Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length: How to Seal in Moisture; What Natural Hair Guru's Aren't Telling You

Many Naturalistas have adopted the coveted L.O.C. (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method to seal moisture into their tresses.   Information about this is all over the web; it's an excellent guide to use when getting started, but it’s always best to try different options to see what your natural hair loves most.  This applies to type 4 naturals as well as transitioners. 

I should note that because they are the oldest, and often the driest part of the strand, your ends need extra TLC.  To keep them from breaking off, make sure to double up on the moisture, so that your length can come through.

The simple steps are to apply the Liquid first, add the Oil, then seal with a Cream.  In the Natural Afro Hair world, we are governed by a ton of rules, guidelines, and reg-A-lations, but as the ultimate Ruler, your hair chooses the potion(s) you use.  

For me, the L.O.C. method can be a bit heavy for my hair, during the summer, when I’m wearing it out (in twist outs, wash & go’s etc.).   On these occasions, I just do an L.O. and go.  However in the winter, L.O.C. is the bomb for any style I wear, and it’s great for my protective styles any time of the year.  

Bottom line, L.O.C. is not a one size fits all.

Here are some examples of L.O.C. options:

Liquid:

• Water (typically preferred)
• Water based leave in conditioner
• Aloe Vera Juice

Oil:

• Almond oil
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Castor oil
• Etc.

Cream:

• Over the counter styling creams
• Over the counter hairdresses
• Shea butter
• Coconut Oil  (well in my case when it's in its solid state)

I usually mix and match based on what I have on hand, but I always remain stocked up on these basic must haves:  

Aloe Vera Gel (or juice)

Water based Leave-in Conditioner

Olive Oil

Avocado Oil

Castor Oil

Shea Butter

Coconut Oil 

Be encouraged, and have fun trying the countless combinations, to see what your type 4 mane loves the best. 

Thanks for reading, and happy L.O.C.ing!

RallyGirl

L.O.C. product options:

Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length: 3 EASY Ways to Quick Trim (Dust) Your Ends

Getting shed of unhealthy ends is essential to having healthy, natural hair, and retaining its length.

Here, I demonstrate 3 quick and easy ways to trim (dust ) your ends:





When trimming your ends, always make sure you're using hair cutting shears and no other type of scissors.  Below are a few good options with varying price points:



Thanks for reading & watching!

Mo' Hair,

RallyGirl♥

Bouncin' & Behavin' Twist Out on Natural Type 4 Hair - Hair Porn

So, I was having fun with this one.  LOL  Click the Pic!

Twist Out - Day 4

Products used on damp, freshly co-washed type4 hair:

- Benzonite Clay Mask 

- D.I. Y. Coconut Mango Shea Butter Whip.

My Shea recipe was random; I used what I had and pretty much eye'd it.  Here's what I used & how I did it:

In large glass bowl, I mixed (until fluffy):

3 parts Unrefined Shea Butter

1/2 part Coconut Oil

1/2 part Mango Butter

2 dashes Avacodo Oil

2 dashes Olive Oil

Note:  It's easier if you cut the the shea and mango butters, and allow them to soften.