add your oil lightly, and finally seal lightly with your non-water cream.

Lastly, if I want to baby my ends on an especially cold or windy day, I tie a plastic sandwich bag right back over my fold over bun after sealing with cream in the morning- sans the sock.  I ALWAYS have on a satin scarf under my beanie if I'm going out.  Or you can take out a little bang for yourself or add a twist to the front of your hair to preserve the sexy.

No matter what variation you try, this is a great blueprint!  It gives you a starting place to figure out what works for you!  You hear and see on a lot of hair boards to just do what works for you, and I don't know about you, but sometimes it just makes me feel even more lost.  The L.O.C moisture method is a solid starting point and system that clearly outlines what it is you are looking to achieve- long lasting moisture.  The variations are there to fit into your lifestyle be it heavy sweating, professional looking, or a student.  You can use inexpensive products and redefine how they apply to you and your hair journey.  Give it a try...and you can always  ask me questions or just let me know how it's going.  Happy hair caring.

Lots of love,
LL XOXOXOXO