Hair plopping is a heatless drying technique that involves wrapping the hair into a micro-fibre towel to air-dry curls. Surprisingly, a cotton t-shirt can be used as an alternative and works just as well. To the naked eye, it may seem like how to plop your hair is similar to the usual towel turban technique.
How long does hair-plopping take? Your hair texture will determine how long you should keep your hair plopped. According to Scott-Lynch, loose waves and curls can plop between 30 minutes and one hour. if your hair forms curls quickly, she suggests plopping for up to 15 minutes.
It should be damp, not soaking wet before you move on to the next step. Set up your plop props. It's best to set up your station before you even begin styling. This way, you can go straight into it after your products are applied.
Secure the ends with a clip, or if you're using a T-shirt, use the sleeves to tie the wrap. Allow the hair to dry in the wrap for one to two hours. After you've plopped for your desired time you can finish drying any remaining moisture. “Use a diffuser on low heat, or simply let your hair air dry,” says Le.
The point of plopping is to speed up the drying process of the hair and to keep the curl shape as defined and frizz-free as possible. So, hair pros agree it's totally fine to plop every time you wash and style your hair.
Sometimes, the weight of the water-filled hair piled on top of your scalp can cause flat roots – particularly if you plop for too long. Because of this, some curlies prefer to micro-plop.
Plopping really helps define the curl pattern and formation. Always scrunch the hair just before putting it in the plop. This is to get as much definition and curl into the hair as possible.
Since curly girls style their hair while wet, there's often a lot of excess water on your curls that you may want to absorb before you air dry or diffuse. Plopping is a great way to do this because it can take away some of that excess moisture without causing frizz.
In general, if you are looking for more curl definition, apply product on soaking wet hair, before you plop. If you are more interested in getting volume, then plop first, product second. First, lay your t-shirt down on a flat surface, upside down.
Hair plopping is a simple technique that uses a cotton or microfibre towel, t-shirt, pillowcase or something similar to dry wet curls in a self-contained mound on top of the head.
Anyone can benefit from learning how to plop hair, however those blessed with curls will find it particularly beneficial. Curly hair is more prone to breakage, frizz and dehydration and in turn, demands significantly more effort and attention when drying and styling.
Plopping is loved in the curly community because it can help absorb excess water in your hair and help reduce drying time. It can also prevent your hair from air drying too quickly if you want to wait a bit before diffusing. It gives a similar effect to scrunching with a towel or t-shirt, and encourages definition.
Micro plopping is similar to plopping in that the results are the same, but it is a different technique. In this technique, a microfibre towel is used to knead out excess water and applied hair products. This prevents your hair from being weighed down by excess products and helps your hair dry faster.
It's important to use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt when hair plopping to prevent frizz. Traditional hair wrapping stretches out curls and the terry cloth creates frizz. The wrap you choose will soak up moisture and excess conditioner, so the material you go with can make or break your plopped curls.
"This can mean they go to bed with wet hair more often. To help keep curls bouncy and in the best condition, apply a gentle marula oil for a glossy, frizz-free mane. Sleeping in a plop overnight is a great solution for anyone with curly or wavy hair. It will help define the curls overnight without overdrying."
Give your curls at least 20 minutes to set for best results. If you have more time, leave the t-shirt on overnight.
Hair plopping overnight may actually flatten out fine, thin curls. This is why we recommend plopping for just an hour or two after applying your product or even “micro-plopping” for 10 to 15 minutes. With your head upright, you don't risk flattening your curls against your pillow.
As most of us know, terry cloth towels aren't great for any hair texture but especially curls because the rough material can cause frizz. We recommend plopping with a microfiber towel such as the DevaTowel or the new DevaTwist. The microfiber material will be gentle on your curls and will help absorb excess moisture.
Plopping is a great way to dry air without using a blowdryer. In that way, it protects against heat damage. Also, it helps to minimize friction (and the breakage it causes) and keeps frizz at bay.
Yes. If you have straight poker hair but want to add some natural waves to your mane, plopping will help add volume and give your straight locks a natural bend.