The short answer: LOC and LCO are two ways of layering the same three things on damp hair: a liquid (water or a water-based leave-in), an oil, and a cream or butter. LOC goes liquid, oil, cream. LCO goes liquid, cream, oil. Neither is proven to be better. Most advice says to try LOC first on dry, coily hair, and to try LCO if hair feels weighed down or products seem to sit on top of it. For children, use less than you think you need.
Last updated: October 2026.
If you have ever wondered why your child's hair feels soft on wash day and dry by Tuesday, the answer is often moisture that is not being held in. This guide explains both methods in plain English, which to try for your child, how to do it step by step, and the mistakes that leave hair greasy, not soft. It also says honestly that the evidence behind these routines is mostly experience, not research.
Quick reference
| LOC | LCO | |
|---|---|---|
| Order | Liquid, oil, cream | Liquid, cream, oil |
| Last layer | Cream or butter (heavier seal) | Oil (lighter finish) |
| Often suggested for | Very dry, tightly coiled hair that loses moisture fast | Hair that feels weighed down, or products that seem to sit on top |
| Watch out for | Too much product making hair heavy | Hair drying out quicker if the oil is too light |
These matches come from stylists and hair brands, not clinical studies, so treat them as a starting point.
In this guide
What LOC and LCO mean
Both routines are about layering. Tightly coiled hair bends along every strand, so natural scalp oils find it harder to travel to the ends. The hair is often drier and more fragile as a result, which is why parents look for ways to hold moisture in.
- L is for liquid. Water, a water-based mist, or a leave-in conditioner where water is high on the ingredient list.
- O is for oil. A thin layer of oil on top of the moisture.
- C is for cream. A cream or butter that adds softness and helps the layers last.
The idea is that the liquid gives the hair water, and the other layers slow that water leaving. The order changes how the oil and cream sit on the hair, which is why some children prefer one over the other.
Which should you try first?
Hair brands and stylists commonly suggest LOC for very dry, tightly coiled hair, and LCO for hair that is looser or feels weighed down by a heavy seal. Some also link the choice to porosity, meaning how easily hair takes in and holds water. These pairings are based on professional experience and reasoning, not published trials, and some people find the opposite works better for them.
So, treat it as a two-week experiment:
- Try LOC for 2 weeks.
- If the hair feels heavy, greasy or looks dull, switch to LCO for 2 weeks, or use a smaller amount.
- Keep whichever leaves the hair soft and easy to detangle for the longest.
Every child is different, and what works at 4 may not work at 9.
How to do it on your child's hair, step by step
Start on clean or freshly damp hair. If you need a full wash day order, see our routine by age.
- Section the hair into 4 to 6 parts. Loose twists are fine.
- Liquid. Mist each section until it is damp (not dripping), or smooth in a leave-in conditioner.
- Oil or cream, depending on your method. For LOC, add a few drops of oil first. For LCO, add a small amount of cream first.
- Finish with the other layer. Cream or butter last for LOC, oil last for LCO. Use a pea-sized amount per section to start.
- Smooth from the ends up. The ends are the driest part and need the most attention.
- Style loosely and avoid pulling on the hairline.
Little and often. A light layer applied regularly works better than a thick layer once a week. If the hair feels sticky, you have used too much.
How often? Many parents moisturise on wash day and then refresh every 2 to 3 days with water or a light mist and a touch of the sealing layer. Adjust to your child's hair.
6 mistakes to avoid
- Sealing dry hair. Oil and butter hold moisture in, they do not put it in. Start with a liquid.
- Using too much. More product does not mean more moisture. Too much leaves hair weighed down and can build up.
- Skipping the wash. Layers build up over time. Wash gently every 1 to 2 weeks with a mild shampoo.
- Applying thick products to the scalp every day. Keep most product on the lengths and ends.
- Sticking to a method that is not working. If hair feels greasy or still dry after 2 weeks, swap the order or the product.
- Using products with strong fragrance on young scalps. Patch test anything new and stop if you see redness or itching.
Products for each layer
You do not need many products. Here is what we make for each step. Product details come from our product pages, so please read the full ingredients on each page before buying.
| Layer | Product | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid | Hair Mist hydrate spray | A light mist to dampen the hair between washes |
| Liquid | Kids Leave-in Conditioner with Hibiscus | A leave-in to soften and ease detangling |
| Cream | Kids Hair Butter infused with Hibiscus | A butter to help hold moisture in |
| Cream and oil | Kids Hair Butter + Kids Hair Oil | The butter and oil layers together |
| All in one | Kids Natural Hair Care 4 in 1 Set | Shampoo, leave-in, butter and oil together |
Browse the full Kids Hair Care collection, or read our guide to the causes of breakage.
When to see a doctor
Moisture routines cannot fix every scalp or hair problem. See your GP or a pharmacist if your child has:
- a scalp that is sore, very itchy, swollen, red, flaky or crusted
- smooth bald patches or a hairline that keeps thinning
- signs of infection such as pus or a spreading rash
This article is general information, not medical advice.
FAQs
What does LOC stand for in hair care?
Liquid, oil, cream. You apply them in that order to damp hair so the oil and cream help hold the moisture in.
What is the difference between LOC and LCO?
Only the order of the last two steps. LOC puts oil before cream, LCO puts cream before oil.
Which is better for kids with afro hair?
There is no proven winner. Try LOC first for very dry hair and swap to LCO if it feels heavy.
Can I use the LOC method on a baby or toddler?
Often a light version works, such as a mist and a tiny amount of butter. Use products made for young hair, patch test first and keep the amount very small.
How often should I do it?
Many parents do it on wash day and refresh every 2 to 3 days. Adjust to how the hair feels.
Why does my child's hair still feel dry?
Check you are starting with a liquid, using a light hand, and washing gently every 1 to 2 weeks. If the hair is breaking, see our breakage guide.