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Tag: Moisturising Hair

What is Type 4 Hair? Everything you need to know
Do you struggle to understand your hair type and texture? Sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re a 4A, 4B or 4C natural. Especially if you don’t have an understanding of the different coil textures and patterns. Many Type 4 Naturalistas assume they have 4C hair but instead have 4A or 4B hair. Tbh – It’s easy to be confused as many people refer to the hair type as afro coily or afro kinky. So why is it important to know your hair type? It helps you to care for your hair properly and supports you with identifying what products to incorporate into your hair regimen. It’s definitely possible to have multiple hair textures – for instance – a mix of 4A & 4B OR a mix of 4B & 4C but it’s likely one type will be more prominent over the other.

If you don’t know the difference between 4A, 4B or 4C hair OR then read this article to get more insight. You’ll learn how to differentiate the Type 4 hair textures and tips on how to properly care for your hair. We also spend time running through common questions Type 4 Naturalista’s ask. Keep reading to learn more!

What is Type 4 Hair

Type 4 hair is typically referred to as afro, coily or kinky hair. It’s the most unique of all the hair types because of its the coil pattern and shape. What makes Type 4 hair unique is the versatility it offers. It has the ability to be straight, curl/coil and shrink. The texture offers a variety of styling options in comparison to Type 2 and 3 hair. It’s the most fragile of all the hair types and has fine strands which makes caring for it slightly difficult if you’re not using the right techniques, tools and products.

Here are some characteristics of Type 4 hair;
- S or Z shaped coil pattern
- Shrinks up to 70% of its length
- Prone to breakage
- Tends to be dry and be frizzy
- Hair strands densely packed together
- Tangles easily
How do I know if I have 4A, 4B or 4C Hair?

Let’s delve into 3 textures that form this hair type in more detail…

4A HAIR

4A hair has a distinct “S” shaped coil pattern. The coils are springy and similar to the size of a crochet needle. The coils are densely packed together but the coil pattern is very visible. It shrinks up to 60% of the hairs length and is the loosest of all the Type 4 hair types. 4A hair has great moisture retention levels but is still prone to dryness and breakage.

4B HAIR

4B hair is easily confused with 4C hair due to both being “Z” shaped. The coil pattern is tight but not as tight as 4C hair. You can usually see the Z shape when your hair is wet. This hair type is prone to a lot of shrinkage, usually up to 70% of the length. Keeping the hair hydrated is key with this hair type. It takes a little longer for moisture to travel through the hair strands due the coil shape.

4C HAIR

4C hair has an extremely tight “Z” coil pattern. It’s not as loose as 4B even though the shape is very similar. 4C hair is the most fragile of all the Type 4 hair types so detangling with TLC is key to minimise any breakage. Work in sections and use tools like a wide tooth comb to minimise any tugging and pulling of the hair. Similar to 4B hair, 4C hair also experiences a significant amount of shrinkage (up to 80% for some naturals). Hydration is also key for this type, it’s important to use a moisture retention technique to lock it in.

How often should 4A, 4B or 4C hair be washed?

The rule of thumb is to wash your hair every 2 weeks. But depending on your lifestyle, this could be more often or less. We wouldn’t recommend going past the 4 week mark even if you’re wearing protective style. A healthy and clean scalp is important for your hair to thrive.

As Type 4 hair is prone to dryness and breakage, it’s important not to strip the hair of its natural oils when shampooing. Stick to hydrating and moisturising shampoos which minimise the loss of oils and always follow up with a conditioner to replenish your hair with moisture. Always use a with a leave-in conditioner once done to lock in additional moisture and keep your hair hydrated until your next wash day.

It’s also important to use a clarifying shampoo every 4 to 6 weeks to minimise any build up from hair products and daily styling. If you’re not a fan of clarifying shampoos then try a bentonite clay mask.

How can I make my Type 4 hair more manageable?

People have typically opted for relaxers in the past for ease of styling. For some reason, people think type 4 hair isn’t manageable but we’re here to dispel that myth. Whether you’re newly natural, a lazy natural or experienced natural – your hair is manageable. All you need is the right tools and techniques to care for your hair. As part of the process, you’ll need to create a natural hair routine and ensure you’re using products your hair has a liking to.

Here are some key elements to incorporate into your routine to make your type 4 hair easier to work with.

Moisture, Moisture, Moisture

Type 4 hair needs more moisture compared to other hair types. The “S & Z” shape makes it harder for moisture to travel down the hair shaft. Which is why the texture is prone to breakage and dryness. Utilise a moisture retention technique like the LOC or LCO method to keep your hair hydrated for longer. Spritzing your hair with water and leave-in mixture is one way to get moisture into your hair strands in between wash days.

Detangle your hair thoroughly

Type 4 hair has a fine texture and is densely packed together so it’s important to detangle your hair thoroughly to reduce any breakage. Always detangle on damp hair and never dry hair. Use a detangling tool like a wide tooth comb or detangling brush and take your time. Using a product with some slip like a conditioner or detangling lotion will make the process easier. The product helps you glide through your hair smoothly without pulling and tugging on your hair strands..

Some naturals forget to detangle prior to shampooing and do it when they’ve applied conditioner. But you must detangle prior to washing your hair to minimise excess shedding.

Work in sections

Work in sections of 4 to 6 depending on the length of your hair. This will make detangling, styling and washing your hair a smoother process.

Wear styles that don’t need to be re-done daily

Daily styling and over manipulation leads to breakage and loss of hair. Stick to protective styles that keep your hands out of your hair for at least 1 week. Type 4 hair is versatile enough for you to have several styling options. Experiment with buns, twists, braids, cornrow, afro puffs etc. Whatever style you choose, make sure you don’t do the same style back to back to give your hair a break and reduce any tension on your hairline.

Stay on top of trims

Trim your hair every 12 weeks to minimise split ends and single strand knots travelling up the hair shaft. Keeping on top of your trims makes detangling easier, keeps your coils defined and improves the overall health of your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: How do you treat type 4 hair?

Use deep conditioning treatments to replenish your hair. It doesn’t have to be every wash day but aim for at least once a month. Deep conditioners are good for adding moisture back into the hair whilst minimising frizz and dryness. It also helps repair damage and nourish your hair back to health. Read our Deep Conditioning guide for Type 4 Naturals for some product recommendations.

Clay Washes are another treatment that is quite underrated but offers great benefits. It’s not something you should do regularly but a nice treat for your hair especially for low porosity naturals. It draws out impurities from your scalp and deeply clarifies your hair follicles making it easier for water and moisture to be absorbed. They also have healing and regenerative properties, getting rid of dryness and flakiness whilst adding shine back into your hair.

2: How do you hydrate type 4 hair?

The best way to keep your hair hydrated is utilising the LOC or LCO method to moisturise your hair. It keeps moisture locked into your strands for at least a week by sealing with an oil or butter. Read our article on LOC vs LCO method! Which one should you choose?

Wear a silk or satin scarf at night and sleep on a silk pillowcase for that extra protection. Cotton is known for absorbing oils and moisture from hair and skin leading to dryness.

Staying hydrated from the inside is another way to get extra hydration into your hair strands. Aim to drink up to 2 litres per day.

3: How do I stop my type 4 hair from shedding?

Shedding is a normal part of your hair’s life cycle. Women typically shed 50 – 100 days per day so it shouldn’t be something you’re alarmed about. However, excessive shedding is a problem! You’ll know if you have excess shedding from the amount that falls out on wash days or when styling your hair.

Excessive shedding is caused by a variety of factors such as stress, diet, hair care practices etc. As shedding is part of your hair growth cycle – you’ll need to replenish your strands starting from the inside as opposed to just your hair regimen. Here are some things worth incorporating into your regimen.
1. Eat a well balanced diet with lots of protein. Protein strengthens hair strands and will be a good source for replenishing your follicles.
2. Take hair supplements and vitamins known for boosting your hair health.
3. Incorporate scalp massages into your routine. Scalp massages boost the flow of blood into your follicles and help thicken your strands.
4. Increase your water intake – water helps keeps you hydrated and will act as a source of moisture for your strands.
Another thing that could be contributing to shedding is if you’re lacking iron or have a vitamin D deficiency. It’s worth doing a blood test to know exactly what your ferritin and Vitamin D levels are and discuss the results with your doctor to get advice on what supplements to take. Black people tend to have low levels of Vitamin D in western countries due to the lack of sun.

“A vitamin D deficiency affects your hair life cycle and is associated with scarring alopecia”. ¹

4: Why is my type 4 hair breaking?

Type 4 hair is prone to breakage due to the nature and shape of the hair strands. They’re tightly coiled and moisture tends to have a difficult time travelling through the length of the strands. As a result, your hair can become brittle and extremely dry leading to breakage. It’s important to incorporate good hair practices to minimise breakage and keep your hair hydrated at all times.

Here are some things you might be doing that could lead to breakage;
- Over manipulating your hair with daily styling
- Excessive use of heat
- Bleaching hair excessively
- Protective styles that pull on your and are too tight
- Not washing your hair and keeping up with your moisture routine whilst wearing protective styles
Be mindful of these things and adjust your hair regimen accordingly. You’ll notice the word excessive is used when it comes to heat and bleaching. There are many naturals who use heat and dye their hair but have healthy hair. So it’s not a case you can’t do these things but moderation is key!

Final Thoughts

You should now have a thorough understanding of Type 4 hair and be able to identify if you have 4A, 4B or 4C texture. The key to maintaining Type 4 hair lies in your hair regimen and we hope you’ve been able to come away with some tips on how to maintain it.

If you’re new on your journey or struggling to embrace your hair then read our article on 5 ways to embrace your natural hair journey.

Are you a 4A, 4B or 4C Natural? And What’s your no 1 tip for maintaining your Type 4 hair?

Leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you.

References :
1. Saini K, Mysore V. Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Nov;20(11):3407-3414. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14421. Epub 2021 Sep 22. PMID: 34553483. ↩︎
January 25, 2024
Easy Homemade Deep Conditioners to try for Natural Hair
Deep conditioning treatments are an essential part of many Naturalista’s hair care routine. It’s that one treat your hair will thank you for once done because of its nourishing, hydrating and moisturising benefits. With natural hair care costs being more expensive compared to our counterparts. There’s no surprise homemade deep conditioners have become increasingly popular. They’re easy to make, significantly cheaper and give you more control on what ingredients you apply to your hair and scalp.

We’ll give you a run down on the best ingredients to include in your homemade deep conditioners and some recipes to help your natural hair thrive. If you’re not a fan of DIY and prefer a ready made product, then read our post on Top 8 Deep Conditioners to try for Type 4 hair.

How do you make deep conditioner for natural hair at home?

The process is pretty simple, all you need is a blender or whisk, some containers and the right ingredients. The process shouldn’t take too long and if you like you can batch create the conditioners and store them away. Depending on the ingredients you’ll be using, you may have to store them in the fridge to keep them from going bad.

What are the best ingredients for homemade deep conditioners for natural hair?

The ingredients you choose will vary depending on your hair needs. Regardless of what deep conditioner you decide to make, you’ll either opt for one with moisturising or protein benefits. Or you can opt for one with a balance of both. The most common ingredients included in most homemade deep conditioners include;
- Avocados : Rich in vitamins and biotin which helps strengthen, moisturise and repair your hair leaving it looking healthy and shiny
- Shea Butter : It’s full of fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties. Which helps hydrate your hair and minimises frizz leaving you with healthy looking kinks, coils and curls.
- Coconut Milk : Another ingredient full of fatty acids and moisturising benefits. It helps restore your hair and scalp whilst nourishing and protecting damaged strands from breakage.
- Yoghurt : Rich in vitamins and nutrients which helps revive limp and dry hair. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits which is great for treating dandruff and strengthening your hair follicles.
- Mayonnaise : Contains protein and great for restoring damaged, dry and brittle hair. It’s quite oily as it contains vegetable oil but it’s great for adding that extra shine and leaving your hair soft.
- Honey : A natural humectant which helps hair retain moisture. It adds a nice slip to the product making it easy to apply but also leaves your hair feeling soft and aids with detangling.
- Eggs : Mainly used for strengthening treatments due to its high protein content protecting your hair strands and preventing breakage. Some naturals have raved about eggs’ ability to promote hair growth but results may vary.
- Oils : Great for adding extra shine and helping lock in moisture. They have additional wide ranging benefits which will vary depending on what oils you use.
TIP – purchase organic ingredients, they’re less likely to have any added chemicals in them and you want to be using the best ingredients when making homemade deep conditioners.

What oils to use in homemade deep conditioners for natural hair?

It’s best to use lightweight oils with moisturising benefits to help the ingredients penetrate through the hair shaft. Moisturising oils are known for their ability to penetrate through the inner and outer layers, helping you preserve moisture inside your hair follicles and preventing it from leaving. This makes it a great option for deep conditioning treatments as opposed to sealing oils. Which are known for sitting on top of the hair strands locking out moisture.

Here are list of oils you’ll want to choose ;
- Olive Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Castor or JBCO Oil (this is a sealing oil but works great in deep conditioners too)
Click here to learn more about moisturising vs sealing oils and when to use them.

5 homemade deep conditioners for natural hair

1. Avocado & Honey Deep Conditioner

Great for all Type 4’s (4A, 4B & 4C) and helps prevent damage and breakage whilst strengthening your natural hair. It has multiple moisturising benefits and helps eliminate frizz.

Ingredients
- 1 Avocado
- ½ a cup of Coconut Milk
- 2 Tablespoons of Honey
- 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
How to Make?
1. Break the avocado into smaller pieces to make blending easier
2. Put the avocado, honey and coconut milk into the blender
3. Pulse the blender until it become slightly smooth and then add the olive oil
4. Blend the mixture again until it has a smooth consistency
5. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready to use
6. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
2. Banana & Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner

Bananas contain potassium and lots of vitamins which will help improve the overall health of your hair. It’s also great for those who suffer from itchiness and dandruff.

Ingredients
- 2 – 3 overripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
How to Make?
1. Peel the bananas and mash with a fork
2. Melt the coconut oil over a stove or in the microwave
3. Place the mashed bananas, coconut oil and honey into a blender
4. Blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth consistency
5. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready to use
6. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
TIP – if you suffer from extreme itchiness then massage into your scalp before letting the mixture sit.

3. Mayonnaise & Egg Deep Conditioner – Great for damaged, dry, colour treated and brittle hair

Great for damaged and brittle hair. Especially if you’ve experienced damage from heat, hair dye or bleaching. Both mayonnaise and eggs are high in protein which will act as a strengthening treatment. It helps strengthen your hair and reverse damage whilst adding thickness.

Ingredients
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (this is optional, mayonnaise contains a lot of vegetable oil so only use if needed)
How to Make?
1. Place the mayonnaise into a mixing bowl
2. Crack the 2 eggs and whip into the mayonnaise
3. Add the honey to the mixture and mix until you achieve a smooth consistency
4. If mixture is dry, add the olive oil and give it a mix
5. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready
6. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
4. Shea Butter & Avocado Deep Conditioner

Avocado and Shea Butter are both rich in fatty acids and have great moisturising benefits. This is a rich mixture so you’ll need more oils for a smooth consistency. This is great for all Type 4’s (4A, 4B, 4C) especially if you’re experiencing dryness or just want to give your coils and curls extra hydration.

Ingredients
- ½ to ¾ cup Shea Butter depending on your hairs length
- 1 Avocado
- 3 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of rosemary oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Other: depending on your hairs needs you can opt for other oils such as tea tree oil, castor oil, JBCO, argan oil etc. you can experiment with different oils with this mixture – the choice is yours!

How to Make?
1. Melt the shea butter and mash the avocado
2. Place them in a blender and pulse until it becomes slightly smooth
3. Melt the coconut oil and add to the mixture
4. Add the olive and rosemary to the blender and mix until you achieve a smooth consistency
5. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready
6. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
5. Greek Yoghurt and Banana Deep Conditioner

Yoghurt is cheap but has many benefits for your natural hair. Just make sure you pick a plain yoghurt with no added extras. You can either use plain or greek yoghurt depending on your preference. Regular yoghurt is great for moisture treatments whilst greek yoghurt is great for protein treatments.

Ingredients
- 1 cup of plain or greek yoghurt
- 1 – 2 ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 – 3 tablespoons of olive oil
How to Make?
1. Mash the banana
2. Mix the mashed banana with the yoghurt
3. Add honey and olive oil to the mixture and whisk until smooth
4. Voila! Your deep conditioner is ready
5. Apply to length of your hair and let it sit for at least 30 mins before rinsing
How long will the benefits last?

You should start feeling the benefits of your deep conditioning treatment from the moment you rinse out the product. This typically lasts anything from 2 – 4 weeks but consistency is the key to experience long-lasting benefits. Aim to deep condition your hair at least once a month. It may feel like a time consuming process but trust me, your hair will thank you in the long run. If you’re experiencing dryness or damage then try and do it every 2 weeks until you see improvements to the health of your hair. If you don’t have time then use a heat cap or steamer to speed up the process.

Deep conditioning Tips for Natural Hair
- Start of with freshly washed and detangled hair
- Comb or brush the product through your hair to ensure its evenly distributed across the length of your hair
- Always use heat to help open up your hair cuticles and let the ingredients penetrate
- Let it sit for at least 30 mins – 1 hour
- Don’t overload on protein and moisture treatments, alternate between the 2 depending on your hair needs. You’re hair needs moisture more than protein so it’s likely you’ll be doing the moisture treatments more often
- Ensure the product has been thoroughly been rinsed out with lukewarm water
- Always apply leave in conditioner after treatment
Final Thoughts

Making homemade deep conditioners for your natural hair helps you customise treatments to suit your hair needs. It allows you to tackle the problem you’re facing at that point in time i.e. heat damage, itchy scalp, dry hair etc. It’s also fun to make your own treatments and experiment from time to time. We’ve included some recipes if you’re not sure on what deep conditioner to make and if you like, feel free to add additional ingredients where you see fit.

Have you tried making your own homemade deep conditioner? What’s your go-to recipe?
October 21, 2023
LOC vs LCO Method! Which one should you choose?
Getting moisture into your hair strands is a key component for maintaining healthy natural hair. It’s no surprise Type 4 Hair is prone to dryness and you’ll need to adopt moisture retention techniques into your natural hair regimen. You’ll also need to pay close attention to the ends of your hair which is likely to be dull, brittle and break easily due to wear and tear. The LOC & LCO methods are a way of getting that much needed moisture back into your hair strands whilst locking it in.

You’ve probably heard of the LOC or LCO method at some point during your natural hair journey but may not be 100% sure on what method is best for you. Both methods utilise the same products which can cause some confusion. The main difference between the two methods is the layering and application process of your hair products.

So which one is better for your hair? In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know re; the LOC VS LCO method to help you decide what method to incorporate into your hair regimen. The good news is you can use either method but one method might favour your hair more depending on your hair density, type and porosity.

What is the LOC & LCO Method?

LOC stands for liquid first, oil second and cream last. Whilst LCO stands for liquid first, cream second and oil last. Both methods use the same components starting with liquid. But the main difference is the second and third step swap places. The methods are known for hydrating your hair whilst ensuring the moisture has fully penetrated through to your hair shaft by sealing it with a cream and oil.

Let’s delve into the definitions in a bit more detail to give you a better understanding of how they work together.

LIQUID

This is the first step in the LCO & LCO method. You can use a liquid or leave-in conditioner but make sure the product you choose is water based. Reason being, is you want your hair to be fully hydrated and ensure an adequate amount of moisture has entered into the strands before following up with the next steps. Moisture is every naturals friend and without it your hair will become dry and brittle leading to excessive breakage. If you’re struggling to find a liquid based leave in conditioner then feel free to just use water! Water is an easy way to hydrate your hair and acts as a moisturising agent.

OIL

This is the second step in the LOC method & third step in the LCO method. The oil acts as a sealing agent to lock the moisture into your hair strands and prevent it from leaving. In simple terms, it helps keep your hair moisturised for longer. Depending on your hair porosity – you’ll need to be careful with what oils you use as some can be heavier than others. We’ll cover this in a bit more detail in the section below to help you decide what type of oils to use.

CREAM

This is the third step in the LOC method and second step in the LCO method. In most cases the cream is a water based product which also contains oils and butters. Although the cream can act as a sealing agent due to the oils & butters in the mixture. It also has hydrating benefits which adds that extra nourishment to your strands. It tends to be thicker and denser in consistency in comparison to other products you’ll be using to hydrate your strands.

How Hair Porosity Can Impact the Method you Choose?

Both the LOC and LCO method are great ways of increasing moisture retention. Although, both have similarities – it’s best to choose a method that aligns to your hair needs and goals to reap the full benefits. Luckily, either method works well with Type 4 hair regardless of if you’re a Type 4A, B OR C Naturalista. But hair porosity has a significant part to play when choosing a method to adopt into your hair regimen.

Porosity is an indicator of how easily moisture can penetrate through your hair shaft. You’ll either have high, normal or low hair porosity. As a rule of thumb, the LOC method is typically best for high to medium porosity hair whilst the LCO method is best for low to medium porosity hair. Here’s WHY?

HIGH POROSITY

High porosity hair tends to have difficulty retaining moisture due its loose cuticles. This makes it easy for moisture to penetrate through the hair shaft but also makes it very easy for moisture to leave. This makes it difficult and challenging for Naturals with high porosity hair to retain moisture. Using the LOC method will help moisture stay in your hair shaft for longer. The oil acts as a sealant to keep the moisture from evaporating whilst the cream seals and locks in the moisture for added protection.

LOW POROSITY

Low porosity hair on the other hand has difficulty absorbing moisture due to its tight cuticles. Water tends to sit on the hair strands as opposed to penetrating through the hair shaft. The good thing is that once your hair is fully hydrated – the moisture tends to stay in and doesn’t easily evaporate. The cream helps add that extra hydration and moisture into the shafts whilst the oil acts as a sealant to lock it all in.

MEDIUM POROSITY

Medium porosity hair is a mix of both worlds as its cuticles are looser than low porosity but tighter than high porosity. This makes it easy for moisture to penetrate through the hair shaft but also means it stays in for a good period of time. With normal porosity – you can use either the LOC or LCO method depending on your preference.

5 TIPs for getting the optimum moisture into your Hair Shaft
1. Start off with freshly washed hair using a moisturising shampoo. If you notice you have product build up then use a clarifying shampoo to ensure your hair is fully clean
2. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. Using heat will help the product penetrate through your hair strands so you can reap the full benefits of the treatment.
3. Detangle your hair thoroughly to minimise any tangles or knots
4. Follow up with the LCO or LOC method – ensure your hair is damp prior to layering products
5. Sleep with a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase. Silk is known for helping keep moisture in compared to cotton which can be drying.
Understanding Oils

With so many oils on the market, you’re probably wondering what oil is best to pick. High and Low porosity hair have different needs which means you have to be selective with what oil you choose to use. As high porosity hair loses moisture easily, you’ll need to pick a heavier oil to help seal in the moisture. Low porosity hair on the other has a harder time penetrating products so its best to use a lightweight oil to minimise build up.

Examples of heavy oils : Olive oil, Castor oil, Coconut oil

Example of lightweight oils : Argan oil, Avocado oil, Jojoba oil

Source : GIPHY

FAQ’s re; LOC & LCO Method

1: Can I do the LOC OR LCO method everyday?

It’s not advised to use the LOC or LCO method daily to minimise product build up. The purpose of the LOC and LCO method is to retain moisture in your hair strands which takes away the burden of doing it daily. Ideally, you want to be doing this method on wash days when your hair is thoroughly cleansed. It’s likely you’ll need to refresh your hair in between wash days to keep your hair moisturised. If this is the case then you can co-wash your hair or spritz your hair with water and follow through with the method of choice.

If you do opt for doing the method daily, you’ll need to use lightweight products and pay attention to build up. You may need to wash your hair more regularly i.e. every week as opposed to bi-weekly and incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your routine at least once a month.

2: How often should I do the LOC OR LCO method?

Ideally, you want to be doing this method on wash days and then follow up with a refresh every 4 – 7 days. Now this will vary depending on your hair needs and styling preferences. For instance, if you’re rocking a wash n go – it’s likely you’ll need to refresh your hair more often as your hair is out compared to if you’re rocking a bun and your hair is tucked away.

If you’re new to the method then you might want to start doing it once a week and do a refresh mid-week. From there, you can measure how your hair responds and decide if you need to do it more or less regularly.

3: How long does the LOC OR LCO method last?

It lasts anything from 3 to 7 days.

4: Do you put curl cream or leave in conditioner first?

Always apply your leave in conditioner first. Leave-in conditioners are designed to add moisture back into your hair shaft after washing. It also strengthens and protects your hair to make daily styling easier. Curl creams on the other hand enhances your curl pattern to define your curls, smooth away frizziness and give your hair that extra shine. Just be mindful with how much product you apply daily to minimise product build up. Overuse of product can cause your hair to become lacklustre and brittle leading to breakage.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of what method you choose. All steps work hand in hand for moisture retention and keeping your hair hydrated for longer. We hope whatever method you choose, it helps with your hair goals of achieving healthy kinks, coils and curls. Pick one that works for you and if you feel you’re not getting the best results try the other method. This will help you identify if the LOC or LCO method works best. Another key factor to be aware of is being mindful of what products you choose to incorporate. Read the ingredients of the products to ensure they have hydrating benefits to keep your hair from drying out.

Have you tried the LOC or LCO method? Which one do your prefer and why?
October 7, 2023