I need to dedicate this post to all my low porosity curly hair sisters.  Have we been sleeping on the L.C.O (Liquid/ Leave-In, Cream, Oil) method?

In one of my past posts – My Hair Care Regimen – I briefly speak about the L.O.C (Liquid/ Leave-In, Oil, Cream) method which I incorporate into my hair care regimen.  However, what I did not mention was how this method of styling affected my hair in the days following.  Living in a country of humidity heightens hair sensitivity to the hair products I use and how I use them.  Having naturally dry hair ultimately increases that vulnerability.

Both the L.O.C and L.C.O. methods describe the way in which products are applied to the hair for moisture retention and hydration.  However, with the L.O.C, the oil is applied before the cream and the L.C.O applies the oil last.   The slideshow below depicts the products I use for both methods:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

These are the things I noticed using the L.O.C method:

• Hair felt very moisturized and defined on the first day;
• Definition is retained throughout the week but not moisture;
• Hair is shiny;
• Hair is seemingly dry but product can be felt on strands;
• Hair is not hydrated

Although I need to test the L.C.O method a bit more with different products, this is what I have been noticing:

• Hair feels moisturized, defined and shiny;
• Definition is retained throughout the week;
• Hydration is seemingly achieved;
• Hair is not as dry as with the L.O.C method;
• Less greasy product residue

With my low porosity 3C curls, I realize that heavy styling products tend to sit on the hair strand as opposed to easily penetrating them which, for me, is more likely with creams that are not very thick.  Use of heavy styling products in my hair tend to result in hair that is weighed down with a greasy residue. As such, I tend to stay clear of heavy creams and butters and ensure that they are water based.  Also,  light weight oils tend to work best as sealants – such as almond, grape seed and avocado.

Essentially, the ingredients of the products are imperative before combining them with other products as some ingredients may not react well with others, causing dryness, product build up etc.  Additionally, it is best to apply products after spritzing the hair with water, for the products to easily penetrate the hair strands.

My speculation given the humidity and how styling products are combined within each method are as follows:

L.O.C Method

• As the oil is applied before the cream, it seals in the moisture of the leave-in, but the moisture of the cream is not retained when exposed to the humidity during the week;
• The moisture left from the leave-in may not be enough to hydrate the hair resulting in the hair feeling dry in the days following initial cleansing of the hair;
• Regardless of whether more leave-in or moisturizer is applied after, this may not hydrate the hair or truly moisturize it if the products contains ingredients which cause drying effects to the humidity;

L.C.O Method

• As the oil is applied after both the leave-in and cream, it seals in the moisture of both products.  This may have a higher chance of facilitating real moisture retention and hydration for low porosity curly hair in humid weather;

 

Generally, both methods require a bit of experimentation when combining products due to the composition of each products and its reaction to humidity.  Thus far, I feel more content with the results of the L.C.O method on my hair but I am still experimenting with different product combinations.

---

Comment below if you have had any experiences with this method and what products work best for you using this method.  Let’s help each other out 🙂 

 

As always, to God’s blessings, prosperity, faith, happiness and love!