What Is Hair Slugging On TikTok?

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you may have seen social media users bizarrely wrapping their hair into a sock. 

No, this isn’t a 90s fashion statement attempting to make a comeback. It’s actually a trend called ‘Hair Slugging’, but what is it? And how exactly does it help your locks?

Well, Tyla has enlisted the help of two hairstylists for their take on this hot (or rather, slick) new hair trend.

What is ‘hair slugging’?

Hair slugging is a self-care hair remedy which sees those with long hair flooding the hair with oil, wrapping it in a sock and leaving it overnight. 

Others wrap their hair in a hair wrap, leggings, or simply tie it up off their shoulders with a large hair clip. 

Jordan Jones, senior stylist at Taylor Taylor London explains that hair slugging ‘is similar to the “face slugging” trend.’

“By moisturising your hair with oil before bed, you can hydrate your strands while you sleep.”

What are the benefits of ‘hair slugging’?

George Katsaros, the inventor of GKOMB, tells us that hair slugging is a great ‘solution to rejuvenate dry hair and regain shine and hair health’. 

“There are many proven benefits of hair slugging, Katsaros explains. “Leaving the treatment overnight results in deep protein penetration which leaves the hair looking sleek with high shine.”

How to do hair slugging at home: step-by-step

1) Katsaros explains that you should start with ‘towel-dried hair’.

2) Mix hair oil with a hair mask ‘for maximum penetration’, he explains. 

“Leaving just a hair mask on the hair for too long could result in an adverse effect and breakage due to extremely high amounts of protein - especially if hair is bleached.”

Jones adds that a ‘heavier formula’ like the one above is best for curly hair, ‘as curly hair dries out quicker than straight hair as it is harder for the natural oils to reach the ends.’

He also recommends that for those with straight or fine hair should instead ‘use a lightweight serum so that you don’t weigh the hair down and cause it to look greasy’. 

3) Apply your mixture or serum on damp hair.

4) Divide hair into four sections and plait, with two at the front and two at the back to create a ‘hot cross bun’ shape to ‘lock-in moisture’, Katsaros explains.

5) Wrap your hair into a fluffy sock, ‘or even better, a silk scarf or bonnet’ Jones says.

This “helps to prevent friction [against] the pillow whilst you sleep which helps to prevent breakage.”

“It also helps the hair to retain moisture which prevents it from drying out and becoming damaged, reducing split ends.”

6) Unwrap and rinse out in the morning.

Voilà! All that’s left to do is enjoy your smooth and silky hair.