No matter where you are in your natural hair journey, finding the perfect products and routine for your curls can be pretty difficult. Luckily, there is a simple, three-step solution to creating your custom combination — the LCO, or LOC method.
This simple styling method consists of three steps using only three products. You will need: a leave-in conditioner, styling cream or butter (can also be a custard-like gel) and an oil of your choice. This styling method can be used for twistouts, braidouts, and rod sets to achieve stellar results. Let us show you the process!
Step One | Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are applied after the hair has been cleansed; they usually provide long-lasting moisture and help detangle. Many leave-in conditioners can even be used as style refreshers when experiencing dryness during the week! Distribute a leave-in conditioner through sections of hair with a detangling brush or fingers before proceeding to styling.
Styler Spotlight: Creole Belle Organics Bayou Splash Leave-In Conditioner (shown below) with silk protein for smoothness which is ideal for achieving shine and reducing frizz.
Step Two | Styling Cream or Butter
Styling creams and butters come in various consistencies for different hair types and textures. When deciding on the perfect stylers, be sure to pay attention to factors of your own hair to make the best choices! For this step, gels or custards are also great to use.
For low porosity hair, try styling with lightweight creams and gels.
For high porosity hair, try styling with heavier and thicker creams, custards and butters.
Styler Spotlight: Design Essentials Honey Curlforming Custard with Honey & Chamomile adds shine and dreamy definition to the natural texture! It is also ultra moisturizing with several extracts including honey, a natural humectant in skincare and haircare.
Step Three | Oil
There are several oil options to use when styling and there are many ways to use them! Some oils are 100% natural oil while others may be a blend of many. Consistency varies by oil — there are super lightweight oils and extremely heavy ones. Choose one that best works for your strands!
Here are some ways oils can improve your style and some suggestions:
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- To seal the moisture when styling, try a 100% natural oil like Argan or sweet almond
- To add shine after styling is complete, try Silk Elements Glossing Polish
- To help reduce frizz, coat fingertips while manipulating styles
- To stimulate hair growth with a scalp massage, try Jamaican black castor oil
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Styler Spotlight: Silk Elements Coconut Glossing Polish is a glossy finisher that can be using before or after styling for shine and control. It is a must-have no matter the hair type!
Once you have completed all three steps of the LCO method, you are ready to begin styling your twists, braids and rod sets as usual!
