What Is the LCO Method?
The LCO method stands for Liquid, Cream, Oil. It's one of the easiest ways to keep natural hair moisturized for days instead of hours. You layer your products from lightest to heaviest, so each one soaks in before the next one goes on top. The result is less dryness, less breakage and softer hair between wash days.
Why the Order Matters
Each step has its own job:
- L = Liquid: Water is the only thing that truly moisturizes your hair. Start with plain water or a water-based spray like our Nourish Me Now Hair Spray.
- C = Cream: A creamy leave-in conditioner softens your hair and holds that water in. Our Maximum Strength Leave-In is a cream, made for exactly this step.
- O = Oil (and butter): Oils and butters don't add moisture. They seal it in, so it doesn't escape. Smooth our Fenugreek Infused Hair Butter over your lengths and ends, then finish with a few drops of our Maximum Strength Hair Oil, massaging some into your scalp.
How to Do the LCO Method Step by Step
- Start with clean, damp hair and work in 4 to 8 sections.
- Liquid: Wet each section with water, or mist it with Nourish Me Now.
- Cream: Smooth the Maximum Strength Leave-In from root to tip and gently detangle with your fingers.
- Oil and butter: Seal with the Fenugreek Infused Hair Butter, focusing on your ends, then a few drops of Maximum Strength Hair Oil on your scalp and ends.
- Style and protect. Twist, braid or put your hair up, and sleep on satin.
LCO vs. LOC: What's the Difference?
The LOC method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) swaps the last two steps. Many people with low-porosity hair like LCO because the lighter cream soaks in before the oil goes on top. Some people with high-porosity hair prefer LOC. There's no one right answer: try both, and use whichever keeps your hair soft the longest.
Between Wash Days
When your hair starts to feel dry, mist it with Nourish Me Now and add a little oil to your ends. That's usually all it takes to stretch your moisture until the next wash day.
Get the Complete Kit
Our Complete LCO Kit has every step in one bundle: the spray, leave-in, hair butter and Maximum Strength Oil, all handmade in small batches with our signature herbal blend.