If you consider yourself a skincare enthusiast, you must have already dabbled in the popular Korean skincare trend–slugging. It entails slathering your skin in a moisture-trapping occlusive, often petroleum jelly, and letting it sink in as you sleep. Slugging could be your holy grail for smoother, hydrated, and healthy skin. Recently, a new type of slugging is gaining social traction—slugging devotees have adopted this popular TikTok trend but for their strands. Are you wondering what hair slugging is, and what it can do for your hair? I have put together an in-depth guide on this viral trend to help you reap its incredible benefits.
What is hair slugging?
UV rays, chlorine, salt water, hair colouring, and heat styling, all deplete our hair’s vibrancy, lustre, and elasticity. If you are struggling with dry, brittle, and lifeless strands or want to give your hair much-needed hydration, hair slugging is the solution. It follows the same fundamental approach as skin slugging–applying a generous amount of oil or conditioner to the hair and covering it securely with a sock or a wrap overnight.
What are the benefits of hair slugging?
While hair slugging sounds like a nourishing dream for your locks, does it really work? Here’s what this technique can do for your hair:
- Provides intense hydration
If you have dull, lifeless strands, hair slugging is a godsend because it provides deep hydration. The occlusive barrier formed by the slug helps in moisture retention, preventing dryness and frizz.
- Improves hair texture
Slugging regularly can help improve your hair texture, making it softer, shinier, and more manageable. It is an excellent option for people who have dry or damaged hair.
- Boosts hair health
The slug functions as a protective barrier against environmental stressors such as pollution and severe weather, thereby supporting your hair health.
- Reduces split ends
While hair slugging can not treat split ends, it is a fantastic option to keep them at bay. Hair slugging, by limiting moisture loss, can help to reduce split ends, thus boosting overall hair health and length retention.
Who can benefit from hair slugging?
Although slugging is beneficial for all hair types, lengths, and textures, you have to keep in mind that not all hair types are created equal. Therefore, I recommend modifying product types and frequency of application accordingly. Medium to thicker textures can slug with thicker oils or more frequently. You can try slugging with castor or coconut oil because of their heavier consistencies. On the other hand, if you have fine hair, I recommend slugging sparingly with a lightweight oil. While slugging has a myriad of benefits, I recommend only slugging your hair once a week to avoid over-moisturising.
How to slug your hair correctly?
Want to get the most out of hair slugging? Here’s how to do it the right way:
- Cleanse your hair
Before starting the slugging process, make sure your hair is clean and damp. You can use your regular shampoo and conditioner to remove product buildup from your hair.
- Choose the right products
When it comes to hair slugging, choosing the right product is paramount. The goal is to choose a product that is suitable for your hair type and solves your specific hair issues.
- Apply the product generously
Section your wet hair and generously apply the oil or product, ensuring that every strand is coated. Once your hair is fully coated, you may keep the slug on for a few hours or overnight for deep conditioning. Consider using a shower cap or wrapping your hair in a warm towel to help the product absorb better.
- Rinse it out
After a good night of hair slugging, it is crucial to wash your hair thoroughly. To get the most out of this practice, wash the product out with lukewarm water followed by cold water, which will close the cuticles and lock the moisture into the hair strands.
To learn more about hair slugging and its benefits, book a consultation with me. Click here.