Tag Archives: L.O.C Method

Argan Oil For Healthy Hair (& Skin)

1 Reply

Hello Maicurlies, 

Today’s post is all about my love for Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa) also known as Liquid Gold.

DSC04570 - Copy

What is Argan Oil:

Argan oil native to Morocco, is an organic product that is extracted from the kernels (nuts) of argan trees. Due to its nourishing and nutritional benefits it was/is an extremely popular ingredient in many cosmetic products and nothing is better than using it in its natural pure form!

Where Can I Get it?:

You can pick argan oil from Pharmacies, some grocery stores, Vitamin Stores and of course Online. (My sister brought me two bottles of Liquid Gold directly from the source). From what my sister told me she picked up the bottle from a local women’s group who work argan tree farms to help supplement their household. When I heard that I loved the oil a little more (thank you sis)! 

Here are a few sources online that I would trust:

I have seen a number of hair care manufacturers that produce argan Oil however, I tend to say buy 100% natural pure oil versus something that claims to be argan oil but contains other ingredients as well (always check your labels). 9 times out of 10 a Brand Oil that is labeled with argan Oil but contains other oils usually means you are not really getting your monies worth! Having other oils in the bottle is not necessarily a bad thing but since it usually costs a bit of money to purchase anything with argan Oil on its label you want to know you are getting something out of the product. Many times companies that include a mix of oils also include other ingredients that you might not be aware of e.g. silicons (cones) and perhaps even the dreaded mineral oil/paraffinum liquidum. For some of us, cones are not a “bad” thing either however you need to keep in mind that cons are water insoluble which means, that you will need some kind of cleansing agent (e.g. shampoo) to get rid of them when you wash your hair in order to really remove product build up from products with cones in them. Cones do not penetrate the hair strands and do not contain any independent health benifits for the hair but what they are able to do is to provide shine, the feeling of softness and work as barriers- closing the cutilce of our hair which gives your hair a feeling of softness. It is the barrier effect that can sometimes cause issues for some of us. When it comes to paraffinum liquidum, I need to stress that I always suggest to stay away from products that includes paraffinum liquidum.

Argan Oil

Benefits of Argan Oil For Hair:

Argan oil is known to make the hair soft, smooth and shiny. Thanks to the antioxidants and essential fatty acids present in the oil It also has the ability to condition the hair, reduce frizz and improve the overall health of the hair. The oil is not only ideal to lock in moisture (apply after you have moisturized your hair) but since it is able to penetrate the hair strands to its core, it is able to provide the hair with nourishing properties from the inside out. Those with a dry, itchy or irritated scalp can benefit from using argan oil since it is known to help sooth the scalp. This is also beneficial for those that suffer from dandruff as it is easily absorbed into the scalps pores, providing moisturizing elements to the skin (scalp) and boost new skin cell growth. 

Benefits of Argan Oil For Skin:

The oil is packed with vitamin A & vitamin E which are known for their healing abilities along with a high fatty acid content. It also has anti-oxidants properties, filled with Omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid all of which help with inflammation and moisturizing the skin. The vitamin E in the oil helps to boost the regeneration of new skin cells which helps to provide you with a youthful skin that “glows”. Those suffering with acne might benefit from using the oil to help sooth the skin and heal blemishes. Argan oil can be used on your whole body (including your face) and since it is a non-greasy oil it quickly is absorbed into the skin. The application of the oil on your skin can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, light stretch marks, razor burns/bumps and can even be used to help soften dry and cracked heals, dry hands and brittle nails. Those that suffer from dry cracked lips (e.g. yours truly) can apply a drop of oil on your lips to help heal cracks, keep your lips soft, smooth, moisturized and conditioned.

How I Use Argan Oil:

Since the oil is not particularly cheap (and the two I got where gifts from Morocco) I use them sparingly and choose not to experiment with the oil or blend it in with some of my DIY mixes. Instead, I like to use it as a scalp massage oil in the morning or as part of the L.O.C method (liquid/leave-in, Oil, Cream) when I moisturize my hair. (I have details on the L.O.C method here). I am also using it for my skin as well as my super dry lips!

Do you use argan oil? If so, do you use it for your hair and/or skin? I would love to hear from you! 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

How To: Turning an old Twist-out to Braid & Curl Low Manipulation Style

3 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

Today I wanted to share one of the methods I use to remoisturize old hair & how I style my hair in a low manipulation style (when I went camping for 2 nights). 

wrap up braid-out

So I was off to a beach camping trip for 2 nights and my hair was a MESS! I had it in a twist out that turned into a messy bun. The curls were tangled, dry and just not in a good way! Since I was camping I knew I didn’t want to do anything “drastic” especially since I would be washing my hair once I got back. I also knew I wanted my hair tucked away since sand and my hair just don’t play nice at all so I figured I would remoisturize, bring back some texture but still keep my hair tucked away.

My remoisturizing method was simple, the L.O.C method (Leave-in/liquid, Oil, Cream/Whipped butter) I also used permrods and that was it. I did not use a comb to get through my hair since I wanted low manipulation and to protect my hair during the trip I used a scarf to keep my hair up and away from my shoulders and presto. 

Braid and Perm Rod Set
Braid and curl
Braid and curl after separating
Braid and curl

Products/Tools Used:

Method:

I parted my hair into sections (roughly 15 – 18 in total), spritzed my hair with my DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner followed by my oil. I then gently, carefully and slowly detangled my hair and get rid of shed hair. I braided my hair but left my ends unbraided. I added a little extra spray leave-in on the ends, smoothed on some whipped butter before wrapping them around the perm rods and then rolling up to my roots.

wrapped up braid out
wrapped up braid out
wrapped up braid out
wrapped up braid out

Once I was done I covered my hair at night (I kept it uncovered right until I went to bed). The following morning I took down the perm rods and using a little oil on my fingertips I undid the braids. Now if you want to have definition then take the braids down carefully to keep the integrity of the curl pattern (since I just wanted a little texture, a little volume and was going to cover my hair it didn’t really matter for me). After I took down the braids I separated my hair a tiny bit and covered my hair with the scarf, leaving a swooped bang at the front (the ends tucked away) and pinned the rest of my hair upwards. Presto: happy moisturized and protected hair ready for camping! 

I have a video of the whole process:

P.s. In case you were wondering, here is a peak at the spot where we camped. 

What is your go to method to remoisturize “old hair” mid-week/before washing your hair?

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Methods of Moisturizing and Retaining Moisture

9 Replies

Hey Maicurlies!

What does it means to moisturize your hair and how should you moisturize your hair? Why is it important to keep your hair moisturized? How do you keep your hair moisturized? 

It can be a little tricky and to confuse matters a little further, depending on the season you might have to switch up how you moisturize .

The first thing is understanding the moisturizing process (the products you need to use) and then comes the order in which you apply the products. The order of application will depend mainly on the structure of your hair (porosity), your hair width (how thick your hair strands are) and what your hair likes.

Moisturizing Methods

There is no one rule fits all but the general rule of thumb is that moisturizing your hair should consist of:

L = Liquid (water/water-based leave-in used to moisturize)

Leave-in Conditioners

O = Oil (carrier oil)

oilsC = Cream (hair cream/butter)

Whipped butter

What are the combination of applications you can use?

  • L.C.O.
  • L.O.C.O.
  • L.O.C.

But there are some who do a shortened version as well:

  • L.O
  • L.C

Liquids: can be anything from water, water and aloe Vera juice or a water based leave-in conditioners. The important aspect is using a product that is water based (water should be listed within the top 3 ingredients if not the first). Personally for me, water alone is not enough. I like to use water and my DIY Creamy Leave-in conditioner or my  DIY Spray Leave-in Conditioner -which is water in a spray bottle with other ingredients added to it.

Oil: this should be a carrier oil of choice that works as a sealant to “trap” in the moisture applied before (the liquid). Depending on several characteristics of your hair: virgin coconut oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, castor oil (to name a few) or even a mix of oils. Those with fine hair will prefer lighter oils and those with coarse hair can get away with using heavier oils.

Cream: this can either be a hair cream, a whipped butter or a whipped butter mix. Depending on your hair structure a butter or cream can actually also be sufficient to help set styles. However if not, then you will want to apply a setting product for additional hold such as a gel (the styling product is not part of the moisturizing step).

How, why, when?

You want to layer on the products. I heard somewhere on a YouTube channel that moisturizing should be considered as painting your nails. You have a base coat, the color and then a top coat. The same applies for moisturizing our hair. 

Why is it important to moisturize our hair? Well, basically if you do not, you are asking for damage, breakage, thirsty and dull hair. Our hair is naturally dry due to its structure, the curls, kinks and coils makes it a little more difficult for the natural oils produced by the scalp (sebum) to travel down the entire length of the hair strand. We need to help the process along and the way to do that is to moisturize and seal.

How often do you need to moisturize? For some, moisturizing and sealing after washing your hair might be enough for the week however, for a lot of us we need to re-moisturize our hair at some point during the week. The frequency will really depend on weather conditions, how “thirsty” your hair gets, how much manipulation you do to your hair and how your hair is styled (e.g protective vs. free flowing). I for example will re-moisturize anywhere from 1-3 times during the week. Keep in mind – While moisturizing is important it is also important to remember that you shouldn’t over do it. Product buildup can occur if you laden on the products. If your hair is coated it actually makes it is harder to attain and retain moisture because the moisture is not able to reach the core of your hair and thus just sits on top of the previously applied products (ineffective!) 

So which method is right for you? The only way to find out is to start with one method and then build from there, once you have determined your hair structure of course. If the L.O.C method doesn’t work for you then try L.C.O. and so on. Start off light with the products and try to determine how much/little you need and build from there. 

My Method:

Up until I started using butters my method was the L.O. which for some sounds crazy (I didn’t have access to butters). Now I like to do the L.O.C method (both in summer and winter) after I have washed my hair. If I want super definition I will add Flax Seed Gel before applying the Cream. When I re-moisturize I will either do the L.O. or L.C. method and if I am restyling midweek then I might add my Flax Seed  Spray Gel for hold.

What is your moisturizing process? Does your routine differ in the summer and winter? I would love to hear from you!

Maicurls

Maicurls