Open any social app and you will find millions discussing hair slugging as if it were the discovery of the century: oil applied at night, a wrap to hold it, silky hair by morning. What makes us smile in Morocco is that our grandmothers practised this generations before social media existed. It was simply called the overnight oil bath.
What Exactly Is Hair Slugging?
The idea is simple: saturate your hair with a nourishing oil in the evening, then wrap it in a cotton sock, satin bonnet or silk scarf for the night. The wrap spares your pillow and traps the head's natural warmth, helping the oil spread and work through the long hours of sleep. In the morning, you wash — and discover noticeable softness and shine.
Why Does It Work?
- The time factor: a full night gives oil what a twenty-minute mask never can.
- Gentle warmth: the heat held under the wrap improves how the oil spreads along the fibre.
- Double protection: oil and wrap together shield hair from pillow friction all night long.
Which Oil? This Is Where Argan Shines
Slugging succeeds or fails on the quality of the oil above all. Moroccan argan oil is an ideal candidate: relatively light, so it does not weigh hair down, rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, and traditionally renowned for centuries for softening, nourishing and adding shine to hair. You can also blend it with a little olive oil for severely dry ends.
The Right Method, Step by Step
- Start with dry or nearly dry, detangled hair.
- Distribute a moderate amount over lengths and ends — one to two teaspoons depending on thickness. Drenching is not the goal.
- Skip the roots if your scalp is oily; if it is dry, a token amount with a massage is enough.
- Braid loosely, then cover with a cotton sock wrap or satin bonnet.
- In the morning, wash with a gentle shampoo; two light washes may be needed to remove all the oil.
Who It Suits — and Who Should Be Careful
These hair types will love it
- Dry, thick and curly hair thirsty for nourishment.
- Hair worn out by colouring and heat styling.
- Anyone living in a dry climate.
Approach with caution
- Fine, oily hair: a small dose on the ends only, or a short two-hour session before washing.
- Sensitive or irritated scalps: check with a specialist first.
How Often?
Once a week for dry hair, once a fortnight for everyone else, is a sensible starting point — adjust to your hair's response. If it turns heavy and dull, cut back the amount or the frequency.
And so, old Moroccan wisdom returns to the spotlight under a shiny new name. If you want pure argan oil worthy of your slugging nights, Assil Ouargane produces it in Morocco alongside a full range of natural care products, and offers private-label manufacturing for brands. Request a quote through our website.