Expert speak: the what, the why and the how of hair slugging

What is hair slugging?

Don’t worry—you needn’t slather your scalp with petroleum jelly quite just yet. Hair slugging merely draws upon the same principles as its skincare equivalent for locking moisture into strands. “It involves conditioning or hydrating your hair and then locking in the moisture temporarily with the help of a fluffy sock or a scrunchie,” explains Dr Sharad. While she agrees that the effectiveness of hair slugging has not yet been scientifically proven, the occlusive layer created by the sock or scrunchie seems to be able to help sufficiently hydrate the hair, improving its overall appearance.  

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In theory, hair slugging can be an effective way to nourish the hair and repair any damage caused by environmental stressors. “Hair oils are rich in fatty acids and vitamins that can penetrate the hair shaft and nourish the hair,” elaborates Dr Sharad. She goes on to explain that when a sock or scarf is used to wrap the hair, it creates a layer that further helps to lock in the moisture and allow the occlusive to penetrate deeply into the hair. This benefits hair strands by providing moisture and nourishment, reducing frizz, and increasing shine, giving the hair a healthy and vibrant appearance. Since hair ends don’t get enough exposure to natural scalp oils, a weekly slugging session is an excellent way to replace moisture lost throughout the week.  

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How do I do it?

Step 1:

Start with freshly washed hair to ensure it is clean and free from product build-up.  

Step 2:

Apply a hair oil or mask from the roots or mid-lengths and work your way down to the ends. Be sure to distribute the product evenly through your hair.

Step 3:

Massage the product into your hair so that it’s fully absorbed. This can help to stimulate the scalp and improve blood circulation.

Step 4:

Take a fluffy sock, silk scarf or a scrunchie and use it to wrap your hair. Your hair should be fully covered so that the product is completely trapped inside. Keep it on your hair overnight. This allows the hair product to deeply penetrate your strands and lock in the moisture.

Step 5:

Remove the covering the next day and wash your hair as usual. You will notice that your hair feels soft, smooth, and hydrated.  

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Hair care tips to bookmark while hair slugging

It is essential to remember that hair slugging is meant to be done on occasion rather than every day as the overuse of hair care products can cause product build-up on your scalp and make your hair greasy. “After a night of hair slugging, you will also want to wash your hair thoroughly to remove all the oil from your scalp and hair—a clarifying shampoo can be helpful for getting rid of any build-up,” says Dr Sharad .  

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Is hair slugging for everyone?

Not all hair types may benefit equally from a night of hair slugging. “Those with dry, coarse or frizzy hair may find it a helpful medium for moisturising their hair, but you may want to stay wary if you have an oily scalp and dandruff, as the added oil and massage can potentially exacerbate these conditions,” cautions Dr Sharad. She further elaborates that, for fine hair types, hair slugging can result in weighing down hair by making it look greasy and limp. “As with any beauty trend or treatment, it’s always a good idea to do your own research and consult with a professional if you have any concerns or questions,” she recommends.

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