In simplest terms, hair slugging involves adding a rich, hydrating treatment – an oil or a mask – to hair in the evening in an effort to lock in moisture. This is followed by wrapping the hair in something protective during sleep, with some TikTok users employing a fluffy sock or silk turban for this part of the task.
As the delightfully descriptive name would suggest, hair slugging involves shellacking hair in an extra coat of product (typically a leave-in hair oil) then carefully tucking all of it up into a fluffy sock before bed as protection.
Lastly, the most important thing is to thoroughly clean your hair afterward. Not doing so can lead to clogged pores and product build-up, making styling difficult. Once your hair has been carefully rinsed, you can style it as fit.
While hair slugging is primarily touted as an overnight treatment, Jamila Powel, founder of Naturally Drenched Haircare, says "an hour to two hours works well to hydrate without causing increased product buildup." And while the majority of TikTok videos involve styling the hair into a ponytail before securing ...
It's the hair equivalent of skin slugging, which, in case you haven't come across that either, is all about locking in the hydration with an occlusive product, as the last step to your skincare. The name refers to the 'slug-like' sheen your skin, or hair, gets after applying the slugging product.
Overdoing it on the hair slugging can lead to excess oil production and greasy strands — both of which no one wants, right? Save this treatment for once a week before it's time to wash your hair. If you really want to hair slug more often, you can do so by only applying the oil to the bottom of your strands.
Vaseline And Hair Slugging
Yep, you can put vaseline in your hair! Though this begs the question, is vaseline good for your hair? Vaseline is an occlusive. An occlusive is a substance that forms a protective layer around your hair (and your skin) that seals in, and prevents loss of, the existing moisture in your hair.
So, how do you slug your hair? All you need is a hair oil (I like the Verb Ghost Oil), a tube sock and a scrunchie. For extra protection, opt for silk bedding, like the mulberry silk pillowcase our tester loves.
“Slugging is a fabulous trend for deep hydration of the hair,” shares Dr. Karhade. “I've been doing a version of it myself since childhood, with coconut oil nightlong.
Since it can be a little tricky to sleep while there's petroleum jelly all over your face, Amelia recommends investing in blackout curtains that will keep light from even entering your room. These will especially help if you normally wear an eye mask at night.
Hair slugging is soaking freshly-washed hair with a leave-in oil or serum, wrapping your hair in protective wrap, letting it soak overnight or for a few hours, and washing it out. This is supposed to seal in moisture, add shine, and help eliminate frizz.
“The oils and serums lock in moisture, eliminating frizz and adding shine,” Hurtado says. If you're struggling with dry, brittle hair, hair slugging can help restore your texture and improve the overall look and feel of your hair.
Like with any product or technique, there are pros and cons to hair slugging. On the one hand, an effective natural occlusive like olive oil or coconut oil can help lock in moisture and improve the look of dry or damaged hair. It can also create a barrier against environmental pollutants and heat damage.
Apparently, the sock helps prevent friction and damage that happens during the night and also helps lock in moisture.
Then grab a fuzzy sock (yes you read that right) and use it to protect your ends from damage plus friction while you sleep. Use a scrunchie to keep it in place". According to Monique, this technique will "lock in moisture overnight and help hydrate your hair while making it silky smooth".
Although petroleum jelly products are non-comedogenic, they can trap bacteria and dead skin cells worsening acne. Never slug when using active ingredients such at retinoids, salicylic, glycolic or lactic acids. (Save those for nights when you aren't slugging).
Dr. Kassouf says that if you're going to try slugging, make sure you're using pure petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) or petroleum jelly with only minimal additional ingredients, like Aquaphor® and CeraVe®. They both include ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
So, if you're looking for a slugging solution that doesn't require petrolatum-based products, look no further than Reviva's Cream Hydratante. It's your natural slugging alternative for your face and body too.
"Slugging before you go to sleep is fine if you have very dry skin, but not a good idea for acne-prone skin," Jaliman said. "Slugging can potentially trap oils and clog the skin's pores and especially irritate acne-prone skin, contributing to breakouts."
Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original
However for slugging, you want a thick, sticky product (an occlusive) and not a thinner lotion. To get the benefits of different moisturizers, try applying humectants and emollients under occlusives.
"Slugging the feet helps ensure they stay soft and hydrated year-round," she says. "The feet do so much, so be sure to show them a little love a few times a week, so they're feeling their best."
Petrolatum, commonly known as petroleum jelly, is easy to find — just reach for a tub of Vaseline, or the GH Seal Star Aquaphor Healing Ointment. All three dermatologists recommend using either of the two for slugging.
It is recommended that you slug your skin once or twice a week, depending on the condition of your skin. Those with extremely dry skin can slug two to three days in a row and give it a break for two to three days before repeating the process.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
The most popular slugging recommendation by far, derms love Aquaphor for its proven results. It's a classic petrolatum-based moisturizing ointment that's perfect for slugging and for any other dry or damaged skin needs.