THE LOG METHOD: THE ROUTINE EVERY CURLY BLOWER SHOULD KNOW FOR HYDRATED CURLS
You have those porous, coiled locks of hair. You've tried every chemical treatment and styling method to make them look presentable and manageable. The fight is here and we know it.
That's why this time we offer you the perfect hair care routine that will not only help you restore your hair with intense hydration, but also make it shiny and frizz-free. Here you can read everything to transform your curls into absolutely bouncy, shiny and soft curls.
What is the LOG method?
LOG is a styling method that helps you achieve more defined curls while making them manageable.
LOG is a method that carefully layers moisture to lock it deep within your hair. This method asks you to layer the products in the following order:
Leave-in conditioner (L), Oil (O) and Gel (G).
But you might be wondering:How is this different from the other ways we wash and style our hair?Our normal way of washing hair can remove the moisture. But with the LOG method we try to get moisture flowing to our hair strands. This is also why the LOG method makes your hair more manageable and shinier.
If you've heard of the LOG method, you've probably also heard of the LOC method.
The only difference is that in the last step you use cream instead of a gel. A cream is a viable option for those with hair that is very porous and prone to drying out. The cream helps you add more moisture to make the curls frizz-free. On the other hand, the gel helps define your curls and lock in the moisture you added in the previous steps. Both methods are good and it depends on your hair type to understand which method to follow for more manageable hair.
HOW CAN YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR HAIR TYPE BEFORE CHOOSING THE LOG METHOD?
Your genes and environment influence hair type. Depending on the type of hair, you can choose to choose an aftercare method.
LOG is generally suitable for very porous and coiled hair. Depending on the texture of the hair, they are defined into 4 categories and later divided into subcategories - A, B and C according to the porosity, density, curl pattern, etc.
Let's take a look at these types and also which hair type to use the LOG method.
TYPE 1
These are generally straight hair with little to no curls. Even if they curl, it could be that little 'S' somewhere near the temple or around the neck. This hair is not easily damaged and is generally associated with oily hair, as the sebum from the scalp spreads easily to the end. Due to their resistance to damage, they are usually not that porous if you maintain them properly. They are classified as A, B and C depending on the amount of 'S' waves and the volume.
Type 1A: Straight hair
Type 1B: Straight, voluminous hair
Type 1C: Straight hair with a pair of 'S' around the neck or temples
This hair type is manageable and therefore does not require a LOG method.
TYPE 2
Type 2 hair can have a mix of straight and wavy hair. This hair type can sometimes be frizzy compared to type 1 hair. They can be wavy and curl easily. Type 2 hair can be further classified as follows:
Type 2A: Long, stretched wavy hair
Type 2B: Relatively shorter wavy hair
Type 2C: Defines waves with a few curls
This hair type is often manageable. Porous hair can benefit from the LOG method.
TYPE 3
This is curly hair, but it is not dense, tight curls. They can have an 'S' or 'Z' shape depending on the tightness of the curls. They are sensitive to damage and can also be frizzy. People with this hair type generally have difficulty controlling their hair due to the change in weather. They can be further classified as-
Type 3A: loose, large curls
Type 3B: bouncy medium curls
Type 3C: Small and tight curls
This hair type benefits from the LOG Method.
Depending on the porosity of the hair, the frequency of LOG can be determined. One way to determine the porosity of your hair is to fill a glass of water and drop a clean strand of hair into it. If it sinks, it is very porous and loses moisture easily. If it remains on the water surface, it has low porosity. Highly porous strands naturally require more moisture to stay nourished. This is where the LOG method helps.
TYPE 4
These are tightly coiled curls. Although they may look voluminous, they shrink after washing because they have fewer layers of hair cuticles. This makes them extremely sensitive to damage. Generally they are 'Z' shaped curls. They are usually porous and therefore require more moisture. They can be further classified as-
Type 4A: 'S'-shaped tight curls
Type 4B: 'Z'-shaped tight curls
Type 4C: 'Z'-shaped, loosely defined curls
They do benefit from the LOG Method, because they can easily lose moisture. To protect the curls, they must have a protective barrier that prevents the loss of moisture to define the curls.
To conclude this section, we would like to say that everyone with hair types 2,3 and 4, very porous hair, will benefit from the LOG method.
HOW DO YOU APPLY THE LOG / LOC METHOD?
It's exactly what it sounds like. It involves three steps right after washing your hair. What you need is a leave-in conditioner, oil and gel. Let's start with this!
STAP 1: LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
This is the step after washing and conditioning your hair. While your hair is still wet, grab a leave-in conditioner. Before applying the product to your strands, divide your hair for even distribution. The amount of product depends on the porosity and density of your hair. If you have thin and porous hair, using a lot of products can weigh your hair down. So apply the amount according to the needs of your hair. Comb it with a wide comb to further distribute the product over the length of your hair.
STEP 2: OIL
If you use oil immediately afterwards, you can add a layer of moisture to your hair. This step allows you to seal in water and a leave-in conditioner. Use a sealing oil such as:
- Meadowfoam Oil
- (Jamaican black) castorolie:
- Grape seed oil:
- Jojoba oil:
- Rice oil:
- Almond oil:
- Argan oil (both sealing and moisturizing)
STEP 3: GEL
This is the final step that not only helps you lock in all the goodness from the previous steps, but also really defines the curls. The idea is to reapply the gel over the entire length. You should not comb your hair after applying the gel. Let the gel settle and fix your curls. Your hair may feel crunchy once your curls are dried. This is normal. You can squeeze out this hardness (cast) and voila, there are your perfectly shiny and defined curls!
Option: Give your hair a minute's massage after each step so it can absorb the goodness of each product. After using gel, you should let it rest well before drying it. This process may take an additional 15-20 minutes, but we think this is completely reasonable considering the results it produces.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS TO THINK OF BEFORE USING THE LOG METHOD?
While the LOG method is great for curly hair, you need to keep in mind certain factors that can lead to unwanted results. Here is something you should keep in mind before the LOG method:
- WATER QUALITY
Hard water leaves a negative charge on your hair strands, making them frizzy, hard, rough and brittle. None of this is pretty, especially for curly hair. LOG introduces three products for your hair to soften it, but due to mineral residues from hard water, the hair does not absorb these products. This gives you greasy and rough hair. So make sure you use a hair-softening shampoo and conditioner in case you have to work with hard water.
- DIVIDE YOUR HAIR INTO SECTIONS
This is so important in the LOG method. It's because the product has to reach every strand to make your hair manageable, otherwise you'll be left with parts of your hair that are still frizzy and rough. Working with sections while performing the LOG method allows for even distribution of the product.
- COMB WITH A BROAD BRUSH
The LOG method allows you to brush wet hair, which generally contradicts the classical norm that says that combing wet hair can lead to increased hair loss. Combing during the LOG method allows the product to spread evenly throughout your curls, but you need to make sure they aren't cruel to your curls. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles and brush through your wet/damp hair in gentle movements.
As important as it is to brush your hair during the LOG method, it is equally important to be careful when using a comb on wet/damp hair.
- USE THE CORRECT AMOUNT
Depending on the porosity, density and tightness of the curls, you can decide what amount of product to apply. Applying too much product can weigh hair down and make it look greasy. Start with less product and add more if you think you need to.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU DO THE LOG METHOD?
If you have very porous hair, you can ideally use the LOG method every wash day, but if your hair is medium to less porous, your curls could use an alternate wash day. The LOG method is mainly intended to add moisture to your curls, so that they become healthy and manageable. It is up to you to determine the frequency depending on how easily your hair loses moisture.
WHICH PRODUCTS ARE SUITABLE FOR THE LOC METHOD?
Sealing oils are best to use in this method, because the word says it all. Not all oils are suitable because you have penetrating oils and they do not provide a sealing layer around your hair.
IT COMES TO THIS...
LOG is a method to hydrate and define your curls in three steps after washing: Leave-in conditioner, oil and gel.
It is great for hair types 3 and 4 which can have very porous hair. Porous hair tends to lose moisture quickly and LOG is the solution that introduces moisture in layers to retain it longer. If you have curly hair, give the LOG method 3-4 tries for manageable and shiny curls!