This TikTok Trend Is a Traditional Pinoy Hair Hack

Hair slugging is a popular TikTok trend that involves saturating your hair with moisture by coating it in oil. If this doesn’t sound new to you, it’s probably because your mom, aunts, and grandmother did it, too. That faint aroma of coconut oil wasn’t coming from your dessert after all. Want to try this Pinoy hair hack? Here’s how it works.

Hair slugging or hair oiling is the process of hydrating the hair by drenching it in oils and leaving it to absorb for a few hours or overnight. It’s been around for centuries in South Asia and Southeast Asia but is new to Western cultures. Hence, its popularity on TikTok. The most used oils for this process are coconut and castor oil.

TikTok trend or not, hair oiling is excellent at hydrating the hair and sealing in all that moisture. Thicker substances like castor oil are best for textured or thick hair, while coconut oil is a more universal option. Doing this can help restore moisture in dry, brittle hair. It also makes hair shinier and reduces frizz. Do not use petroleum jelly to slug your hair as it can be difficult to wash off. Stick to the tried-and-true hair oils instead.

Slugging your hair is easy. Start with dry, unwashed hair. Use your oil of choice to coat your locks from mid-length to ends. Make sure every strand is saturated in oil, focusing on any split ends. If you have a scalp serum, take this opportunity to apply it to your roots, too. Detangle your hair while spreading the oil more evenly using a wide-tooth comb.

If you’re slugging overnight, the TikTok trend recommends sticking your hair into a sock. However, you can also use a protective silk scarf to wrap your entire head. If you’re only doing it for an hour, try using a shower cap to help your hair absorb the oils.

After at least 30 minutes, wash the oil off with shampoo and lukewarm water. Use Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Shampoo to make your hair five times smoother. For hydration, condition hair with Vitakeratin Expert Salon Treatment Deep Repair Tub, which revives damaged hair with vitamin E and argan oil. After drying your hair, apply TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum to de-frizz and boost shine.

Care to try this TikTok trend? Experiment with different hair oils to find out which ones suit your hair. Avoid applying them to your scalp to prevent buildup, and most importantly, rinse it thoroughly. We’re all for looking like a snack but smelling like kakanin is a different story.