How to Properly Care for Natural Hair (Type 3 & Type 4) Using the LOC Method

 

How to Properly Care for Natural Hair (Type 3 & Type 4) Using the LOC Method | Alyxirs

Caring for natural hair is all about moisture, consistency, and choosing products that support your texture. Whether you have Type 3 curls or Type 4 coils, the LOC method remains one of the most effective routines for maintaining hydration, softness, and definition, especially if your hair often feels dry or brittle.

In this guide, we’ll break down how the LOC (or LCO) method works, why it’s perfect for curly and coily hair, and how to incorporate Alyxirs Green Tea & Honey Leave-In Conditioner into your moisture routine for long-lasting results.

What Is the LOC Method?

"LOC" stands for:

  • L – Leave-in Conditioner 
  • O – Oil
  • C – Cream (Hair Butter, Styling Cream)

This technique involves layering products from lightest to heaviest, allowing each step to seal moisture in for longer periods of time.
It’s especially powerful for Type 3A–3C curls and Type 4A–4C coils, which often struggle with dryness due to the shape of the curl pattern.

Why the LOC Method Works for Type 3 & Type 4 Hair

✔ Keeps moisture locked in for days

Curly and coily hair loses moisture quicker than straight hair. The LOC method helps slow that loss.

✔ Reduces breakage

Proper hydration keeps hair flexible and prevents snapping at weak points.

✔ Enhances curl definition

Moisturized curls clump better, shrink less, and frizz less.

✔ Strengthens the hair shaft

Using products layered in the right order creates a protective coating over the strands.

Step 1: L – Leave-In Conditioner 

The first step of the LOC method is a water-based leave-in conditioner, 

How to Apply

  • Start on damp or freshly washed hair.
  • Using WARM water, use a spray bottle to re-wet hair if needed.
  • Work in sections for even hydration.

Alyxirs Green Tea & Honey Leave-In Conditioner

👉 https://alyxirs.com/products/green-tea-honey-leave-in-conditioner-1

This rich, nourishing leave-in conditioner is the perfect finishing product for Type 3 and Type 4 hair.

✨ Key Benefits of Green Tea for Natural Hair

  • Helps support growth and reduce shedding
  • Rich in antioxidants that protect the scalp and strands
  • Helps soothe irritation and keep follicles healthy
  • Strengthens hair fibers

✨ Key Benefits of Honey for Natural Hair

  • Natural humectant — draws moisture into the hair
  • Helps reduce frizz and smooth the cuticle
  • Adds natural shine
  • Improves slip and manageability

How to Apply

  • Apply leave-in conditioner to each section after oil (or before, which works best for you)
  • Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute.
  • Style as desired (twist-outs, braids, wash & go, etc.).

Honey + Green Tea = a powerhouse of hydration + strengthening for curls and coils.


Water plumps the hair shaft and prepares your curls to absorb products more effectively. When the hair is properly hydrated at the “L” stage, every step afterward becomes significantly more effective.

Step 2: O – Seal With Oil

After applying the leave-in, layer a lightweight oil to seal the moisture inside the hair shaft. 

Oils that pair well with the LOC method:

  • Grapeseed oil
  • Avocado oil (My favorite!)
  • Jojoba oil
  • Sweet almond oil
  • Headliner Oil Blend from Bundle Head

How to Apply

  • Use 2–4 drops per section
  • Smooth or rake through
  • Focus on your ends — they dry out the fastest

The oil acts like a barrier, preventing water from escaping too quickly.

Step 3: C – Cream

The “C” represents Cream, which provides long-lasting moisture and softness. A rich cream, such as a butter-based moisturizer, curl cream, or hydrating lotion helps seal in the moisture added during the Liquid step while nourishing the strands. This layer helps define curls, reduce tangles, and protect hair from environmental stressors. I personally skip this step, as my hair does not need the extra product. Give it a try to see if your hair flourished with it, or could do without. 

 

Tips for Caring for Type 3 & Type 4 Natural Hair

1. Deep Condition Regularly

At least once a week for Type 4 hair, and every 1–2 weeks for Type 3 textures.

2. Avoid Over-Shampooing

Choose gentle cleansers or co-wash between washes.

3. Protect at Night

Use satin bonnets, scarves, or pillowcases to prevent moisture loss.

4. Keep Ends Trimmed

Healthy ends = better curl definition.

5. Be Consistent

Moisture is cumulative. The more consistent your routine, the healthier your curls become.

Why Alyxirs Leave-In Conditioner Elevates Your LOC Method

The Green Tea & Honey Leave-In is uniquely formulated to:

✔ Strengthen the hair
✔ Add long-lasting hydration
✔ Improve slip and make detangling easier
✔ Support scalp health
✔ Reduce breakage
✔ Enhance shine

It’s lightweight enough for Type 3 hair, yet moisturizing enough for Type 4 textures — making it the perfect “L” step in your routine.

👉 Get it here: https://alyxirs.com/products/green-tea-honey-leave-in-conditioner-1

Naturally With Alyxirs......

The LOC method remains one of the most trusted techniques for maintaining healthy, hydrated, defined curls — especially for Type 3 and Type 4 hair. By choosing the right products and staying consistent, you can transform dryness into softness, frizz into definition, and dull hair into radiant curls.

Ready to take your natural hair routine to the next level?
Try Alyxirs Green Tea & Honey Leave-In Conditioner today and experience plant-powered hydration built for beautiful curls.

 

Back to blog