What Is Hair Slugging and Should You Try It?
Haircare trends come and go, but every so often, one pops up that captures widespread attention. Recently, “hair slugging” has become one of those buzzworthy beauty hacks dominating TikTok, Instagram, and beauty forums. At first glance, the term might sound a little strange—after all, “slugging” has more traditionally been associated with skincare. But as the beauty industry often proves, innovative crossovers can lead to exciting results.
If you’re curious about whether hair slugging is worth trying, this blog post will dive into what it is, how it works, its potential benefits, and who might want to incorporate it into their routine.
The Origins of Slugging
Before we jump into hair slugging specifically, it’s important to understand where the term comes from. “Slugging” originated in Korean skincare and refers to the practice of applying a thick occlusive product, usually petroleum jelly or something similar, over your face at night. The goal is to lock in moisture, prevent water loss, and help the skin barrier repair itself while you sleep.
The “slug” reference comes from the glossy, almost slimy look the skin takes on after applying a heavy layer of ointment—hence the name. The practice gained massive traction in Western beauty spaces thanks to dermatologists, influencers, and beauty lovers praising its ability to restore dry or dehydrated skin.
With skincare slugging’s popularity, it was only a matter of time before the beauty community wondered: could a similar method help hair?
What Exactly Is Hair Slugging?
Hair slugging is the adaptation of this skincare practice for your hair. Instead of applying petroleum jelly to your face, you apply a protective, nourishing layer of oil or leave-in treatment to your strands—usually overnight.
Here’s how it generally works:
Choose your oil or product. Common choices include natural oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. Some people also use formulated hair serums or leave-in conditioners.
Apply to your hair. You can apply the oil along the lengths of your hair, focusing on the mid-shafts and ends rather than the scalp (unless you’re doing a scalp treatment).
Protect your hair. To prevent mess and maximize absorption, hair is typically wrapped in a sock, silk scarf, or microfiber bonnet. This creates a barrier, so the oil stays on your strands instead of rubbing off onto your pillow.
Leave it overnight. The oil or treatment soaks into your hair for several hours while you sleep.
Wash it out. The next morning, you shampoo and condition your hair as usual, ideally revealing softer, shinier, and more hydrated strands.
The idea is that, just like skin slugging seals in hydration, hair slugging provides intense nourishment and protection against breakage, dryness, and frizz.
Benefits of Hair Slugging
Hair slugging has gained popularity because of its potential benefits, particularly for those struggling with dry, damaged, or frizz-prone hair. Here are some of the main advantages beauty lovers report:
1. Deep Hydration and Nourishment
Oils and serums used in hair slugging can penetrate the hair shaft, delivering moisture and nutrients. This is especially helpful if your hair feels brittle, straw-like, or has lost its natural shine.
2. Frizz Control
By sealing the hair cuticle, slugging can help tame flyaways and frizz, leaving your hair smoother and easier to manage.
3. Protection Against Damage
Wrapping your hair before bed not only keeps the oil in place but also reduces friction against your pillowcase, minimizing split ends and breakage.
4. Shinier, Healthier Appearance
After consistent treatments, many people notice their hair looks glossier, fuller, and more vibrant—similar to the results of a professional hair mask or salon treatment.
5. Customizable for Different Needs
Whether your hair is curly, straight, fine, or thick, you can adjust the type of oil, amount, and frequency of slugging to suit your individual hair goals.
Possible Downsides and Things to Consider
Like any beauty trend, hair slugging isn’t for everyone. Before diving in, it’s worth keeping a few things in mind:
1. Oily or Fine Hair Types
If your scalp gets greasy quickly or your hair is fine, slugging might leave your strands weighed down or overly slick. In this case, using a very lightweight oil (like argan or jojoba) and applying sparingly may work better.
2. Product Buildup
Using heavy oils repeatedly without properly washing them out can lead to buildup, making hair feel coated or dull over time. A clarifying shampoo every few weeks can help.
3. Mess Factor
Let’s be honest: sleeping with oil in your hair can be a little messy, especially if you don’t secure it properly. A silk bonnet or microfiber wrap is a must to protect both your bedding and your hairstyle.
4. Not a Quick Fix
Slugging can improve the look and feel of your hair, but it won’t magically repair severe damage like chemical burns or split ends. Think of it as a supportive treatment, not a cure-all.
How to Try Hair Slugging at Home
If you’re intrigued, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started:
Start with clean, dry, or slightly damp hair. Slugging works best when your hair is free of heavy product buildup.
Pick your oil. Lightweight oils like argan or grapeseed are great for fine hair, while thicker oils like coconut or castor oil suit thicker or coarser textures.
Apply sparingly. Warm a few drops of oil in your palms, then work it through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Avoid the roots unless you’re intentionally doing a scalp massage.
Protect and wrap. Slip your hair into a silk sock, wrap, or bonnet to hold in the moisture and protect your bedding.
Sleep on it. Leave the oil in overnight for maximum benefits.
Wash thoroughly. In the morning, use shampoo and conditioner as usual. You may need a double shampoo depending on how much oil you used.
Who Should Try Hair Slugging?
Hair slugging can be particularly beneficial for:
People with dry or frizzy hair
Those with curly or coily textures that require extra moisture
Anyone dealing with heat-damaged or color-treated hair
People looking for a simple, at-home spa treatment without spending on expensive masks
On the other hand, if you have very oily hair, fine strands that get weighed down easily, or a sensitive scalp, you may want to approach slugging with caution—or try it only occasionally.
Alternatives to Hair Slugging
If slugging feels too heavy or messy for your routine, don’t worry—there are plenty of other ways to nourish your hair. Some alternatives include:
Weekly hair masks with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or keratin
Leave-in conditioners for lightweight daily moisture
Heat protectant sprays to prevent damage from styling tools
Regular trims to maintain healthy ends and reduce breakage
Final Thoughts: Should You Try It?
Hair slugging may sound like a gimmicky internet trend at first, but it’s actually a centuries-old practice of oiling the hair, rebranded with a modern twist. For many, it’s a cost-effective, accessible way to give their hair a hydration boost overnight.
That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If your hair craves moisture, feels brittle, or you’re battling frizz, slugging could be worth adding to your self-care routine. On the other hand, if your hair is naturally oily or you prefer low-maintenance haircare, you may want to stick to lighter products and occasional treatments.
Ultimately, hair slugging is about experimenting and finding what works best for your unique hair type. With the right oil, wrapping method, and frequency, it can be a game-changer for reviving dull, dry locks and achieving that coveted healthy shine.
