Brittleness and breakage are a thing of the past thanks to TikTok’s latest viral trend: nail slugging. Yep, it’s 100% a thing and I’m here to make a case for it. Before you start scratching your head in confusion, nail slugging kind of piggybacked off another viral trend you may be familiar with—skincare slugging. Each follows the same idea basically. Skincare slugging involves combatting dry skin by slathering your skin with a super heavy cream-based moisturizer or petroleum-based jelly to lock in the hydration from your skincare routine.
Nail slugging is similar in the way that it also aims to combat dry skin on the hands and repair dry or damaged cuticles. Does it work? Well according to a derm, yes. If you’re interested in learning more and why experts on TikTok are even making a case for this new nail-enhancing trend, keep reading below.
Similar to the viral skin slugging trend, nail slugging involves locking in serious hydration to the cuticles, nails, and hands. I know this might sound like a totally unnecessary step in your bodycare routine, but hear me out. Charles Puza, MD, a dermatologist on Tiktok, even made a case for it because it can strengthen your nails and helps protect them from damage. As someone who regularly gets gel X extensions, my ears definitely perked up when I heard that. Nail extensions are so cute, but can wreak complete havoc on your natural nails if you don’t let them breathe once in a while or take care of them properly. Take it from me—I’ve had to stop getting nail extensions for weeks at a time due to the breakage and damage they’ve caused. Ugh.
If you’re in the same boat, there’s a hole of inspiration for you to go down on nail slugging TikTok. There are plenty of different ways to slug and you can always put your own spin on it. Do what works for you! Personally, I’ve been following this full slugging routine on OPI’s official website. For this routine, you’ll start by exfoliating your hands with your choice of body scrub. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to select a gentle option. You can apply it on damp skin and gently massage it into the hands for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Then, you’ll want to apply cuticle oil to each of your cuticles and apply a hydrating hand cream and massage that in, too. Finally, you’ll lock it all in with a heavier balm-like hydrator like Aquaphor or Vaseline. It’s simple, effective, and will keep your hands so soft and hydrated. If you really want to go the extra mile, do this before bed and put on some overnight moisture gloves ($13) for a full spa-like experience. If you’re unsure which products to use for slugging, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered below.
This exfoliating hand scrub can be used as a first step in your slugging routine to slough off any dead skin cells. The formula contains a probiotic complex and sea salt to smooth the skin and prep it for extra hydration.
If you really want to make it a spa experience, opt for this essential oil-rich nail and cuticle oil from French Girl which contains argan oil, pomegranate oil, rosemary, rose geranium oil, hemp, and Tamanu oil.
I personally like dabbing OPI’s cuticle oil on my cuticles and then putting it all over my hands. It’s incredibly hydrating and helps strengthen your cuticles with avocado, grape seed, sunflower, and sesame seed oil.
Sally Hansen’s option is enriched with vitamin E, apricot kernel, and aloe to help nourish dry or damaged cuticles.
I’ve been seeing this lush cuticle oil all over TikTok so it must be a great option for slugging. With sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, rice bran oil, and vitamin E, I expect it delivers some impressive results.
I carry a tube of this Burt’s Bees Hand Cream in my purse wherever I go—no lie. It would make a great option for slugging because it’s unscented, contains nourishing baobab oil, and even gently exfoliates with a natural fruit acid complex so you could potentially skip manual exfoliation if you’re feeling lazy.
Enriched with 30% shea butter, this rich formula will soften your cuticles, condition them, and will help strengthen your nails over time. It even adds a bit of shine to the nails with continued use.
Derms and editors alike love CeraVe skincare products, so it’s only natural the brand’s hand cream would be just as good and a viable option for quality nail slugging. This hand cream is enriched with youth-enhancing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. It also contains niacinamide to calm irritation from dryness.
To lock in all your hydration, finish with a heavier moisturizer like Vaseline’s conditioning jelly. It heals cracked or dry hands by creating a protective barrier. It also contains nourishing cocoa butter which floods the skin with essential vitamins.
Aquaphor’s Advanced Healing Oinment can be used in place of a cuticle oil if you like skipping steps.
Riverdale actress Vanessa Morgan once told me she swears by Gold Bond products. It’s fast-absorbing and works as a great third step in your slugging routine.
Bet you didn’t know a Dior product could be incorporated into your slugging routine. This cult-favorite nail cream encourages nail growth, improves nail strength, and conditions the cuticles with a blend of lanolin, glycine soja protein, and lecithin.
These renewal drops are formulated with celery seed extract to promote nail strength, hydration, and smoothness. It ‘s also loaded with conditioning oils, moisturizers, and botanicals that help repair nail cracks, chips, and other damage.
