Moisturizers, Cremes, & the L.O.C. Method

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I'm attempting to work on this blog while my daughter is running around.  I have failed at wash day for the both of us once again.  There's always tomorrow because I don't think we are going anywhere.  Today was 71 degrees and tomorrow they are predicting the high will be about 47 degrees.  The gag is the low will be 24 degrees.  I'm so over this crazy weather up here.  Wait, I think my kid just pooped...hold on.

Ok I'm back.  Yes, I actually typed that and yes I actually stopped to remove a poopy diaper and give her a bath.  Has anyone else's kid ever pooped so bad that you just dumped them in the bathtub?  She smelled so bad to be so little.  For those of you that might not have kids, just wait on it.  You'll experience this one day.  Then she poured water over her head so since her hair was wet, I decided to go ahead and wash her hair even though I hate doing that while she is in the tub (I'll talk more about that later).

Nowhere have I said in this blog that being a natural is cheap.  I wish someone would have warned me.  I've spent more money on hair products now than I did when I had a relaxer.  But honestly, not just any product works for your hair when you're natural.  Each person's hair has a different porosity level (how well your hair can hold moisture) so it's hard to find that one solid product that you can depend on to do the job.  I buy my products strictly from the hair brand's website, Sally's, or Target.  I always catch them when they have a sale around the holidays on the hair brand's website or when Sally's has a BOGO sale.  Sometimes Target has a sale where you buy two products and get a $5 gift card.  I really don't be out there just spending money.  I'm big on online shopping because I hate going in the stores.  Plus online shopping was way more convenient when my daughter was younger and I would always jump on a deal that included free shipping.  

Back to the subject at hand.  In previous posts I have said moisturize, moisturize, MOISTURIZE!  I bet someone still doesn't get it though.  Moisturized hair can retain its length, which was one of my goals that I have surpassed.  Moisturizers serve two simple purposes; 1) they add moisture to the hair and 2) they help to prevent loss of moisture.  Below are my favorite moisturizers.

• The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Oil & Honey Daily Moisturizer & Sealing Cream & Daily Restorative Spray - This is something I fought the urge to buy for awhile.  I kept seeing it on The Mane Choice's IG page and through their emails.  So finally I broke down and got it while Sally's had a BOGO sale.  This combo seals and replenishes moisture, fights frizz, promotes growth, and the list goes on.  I've used the spray alone but I have not used the two together yet. I'll update within a day or so because I'm going to use these products when I do my twist out after wash day.
• Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk - MY FAVORITE!  As much money as I spend with this company, they need to send me some free products.  I apply this after using their White Peony Leave-in Conditioner and my twist outs are so moisturized and defined.  Plus my hair is super soft.  I love this so much that I used this on my daughter's hair once she turned about 16 months.  I hope they never discontinue this item because I'm not sure what I would do! 😩
• Mielle Organics Brazilian Curl Cream - What?  Another product from Mielle Organics?  I told ya'll I love this brand.  I had to learn with this product that a little goes a long way.  I applied to much the first time I used this and hated it because my hair was greasy the next day.  But I gave it another try along with the mousse (this will be in my next post) and it left my hair super moisturized and super soft.  It also gave my curls great definition.  
• Lottabody Moisturize Me Curl & Style Milk - I know ya'll remember this brand.  Who hasn't been to a salon where they used Lottabody setting lotion or used this at home yourself?  Well, they are back now with some natural hair care products and let me say that this hair milk is just everything to me.  It serves as a detangler and a moisturizer.  This along with their styling foam (check my next post for this product) gives me THE BEST perm rod sets.  My hair is always super soft and it will stay moisturized for days.  This is another product that I ALWAYS have to have nearby.
• tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer - I absolutely hated this at first.  Only because I applied way too much.  When I tried it again, it was definitely a product that I would keep and use again and again.  I always put my hair in four sections when I start to style it.  I used my index finger to scoop out a little and apply it to my hair.  My hair soaks this in and the moisture stays there for days.  With most hair butters, you only need to apply a small amount unless you have super thick hair.

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L.O.C. Method

The L.O.C. Method is super easy to remember.  The 'L' stands for leave-in (some say liquid); 'O' stands for oil; and 'C' stands for cream.  This is the method that I use on my hair after I wash and condition it and during the middle of the week when I re-style my hair.  This method helps to keep moisture locked in the hair.  This method works well for me because each layer of the product seals the the layer before it.  This simply means the cream seals the oil which seals in the leave-in.  This method works best for me.  Some people that I know use it as L.C.O. Method which is simply applying the cream then the oil.  

Here's how I use the L.O.C. Method:

1. Part hair into four sections.
2. Spray hair lightly with water.  (I keep a spray bottle that's always filled with water.)
3. Apply a leave-in conditioner.
4. Apply an oil.
5. Apply a moisturizer.
6. Style hair as desired.

What are your favorite moisturizers and oils?  How does the L.O.C. Method work for you?  In my next post I'll discuss my favorite stylers and gels so check back later!