Most of the naturally kinky individuals I know have struggled with dry hair at some point. It’s just part of the game. However, moisture sealing natural hair as part of a regular hair regimen will help combat the ever-present dryness enemy.
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The LOC [Liquid-Oil-Cream] method and her sister, the LCO [Liquid-Cream-Oil] method, are heralded in the natural hair community. A simple LOC or LCO probably works really well for the large majority of naturals.
Yet, 4c, high porosity hair may need a little something extra to attain effective moisture sealing in preparation for styling.
As such, this post will share a modified routine for moisture sealing natural hair. Think of it as the LOC method with extras. This information should be particularly helpful to those with coarse, high porosity, and/or 4c natural hair.
Additionally, other hair textures continuing to suffer from dryness when using the traditional LOC and LCO methods may want to give this a try. Remember, natural hair care is experimentation . . . you have to find what works and stick with it until it doesn’t.
Ultimately the best moisture sealing natural hair method will be the one that works best for you.
Moisture Sealing Natural Hair – Liquid
First and foremost, hair dryness can only be quenched with a water-based liquid. You can’t seal in moisture if the moisture is missing. Good products to start the moisture sealing natural hair process include plain water, aloe vera gel, aloe vera juice, & rose water. A wonderful commercial liquid leave-in treatment will also do the trick.
Any product you decide to use must contain plenty of water. Look for water as one of the first 3 ingredients on the product label. If water is not in the top 3, skip on the product.
As for the application technique, start on freshly washed and deep conditioned hair that has been sectioned into 4 to 6 sections. Beginning with the first section, simply spritz your chosen liquid onto the section. Work the liquid into the section from roots to ends. Then, repeat on the remaining sections.
Your intended styling technique and personal preference usually dictate how much liquid you want to use to start moisture sealing natural hair. For instance, if you plan on a blowout, then you may not want to begin your moisture seal on dripping wet hair. It would take forever to dry if you did this. However, a wash and go may yield its best results when beginning with dripping wet hair.
Now it’s time for the first extra. To add more moisture, try using a liquid (i.e. water or aloe vera juice) and a creamy water-based leave-in conditioner. Finding a good leave-in conditioner that works for you can take some effort and time. To save time, you can check out below some recommended creamy leave-ins for 4c, high porosity hair:
Stick to a quarter-sized amount of creamy leave-in conditioner per section. Apply from ends to roots, making sure to achieve an even distribution of product throughout the section. Pay special attention to get enough product to your ends for the best protection.
Moisture Sealing Natural Hair – Oil
Next comes the oil, which aids in sealing in all the moisture you have applied. Depending on the oil, you can also add more nutrition to your hair. There are numerous oil options for this step, including:
- Coconut Oil
- Shea Nut Butter Oil
- Olive Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Jojoba Oil [most like your hair’s natural oil, sebum]
- Almond Oil
- Castor Oil
For application, apply a dime to nickel sized amount to each section over your chosen liquid. Work the oil throughout the hair from ends to roots. You want to make sure the oil is evenly distributed. Pay special attention to your ends. This is the oldest part of your hair and has a greater potential for dryness and damage. Repeat on the remaining sections.
The oil step is also a wonderful time to give yourself a scalp massage using the oil of your choice. Massaging the scalp with oil can provide your follicles with much-needed nutrition. Moreover, the massaging action will encourage increased blood flow to your scalp.
For the next extra, try using two oils for this moisture sealing natural hair step. This should further aid your hair in retaining moisture. It also further helps reduce friction between hair strands, which lowers the likelihood of mechanical damage.
Some oils to try include Kirkland Signature Cold Pressed Unrefined Organic Virgin Coconut Oil followed by a layer of Home Health Castor Oil, Cold Pressed & Cold Processed. 4c naturals may require heavier oils like castor oil to assist in the moisture sealing process. To prevent putting in too much, stick to a dime size or less of each oil per section.
Moisture Sealing Natural Hair – Cream
Last but not least, you want to finish your LOC method with extras by applying a cream. The cream you use should be dictated by your style and personal preference. You may choose a water-based or oil-based cream.
The thickness of the cream possibly has the largest impact on the ability to execute a successful moisture sealing session.
Protective styles win the preferred styles prize for growth. Usually, thicker creams work best in these styles for 4c, high porosity hair. The creams also double as a twisting or braiding butter!
When applying the cream, it gets layered over your liquid and oil. Since you will be moving into styling after the cream application, you can apply the cream to individual twist or braid sections. Since the sections are smaller, use a small amount (like just dab) of cream. Work it through the twist/braid section. Again, pay special attention to those ends.
If you are styling a wash and go, roller set, or curls from rods or curlformers, go with a thinner cream. Apply a quarter-sized amount of cream to your larger sections before applying your gel or starting your rolling session.
If you are looking for the next cream to try for your regimen, check out the following list:
Also, numerous DIY hair creams work well for moisture sealing natural hair. Some you may want to look into include the following:
- DIY Mango Cupuacu Butter Hair Cream by Naptural85
- DIY Whipped Hair (& Body) Butters by Neno Naturals
- DIY Whipped Shea Butter for Skin + Hair by Naturally Curly
- 5 Shea Butter Recipes for Natural Hair by beautymunsta
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Wrapping It Up
Every natural must have a moisture sealing component in his/her hair regimen. Moisture sealing natural hair helps retain moisture, preventing dryness and damage. Depending on the products, moisture sealing can also add nutrition to your hair, promoting overall hair health.
While LOC or LCO definitely help hair stay moisturized after washing, 4c, high porosity naturals may need a little extra help, such as the LOC method with extras.
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Want more? Try an oil mix when moisture sealing natural hair! Consider using the Natural Hair Nysa Scalp Oil. Don’t be fooled . . . It’s good for hair, too! Signup for the Natural Hair Nysa Newsletter below to gain access to the Free Resources page where you’ll find this recipe and other recommended DIYs!
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