Product image of the nutriplenish daily moisturizing treatment.

All you need to know

about the LOC method

Discover how to moisturise textured hair

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 textured hair. Renée Gadar, our 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.”

 

Image of Renée Gadar, Aveda Global Artistic Director of Texture.

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 our 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 your preferred nutriplenish shampoo and conditioner. Our collection includes light and deep moisture formulas, to suit what your hair needs. You can find which is right for you here.

 

Renée advises to first cleanse hair with your go-to nutriplenish shampoo or you can use be curly co-wash. Next, condition hair with your nutriplenish conditioner, then detangle and rinse thoroughly.

 

After you shampoo and condition, you’ll need these essentials for the LOC method: our nutriplenish leave-in conditioner, the multi-use hair oil and our newest nutriplenish addition, the daily moisturizing treatment.

 

 

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 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. We 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 multi-use hair oil into 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.

 

Our 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 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,* our 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.

 

 

 

SHOP THE STORY

 

 

*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.