LOC vs. LCO
- Erickah Montgomery
- Feb 13, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 30, 2020
What is LOC and LCO? How are they different?
Whether you're new to the natural hair journey or are a veteran, it's important to understand both the LOC and LCO method. Think of LOC and LCO as step-by-step guidelines explaining the order in which you apply your products. LOC and LCO are acronyms. The letters are placed in a specific order so it is easy to follow which product comes first and which comes last.
L - leave-in conditioner,
O - oils, and
C - creams.
Both methods support moisture retention and growth to your hair. In this article we will explore the differences between both methods and establish which is the best to use for your hair.
The LOC Method
The LOC method application process is leave-in conditioner, oil, then cream. This method works best on high porosity hair. This is because high porosity hair naturally means open hair cuticles, meaning it is as easy for moisture to enter the hair strand as it is to leave the hair strand.
If you have high porosity hair, your problem probably isn't gaining moisture, but retaining your moisture. By applying your curl cream last, it gives your hair that extra boost of moisture you need.
The LCO Method
The LCO method application process is leave-in conditioner, cream, then oil. This method works best for low porosity hair. Low porosity hair has closed cuticles, meaning moisture has trouble penetrating the strands since they are so tight. LCO helps penetrate strands with moisture as well as seals the moister within the strands. Oils are natural sealants, so by applying it last you are sealing those creams into your natural hair.
Conclusion
In order to understand which method will work for your natural hair, it is important to first understand your hair porosity.
Low porosity hair = LCO method
High porosity hair = LOC method
Understanding the differences will help you best maintain moisture and promote hair growth. Make sure to use the right method for you on your next wash day!
Hi Erickah,
As a natural myself, I totally appreciated this blog post! Not only was it straightforward, but it gave enough information for others who are unaware of these methods. The breakdown between LCO and LOC was comprehensible and even helpful for myself since I have low porosity hair. Maybe it would be even helpful to add a tidbit about normal porosity and how people can distinguish by doing strand tests.
Your post was scannable due to the chunking techniques that you used. Also, I like how you used relevant images to showcase some hair types!
Awesome first post!
-Aneisha
Hi, Erickah.
There are so many things I like about your post - the easy to follow sentences and explanations you've laid out, the strategically placed pictures that break up the chunks of text, and how scannable your post is.
I did not know about the difference between LOC and LCO, but you make the difference abundantly clear, and explain effectively how it is about the porosity of your hair that determines what method you would follow. Your post has a clear purpose that you never stray from. One recommendation I have is adding in how readers would determine if their hair is low or high porosity, so it would be obvious which method they should follow.
Awesome job!
-Lauren