Moisturizing your Natural Hair - LOC method and its variations

Hey everyone,

I hope you've had a good week so far! I think I'm done with the Herbal Party Series - if there was anyone you think I skipped and/or should write about, please let me know and I'll make sure to write up a post.

Now, we all know that one of the key steps in keeping our natural hair healthy and happy is MOISTURE MOISTURE MOISTURE! And of course, moisture means hydration, which essentially is WATER. It's essential to keep your natural hair adequately moisturized, which helps in strengthening your strands and preventing breakage and snapping from dryness. If you're new to natural hair, it's important to know how to properly moisturize your hair and keep it moisturized for as long as possible.

One of the most common ways to keep your hair moisturized is the L.O.C. method. Not sure what LOC stands for? See the graphic I created below, and below it, the different variations that have worked for people in the natural hair community.

african naturalistas moisturizing natural hair methods

Created by BERRY DAKARA for African Naturalistas (all products available in the AN Store)

It's pretty to easy to understand from the picture, right? You can try out the different variations to find out what works best for you. For some people, LOC is just fine and adding an extra step makes their hair too greasy. For others, LOC or LCO isn't enough to stay moisturized for a couple of days, and require an extra step. Be careful not to douse your hair with so much product that it leaves your hair a giant ball of oils and butters. You want your hair to feel MOISTURIZED not OILY (these are 2 different things).

What method do you use to keep your natural hair moisturized? Let's share in the comments!

Berry Dakara.

10 comments

Anonymous26 September 2014 at 12:23
L.O.C.S works very fine for me
Emiene Erameh26 September 2014 at 13:04
I did not see any write up about Rhassoul clay. I have heard so much about it and would appreciate a write up.
Berry Dakara26 September 2014 at 15:38
@ Emiene: I wrote about Rhassoul Clay a few of months ago here - http://www.africanaturalistas.com/2014/06/my-rhassoul-clay-for-natural-hair.html
Anonymous26 September 2014 at 17:00
For me, i mix everything in my spray can then seal with my secret formula'd whipped shea butter mix. Can't stress it jare
Janyl Benyl26 September 2014 at 18:13
Well done Berry!
Titi, you are not alone on that :)
Berry Dakara26 September 2014 at 21:25
I actually do the LOC myself, but I'm not sure if it's the best choice for me, as lately I've felt my hair gets dry very quickly (maybe because of the extra length I have now). So I'm thinking about switching it up. I may try all different methods for a period of time and see how long it takes before I feel like my hair is dry, then share the results.
Tomi O27 September 2014 at 15:17
Very lovely Berry!!

I do every and any, depending on whats available at the time and my mood... Eg. sometimes I'm just not in the mood to get all greasy etc.

other times, No time :)
Hadassah Agbaps30 September 2014 at 14:56
I alternate depending on the weather and how dry my hair feels.
In very dry situations, I use water and seal with NappyGirl, after a D.C.
In dry situations, my LOC mix with water, Cantu Shea butter Repair Cream and coconut/palmkernel/olive oil works.
In humid weather, I just apply a creamy butter and seal with a light oil (if I want shrinkage) or a heavier oil (if I need more stretch).