Yes, Hair Slugging Is A Thing – Here’s What You Need To Know

Is this the answer to seriously shiny hair?

You’ve likely heard of slugging, the K-Beauty skincare trend that went viral on TikTok in recent years. But did you know that the trend has entered your haircare routine? Similar to skincare slugging, the hair variation requires you to seal your strands in an occlusive formula while you sleep for luscious locks the next morning. But before you start slathering your hair with the same products you use on your complexion, hair slugging is a different ball game.

We asked QUE Colour founder and Colour Director, Monique McMahon, to tell us everything we need to know about hair slugging, from the best techniques to try at home to what products to use.

What Is Hair Slugging?

“It’s all about applying an oily substance that coats the stratum corneum and has the ability to decrease water loss. I suggest securing it with a silk scrunchie and leaving the treatment overnight.”

“To put it a little more clearly, hair slugging is a deep hydration treatment using layers of product and heat to lock in moisture, tame frizz, nourish and add a glaze-like shine. Just like you would with your skin, your hair and scalp benefit from the extra nourishment and TLC sometimes. If you follow TikTok trends, you might have seen that slugging has evolved to include scalp oiling, with rosemary oil being the latest oil obsession. Apply rosemary oil on the roots, then brush your favourite hair oil, cream or mask through to the ends. Self-massage with fingers or a shower brush or wooden pin brush.”

via Instagram @kaiagerber

What Are The Benefits Of Hair Slugging?

“This technique really locks in moisture to keep the hair full of elasticity and bounce. It will prevent frizz and keep the hair from becoming brittle in the cold months. If you want that bronzed, glowy ‘latte hair’ like Kaia Gerber’s, it’s all about healthy hair and healthy colour, starting with the scalp. This is where multi-masking, slugging, or oiling comes into play, as your hair needs to be in optimum health to really get that glossy warmth.”

Is Hair Slugging Suitable For All Hair Types?

“It’s best for curly and thick, brittle hair types; however, all hair types will benefit from hair slugging. For finer hair types, you may just want to use a lighter version and not treat it as regularly.”

How Can We Try Hair Slugging At Home?

“Start by finding the right products for your hair type! Ask your hairdresser what products they’d recommend for your needs. For creating heat at home, a hair turban, a fuzzy sock, or cling wrap [can help].”

“At QUE Colour, we incorporate the Christophe Robin Night Recovery Monoi Oil With White Lotus Flower or the Christophe Robin Night Recovery Cream With White Lotus Flower to bring in the hair slugging technique as it’s so good on the hair. For dry, stressed hair that’s full of product build-up, we’d use a detox treatment with a pre-mask to lift away pollution from the scalp and soften crunchy ends, followed by a purifying rinse and nourishing mask like Christophe Robin’s Regenerating Mask With Rare Prickly Pear Oil. Once you’ve got your mask in, wrap your hair in a warm towel and heat it to help the nutrients soak into the hair.”