Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on AVEDA. Minor edits have been done by Tousled Online Magazine editors.
Moisture is the key to happy, healthy-looking hair, but hydrating natural waves, curls, or coils require a little more TLC, or Tender Loving Care. That’s where the LOC method comes in—the must-know hydration technique created by Rochelle Graham, specifically for curly and textured hair. Renée Gadar, AVEDA’s Global Artistic Director of Texture, shares everything you need to know about the LOC method, including which products to use and pro tips for perfecting this hair care routine.
What is the LOC Method?
The LOC method describes a moisturizing hair ritual, where “LOC” is an acronym that stands for the different products to use—leave-in, oil, and cream. These three represent the steps to hydrating naturally wavy, curly, or coily hair after you cleanse it. “All hair types need moisture, but some are more susceptible to losing moisture than retaining it,” Renée says. “The LOC method helps hair with moisture (or water) retention, which is particularly important for curly to coily textures.”
Renée further explains the acronym by sharing that “L” also stands for liquid, which is why your leave-in conditioner should be water-based. “O” refers to how oils on the top of water help lock hydration into the hair shaft. Lastly, she tells us the “C” for cream denotes the texture of your moisturizing hair product that will help seal in hydration for lush, shinier hair.
Since hair is porous, it soaks up products through the cuticle layer, which is why the order of product use is key. The LOC method helps ensure each product is properly layered to deliver the most benefits to your hair.
All the Right LOC Method Products
To get started with this method, you’ll want to get to know AVEDA’s ultra-hydrating Nutriplenish™ collection, which contains the vegan hair products you’ll need. 94% naturally derived,* this vegan line is powered by nutrient-dense superfoods that deliver intense hair moisture to every strand. Organic pomegranate oil, rich in omega-5, helps hydrate and revitalize dry, depleted hair while mango butter is full of lipids that help nourish and smooth. Luxe coconut oil uses essential fatty acids to help moisturize for further hydration and softness.
While the LOC method begins after you step out of the shower, you can jumpstart your hair hydration routine with the Nutriplenish™ shampoo and conditioner. If you have hair that is fine to medium in density, then use the Nutriplenish™ Shampoo and Conditioner in Light Moisture. If you have hair that is medium to thick in density, then use the Nutriplenish™ Shampoo and Conditioner in Deep Moisture.
After you shampoo and condition, you’ll need these essentials for the LOC method: the Nutriplenish™ Leave-In Conditioner and the Multi-Use Hair Oil.
The LOC how-to
Before diving into each step of the method, you should know Renée’s top LOC secret for achieving defined waves, curls, and coils. “Try to use fingers predominantly throughout this process to help work product into the hair,” she tells us. “Separating hair into sections for each product application also helps distribute products evenly.”
STEP 1: LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Grab your Nutriplenish™ Leave-In Conditioner and lightly mist on clean, damp hair. For fine to medium hair, apply mid-shaft to ends only. Those with thick and highly textured hair can apply from roots to ends. Do not rinse.
98% naturally derived,* this lightweight spray hydrates and replenishes hair for up to 72 hours. It also helps detangle and protects from thermal styling up to 450 degrees. AVEDA formulated it with sand ginger, which acts as a naturally derived filter to help protect hair from the drying effects of the sun. Winner of the 2020 Glamour Beauty Awards for the Best Pro Leave-In Treatment,** it will leave your hair soft and manageable.
STEP 2: OIL
After using the leave-in conditioner, pump the desired amount of nutriplenish™ Nutriplenish™ Multi-Use Hair Oil into your hands. If you’re not familiar with how much your hair will need, start with a smaller amount. Rub palms together and apply to ends or concentrate on other dry areas of hair. If your hair seems to need more, you can add more oil, little by little.
The Nutriplenish™ Multi-Use Hair Oil is the ultimate hair multi-tasker and 100% naturally derived.* A concentrated blend of 5 power oils delivers nourishing hydration to every strand.
STEP 3: CREAM
Next, it’s time for the Nutriplenish™ Daily Moisturizing Treatment. Similar to the oil application, apply a small amount of the sumptuous creme to your hair first and add more based on the dryness of your hair. The length of your hair will also determine how much to use.
99% naturally derived,* AVEDA’s latest hydrating hair product immerses dry hair in 8x the superfood complex of oils and butters for 4x the hydration.*** You’ll love its luxe, creamy texture, while the fast-absorbing formula wraps up your morning LOC routine quickly.
If you’re wondering how often to do the LOC method on natural hair, Renée recommends using this technique after every cleanse. “This is great to do every 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on your curl pattern, lifestyle, or hair needs,” Renée says. With the right hair products, tips and techniques, you’ll master the LOC method for beautifully hydrated curls and coils every time.
*From plants, non-petroleum minerals or water.
**Glamour Beauty Awards 2020: The Best Beauty Products of the Year
***4 times the hydration of untreated hair.
