As most of us curlies know, our curls need extra moisture in the winter time. When it comes to curlies with low porosity hair like myself, thick styling products and heavy oils would be ;”>way too much. As a result, I have to be mindful when it comes to the products I choose to moisturize my hair with.
The LOC Method
During the winter, I like to follow the LCO Method, an alternate method to the traditional LOC method which stands for:
- Liquid/Leave-in
- Oil
- Cream
This is one of the most well-known methods in the naturally curly world that is known to lock in the moisture our texture craves. What’s fun about the LCO Method is that there a couple of ways to switch it up.
For example, there is the LCO and then the LOCO version — Liquid, Oil, Cream, Oil. Any of these methods can work — it just depends on using the correct products for your texture. One may work better for you than another so it is important to experiment.
It is difficult to find a product that doesn’t leave my low porosity curls feeling greasy and weighed down. However, with the right order and the right products, I have found that the LCO Method works the best for my curls in providing them with the moisture they need.
My Cleansing & Conditioning Routine
I typically like to co-wash my hair more than using my other gentle cleansers. Currently, I have been using OGX Detoxifying + Pomegranate & Ginger Conditioner as a co-wash and find that it works great! For my wash and go routine, I like to switch back and forth between Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare Shampoo and Conditioner;”> and my new favorites, Jane Carter Solution Moisture Nourishing Shampoo and Nutrient Conditioner. Both products are gentle, smell great, and I feel satisfyingly clean after I use either of these lines.
My Styling Routine
After showering, I like to style my curls with my Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-in Conditioner, BounceCurl Light Creme Gel, and Ouidad Mongongo Oil, in that LCO order.
How I Apply Product
I apply these products to sopping wet hair, scrunch in between applying each product, and gently finger comb the products through evenly.
Once my products are in, I use a t-shirt and plop my curls for about 10 minutes.
Depending on the kind of time I have, I typically diffuse my curls on the high heat setting and the low airflow level. When I have more time, however, I like to let my curls air dry.
Depending on how dry my curls are feeling, every 1 to 2 weeks I deep condition with my SheaMoisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Hair & Scalp Weekly Therapy, a product that I have found to be a godsend for fine, curly hair. It never fails to define and hydrate my curls. This product always leaves my curls smelling like a tropical paradise.
How I Deal with Buildup
Since I typically use more products in the winter than I do in the warmer months, my curls do experience build-up.
Therefore, I like to use either water diluted apple cider vinegar or my Moptop: Clarifying rescue treatment to revive and cleanse my curls 2 times a month.
That’s all there is to it! This routine is my absolute favorite because it never fails to leave my curls moisturized, smelling great, defined, and soft.
What does your winter curl regimen look like?
Let me know in the comment section below.
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