There have been numerous experimental studies for heat transfer measurement technique. This study investigates optical methods for measuring local heat transfer coefficient using thermochromic liquid crystal. Transient and steady methods have been utilized to measure local heat transfer coefficient on a cylinder with a cross flow. The steady method is based on the heat-coating technique and two transient methods adopt by-pass technique and insertion technique, respectively. Both techniques of transient method employ heating technique in which the flow is heated by using the electric heater and cooling technique which cools the preheated cylinder. Experimental results indicate that each methods have nearly similar results. Detailed discussions have been made for its own advantages and disadvantages.