There are a few different methods of product application when it comes to curly and natural hair. Ultimately, using the method or regimen that leaves your hair the most moisturized and defined is the best one for you to use. Everyone's hair is different and no one method of application is the best or worst than another. Try out the different methods below to see which ones works best for you!

L.O.C. Method

L.O.C. stands for Liquid, Oil, and Cream. This technique entails applying products to each section of hair after your wash beginning with a liquid such as water or a leave-in conditioner, following up with an oil like coconut oil or olive oil, and finishing with a moisturizing or curl defining cream. Proponents of this method believe that the layering of products in this order can help water penetrate each strand of hair effectively and help the oil and moisturizing ingredients from the cream seal that water into the strand.

The Black Girl Curls Method

This product application technique was created and popularized by co-founders of Black Girl Curls and stylists Aishia Strickland and Aeleise Harris Oilarvia. In a nutshell, the founders believe in minimal product application and encourage users to only rely on a water-based botanical gelle to style and moisturize the hair after your wash is complete. They focus on proper cleansing and conditioning and dial the "wash-day" back to a "wash-hour" by using a single styler to pull out definition and lock in the water you receive during your shower. This can be used during a twist-out or wash and go. Some of their recommended botanical gelles to use include: Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic, Innersense I Create Hold and the Doux Big Poppa Defining Gel.

The Scrunch and Pray Method

This method is popular among those who have looser curls or waves. The goal with this product application technique is to avoid creating product build-up on the hair which can lead to weigh down and frizz. To start, apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner to the strands with the hair upside down. Lightly rake the leave-in conditioner through each section. Then, apply a curl cream or gel by scrunching it into each section of hair from the ends to the roots. Finish off this method by placing your hair in between your hands that are placed together as if you were praying and run your hands down your hair. Once the product has been properly distributed, flip your head over to let your hair fall into place. This will help product evenly distribute throughout your hair.

The Finger-Coiling or Shingling Method

This product application technique is often used on curly/coily to natural hair types. It involves taking small sections of hair and using your fingers to coil the hair around itself to pull out a certain level of definition. The smaller the section you coil, the smaller curls you will have, the larger you coil, the larger curls you will have. As you do this, be sure to apply product evenly throughout each section so that every strand is properly moisturized and has an equal access to the curl definer.. This method is great for long-lasting definition especially for type 4 naturals styling a wash and go, however it can be very tedious and can take longer than running the product through the strands.

What product application method is your go-to?! Let us know in the comments below!