When it comes to TikTok beauty trends, they’re often right on the money with products, techniques and reviews. And for the K-Beauty ‘Slugging’ trend, there’s now a new iteration that the streaming platform can’t get enough of—nail slugging.
No matter whether it’s winter or summer, the perils of unhealthy nails can strike at any season. From subtle aching under the nail to deep breaks and feathered edges, a manicure doesn’t look (or feel) as good when your digits aren’t in their best shape.
So, when K-Beauty trends surfaced in mainstream media, skincare slugging began taking the world by storm with beauty savants painting on copious layers of emollient moisturisers to seal in healthy, supple skin. Then, came hair slugging, which saw myriads of people piling on hair masks and wearing their hair to bed in socks—again, to seal in moisture.
In the same vein as its counterparts, nail slugging is the process of locking in as much moisture as possible to nourish and revive lacklustre nail beds and cuticles.
Deep diving into the ‘nail slugging’ trend was skincare expert and TikTok user, Dr. Charles MD, whose explanation of how the technique works has amassed over 100K views.
Lead image via @harrietwestmoreland.
According to Dr. Charles, taking care of your nails is of the utmost importance, especially after the rise of acrylic nails, press-ons and the abundance of nail art that’s been taking over our Instagram feeds. Naturally, our manicures have seen better days, so it only makes sense that we start to give them a little rest and relaxation.
“You’ve heard of slugging your skin, but what about your nails?” Dr Charles says in the TikTok video. “We all know acrylates (nail product ingredients) can damage nails. Slugging the nail cuticle can strengthen nails and protect them from water damage.”
As for how to nail the technique, Dr. Charles looks to be using Vaseline or some form of petroleum jelly to slug his nails, telling his followers that “it should be done daily”.
Naturally, after the expert made a case for nail slugging, beauty loving TikTok users didn’t waste any time jumping on the trend. Before long, TikTok user @lovefreshpaint was quick to go viral after sharing her own spin on nail slugging.
But who would benefit the most from the nail slugging method? Well, only those with nails that break or feather, and beds or cuticles that tear or even bleed. Those with digits in need of some TLC will likely benefit from the technique the most, but for everyone else, the excessive use of slugging could make your nails too moisturised which may lead to even more breakage.
If you’re in the latter, and your nails need a little pick-me-up, try opting for a hydrating, lightweight moisturiser that you could apply every night, of if you’re keen to try slugging, begin by doing the technique once a week and go from there.
Interest piqued? Below, we’ve rounded up the best products for ‘nail slugging’ to stock up on.
Omega Water Cream by The Inkey List, $16 at Sephora.
Reparative Hand Cream by CeraVe, $7.99 at Adore Beauty.
Original Petroleum Jelly by Vaseline, $3.99 at Priceline.
Nail and Cuticle Oil by OPI, $26.95 at The ICONIC.
Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme by Burt’s Bees, $14.95 at Adore Beauty.
