Hair Slugging
Hair Slugging
Author: Jenna White | San Francisco Hairstylist
June 20th, 2022
June 20th, 2022
Initially, in the context of beauty routines, the term "slugging" referred to a skincare tip. The tip suggested applying a layer of petroleum jelly (for example, Vaseline) to your face as the last step of a skincare routine. The intended effect is to prevent dryness by sealing in moisture. Now, the hair care community is buzzing on TikTok with the term "hair slugging", which can be used interchangeably with the term "hair oiling". In general, I recommend that my clients follow a hair schedule that includes detoxing and deep conditioning versus utilizing the hair slugging approach. However, you should read on to learn more about it and decide for yourself if you want to try it out.
What is hair slugging?
Hair slugging is the concept of coating your hair in a thick, heavy product to seal in moisture (more on exactly which types of products below). I've seen a few different methods of using this technique over the course of my career as a hairstylist, and recommend taking these steps:
What products should be used for hair slugging?
Products used for hair slugging are oil-based with a thick consistency. Single ingredients commonly used in DIY methods, like coconut oil or cooking vegetable oil, have been used for hair slugging as well. You can learn more about your options for oil products in my blog post Hair Oils. In general, the hair products that can be used are marketed as a:
Should I use a sock?
Some application methods mention tying the ends of your hair back with a "fuzzy sock", which is literally just a soft sock from your bureau drawer. This is more generally used by people who opt for sleeping with wet/damp hair during the application process. As mentioned, I usually recommend that clients not sleep with wet hair because it can lead to damage, but if you opt for this approach, the fuzzy sock can help prevent product from getting on your pillowcase if you are only applying it to your ends. The flip side is that it can also soak up some of the product during the night, which reduces the amount of product you're immersing your hair in.
What are the benefits of hair slugging?
The benefits are dependent on what product you use, how your hair reacts to it and your application method. For example, someone with naturally thick and/or curly hair may find that it helps add smoothness, moisture and shine with the right products. People with naturally "puffy" ends (who often need a stylist to use thinning shears on those spots during a haircut) may notice those areas become smoother and easier to manage and style.
Are there any disadvantages to hair slugging?
Not using the right product, application method and/or hair routine for your hair type can result in dryness. This can be seen immediately or gradually over time, and is the result of a product covering the hair in residue that is not fully removed from shampooing. This causes the product to have the opposite effect on your hair, drying it out by sealing it with a coating that prevents moisture from getting inside the hair shaft. One way of combating this is to switch up the types of products that you're using. Another is to add regular detoxes to your hair routine (you can read more about detoxes in my post Detoxing Your Hair). In addition, someone with finer hair and a naturally oily scalp may not like the results if they're not shampooing once before applying and twice after, plus if they choose a product that is too heavy for their hair type and moisture needs.
What is hair slugging?
Hair slugging is the concept of coating your hair in a thick, heavy product to seal in moisture (more on exactly which types of products below). I've seen a few different methods of using this technique over the course of my career as a hairstylist, and recommend taking these steps:
- Cleanse: Shampoo your hair. Some people suggest skipping the shampoo and just wetting your hair before application. This can seal in more of your natural oils during the process. Either way, you'll have to shampoo twice after.
- Apply: Coat your hair from roots to end with the product. Some people also apply the product to their scalp.
- Wait: Leave the product on for 10 - 15 minutes. Some people choose to leave it on overnight (leaving it on overnight is more commonly referred to as "hair slugging" versus "hair oiling"). I recommend avoiding sleeping with wet hair since it can lead to damage.
- Re-cleanse: Remove the product by shampooing twice and finish by drying your hair with a blowdryer or air drying.
What products should be used for hair slugging?
Products used for hair slugging are oil-based with a thick consistency. Single ingredients commonly used in DIY methods, like coconut oil or cooking vegetable oil, have been used for hair slugging as well. You can learn more about your options for oil products in my blog post Hair Oils. In general, the hair products that can be used are marketed as a:
- Leave-in Conditioner
- Leave-in Oil
- Hair Mask
- Overnight Treatment
Should I use a sock?
Some application methods mention tying the ends of your hair back with a "fuzzy sock", which is literally just a soft sock from your bureau drawer. This is more generally used by people who opt for sleeping with wet/damp hair during the application process. As mentioned, I usually recommend that clients not sleep with wet hair because it can lead to damage, but if you opt for this approach, the fuzzy sock can help prevent product from getting on your pillowcase if you are only applying it to your ends. The flip side is that it can also soak up some of the product during the night, which reduces the amount of product you're immersing your hair in.
What are the benefits of hair slugging?
The benefits are dependent on what product you use, how your hair reacts to it and your application method. For example, someone with naturally thick and/or curly hair may find that it helps add smoothness, moisture and shine with the right products. People with naturally "puffy" ends (who often need a stylist to use thinning shears on those spots during a haircut) may notice those areas become smoother and easier to manage and style.
Are there any disadvantages to hair slugging?
Not using the right product, application method and/or hair routine for your hair type can result in dryness. This can be seen immediately or gradually over time, and is the result of a product covering the hair in residue that is not fully removed from shampooing. This causes the product to have the opposite effect on your hair, drying it out by sealing it with a coating that prevents moisture from getting inside the hair shaft. One way of combating this is to switch up the types of products that you're using. Another is to add regular detoxes to your hair routine (you can read more about detoxes in my post Detoxing Your Hair). In addition, someone with finer hair and a naturally oily scalp may not like the results if they're not shampooing once before applying and twice after, plus if they choose a product that is too heavy for their hair type and moisture needs.