Plopping is a hair drying method that can work for different hair types, from wavy to curly. However, the technique can be adjusted depending on your hair type to achieve the best results.
For wavy hair, use a microfiber towel to gently scrunch and absorb excess water. Then, wrap your hair in the towel using the plopping method and leave it in for 10-20 minutes. This will enhance your natural waves without creating frizz.
For curly hair, use a strong-hold styling product or gel to define your curls. After plopping with a microfiber towel, diffuse your hair on low heat to lock in your curls.
For kinky hair, use a leave-in conditioner or oil to detangle and moisturise your hair. Then, plop using a T-shirt to minimise frizz and promote curl definition.
| Pro tip: When plopping, use a soft fabric like a microfiber towel or T-shirt to avoid roughing up your hair cuticles, which can create frizz. |
Understanding the Plopping Technique
Plopping is a popular hair-drying technique that is used to set curly or wavy hair without causing any heat damage. This method involves wrapping the damp hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel and securing it with a scrunchie or other few. Plopping is a technique that can be used on different hair types and textures to achieve a variety of looks.
In this article, we’ll explore the various ways in which you can use the plopping technique to achieve your desired look.
What is Plopping key and peele
Plopping is a hair-drying technique for people with curly hair that helps reduce frizz, add volume, and enhance curl definition. Here’s how to do it:
| Start with freshly washed hair and apply your favourite styling products. |
| Place a t-shirt or microfiber towel on a flat surface. |
| Flip your head over and gather your hair in the centre of the towel or t-shirt, piling it on top of your head. |
| Twist the sides of the towel or t-shirt together, forming a “plop” shape. |
| Leave your hair in the towel or t-shirt for 10-20 minutes. |
| Remove the towel or t-shirt and let your hair air dry or use a diffuser to dry your curls on low heat. |
Plopping can work for different hair types, but it may not be suitable for everyone. For example, people with fine or straight hair may find that plopping doesn’t enhance their curls but instead makes them flat. On the other hand, people with tightly coiled hair may need to add extra products or leave their hair in the towel longer to prevent excessive frizz.
How does it work?
The Plopping technique is a hair-styling method that involves wrapping wet hair in a T-shirt or microfiber towel and allowing it to air dry for a defined period, providing defined curls without heat damage.
Here’s how it works:
| 1. After washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner for your hair type, flip your head forward and place a T-shirt or microfiber towel on a flat surface. |
| 2. Lower your head into the T-shirt or towel, positioning your hair at the centre, and wrap the sides around your head. |
| 3. Twist the ends behind your head and secure them with hairpins. |
| 4. Wait at least 20 minutes or until your hair feels dry. |
| 5. Unwrap the T-shirt or towel and flip your hair back. |
| 6. Fluff your curls softly with your fingers and apply a setting spray or mousse to hold the style. |
Pro Tip: Before wrapping your hair in the T-shirt, add your favourite curl-defining products and use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to evenly distribute them.
Benefits of Plopping
Plopping is a technique often used by people with curly hair to enhance their curls and eliminate frizz, but it can benefit different hair types as well.
Here are some benefits of plopping:
| 1. Enhances curls: | By piling hair onto the top of the head, plopping encourages natural curls to form, which can add volume, definition, and texture to your hair. |
| 2. Reduces frizz: | Plopping allows your hair to air dry while keeping it contained and protected, which helps to reduce frizz and increase shine. |
| 3. Saves time: | Plopping reduces the amount of time required to dry your hair by using a t-shirt or a microfiber towel to remove excess moisture quickly. |
Plopping works well for curly hair, wavy hair, and even some types of straight hair. It’s a low-maintenance technique that requires minimal effort and can provide excellent results.
Plopping for Different Hair Types
Plopping is a hair styling technique used to shape and dry curls with minimal heat and product damage. It is becoming a popular styling option for all hair types, as it helps keep locks smooth and frizz-free. In this article, we will explore how to plop for different hair types and the best products to use.
Plopping for Curly Hair
Plopping is a technique of drying curly hair that helps to enhance and define curls. This technique works effectively for all curly hair types but can be modified based on your hair’s length, texture, and thickness.
Here are some tips for plopping based on different curly hair types:
| Hair Type | Tips |
| Fine curly hair | Use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to plop your hair to avoid breakage or damage. Plop for 10-20 minutes and then air dry or use a diffuser to dry your hair. |
| Thick curly hair | Use a larger towel to plop your hair and leave it for 30-40 minutes. You can also use a leave-in conditioner to help reduce frizz and enhance curls. Air dry or use a diffuser to dry your hair. |
| Short curly hair | Use a cotton t-shirt to plop your hair and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Avoid using a towel or it will disrupt your hair’s natural pattern. Air dry or use a diffuser to dry your hair. |
Remember, plopping is a gentle technique for drying your hair that can help to enhance curls, but it may not work for everyone. Experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for you.
How to plop curly hair?
Plopping is a popular hair drying technique for curly hair, that minimises frizz and enhances curl definition. Here’s how to plop curly hair:
| After washing and conditioning your hair, use a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to gently blot excess water from your hair. |
| Lay the towel or t-shirt on a flat surface and flip your hair over onto it, with the ends of your hair at the base of your neck and the crown of your head on the centre of the towel. |
| Fold the sides of the towel over your hair and tie the ends of the towel at the nape of your neck, creating a “plop” shape. |
| Leave your hair wrapped in the towel for 20-30 minutes, or until your hair is mostly dry. |
| Remove the towel and allow your hair to air-dry completely. |
Plopping is particularly beneficial for those with more textured hair, like waves or curls, but it can be experimented with for all types of hair. Pro Tip – Use a diffuser for a bit of extra volume post plopping.
Best products for plopping curly hair
Plopping is an effective method for drying curly hair without causing frizz. Here are some of the best products to use for plopping curly hair, depending on your hair type:
| Hair Type | Best Option |
| Fine Hair | A microfiber towel or T-shirt is the best option for fine curly hair. A cotton towel can weigh down fine curls and lead to flat, lifeless hair. |
| Medium Hair | A cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel works well for medium curly hair. |
| Thick Hair | A microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt is good for thick curly hair. However, using a plopping towel specifically designed for thick hair will give you the best results. |
Pro Tip: Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream before plopping your hair to enhance your curls further.
Tips for plopping curly hair
Plopping is a technique that curly-haired individuals can use to enhance their natural curl pattern and reduce frizz by drying their hair without the use of heat. Here are three tips to help you plop your curls effectively, based on your hair type.
| For Fine Hair: | Use a microfiber towel to plop your hair for no longer than 15 minutes. Over-plopping can result in flat-looking curls. |
| For Thick Hair: | Use a cotton T-Shirt to plop your hair and leave it in for 30-60 minutes. A longer plopping time will help you achieve defined curls. |
| For Short Hair: | Use a hair net to plop your hair, as regular plopping methods may not work for shorter hair. Make sure to let your hair dry for at least 20 minutes before removing the net. |
By following these simple tips, you can effectively plop your curls based on your hair type and enhance your natural curl pattern.
Plopping for Wavy Hair
Plopping is a hair styling technique that enhances the natural waves or curls in your hair, and is suitable for a variety of hair types.
Here’s how to plop for wavy hair:
- Start with freshly washed hair.
- Apply a curl-enhancing product to damp hair, such as mousse or gel.
- Flip your head forward and place a t-shirt or microfiber towel on a flat surface.
- Lower your hair onto the centre of the t-shirt or towel.
- Bring the ends of the t-shirt or towel up and tie them securely at the back of your head.
- Leave your hair in the plop for 20-30 minutes.
- Untie the t-shirt or towel and let your hair down. Use a diffuser to dry your hair gently.
This technique can work well for those with wavy or curly hair. However, for those with straight hair, plopping may not achieve the desired result.
How to plop wavy hair?
Plopping is a hair drying technique that involves wrapping your hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel to enhance the natural wave or curl pattern. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plop wavy hair:
| Step | Instructions |
| 1 | Start with freshly washed hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to wet hair, scrunching gently. |
| 2 | Lay a t-shirt or microfiber towel flat on a smooth surface. |
| 3 | Lower your head, allowing your hair to fall onto the centre of the towel. |
| 4 | Use the corners of the towel to wrap your hair up and around your head, creating a turban shape. |
| 5 | Secure the towel in place with a hair tie or clip. |
| 6 | Wait until your hair is completely dry, either air-drying or using a diffuser on low heat. |
Pro tip: For best results, plop your hair for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 1 hour. Also, make sure to use a gentle touch when scrunching and avoid brushing or combing your hair after plopping to prevent frizz.
Best products for plopping wavy hair
Plopping wavy hair is an effective technique for defining and enhancing your natural waves. Here are the 2 best products for plopping wavy hair:
| Product | Description |
| Microfiber towel | A microfiber towel is a soft and gentle option for drying your hair without causing frizz or damage. Use the towel to gently squeeze out excess moisture from your hair before plopping it. |
| Styling gel or cream | A styling gel or cream can help define your waves and hold them in place as they dry. Look for a lightweight and non-sticky formula that won’t weigh down your hair. Apply the product to your hair before plopping it, scrunching it in to ensure even distribution. |
Pro tip: Avoid using a regular cotton towel, as it can cause frizz and breakage. Also, make sure to plop your hair for no longer than 30 minutes to avoid over-drying.
Tips for plopping wavy hair
Plopping is a hair-drying method used to enhance natural waves and curls without using heat. Here are three tips for plopping wavy hair:
| 1. Use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to wrap your hair gently. This will help reduce frizz and prevent hair breakage. |
| 2. Leave your hair in the plop for 10-20 minutes depending on how thick your hair is. Avoid leaving for a longer time as it may disrupt the curl pattern. |
| 3. After taking your hair out of the plop, use a diffuser to set your curls. This will help speed up the drying process and enhance your natural waves. |
Remember, plopping is not a one-size-fits-all technique. Different hair types may require different variations of this method.
Plopping for Straight Hair
Plopping is a technique used for drying curly hair without causing frizz or flattening curls. Although originally intended for curly hair, plopping can be useful for straight hair as well. Here’s how to plop straight hair:
| After showering, gently towel-dry your hair. |
| Apply your desired hair products, and comb through your hair to ensure even application. |
| Place a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt on a flat surface. |
| Flip your hair upside down, and position your hair at the centre of the towel/t-shirt. |
| Wrap the sides of the towel/t-shirt over your head and secure them in the back. |
| Leave the towel/t-shirt on for 20-30 minutes. |
| Remove the towel/t-shirt and style as desired. |
Pro tip- For best results, use a detangler or heat protectant before using plopping technique on your hair.
How to plop straight hair?
Plopping is a popular hair styling technique that can be used on all hair types, including straight hair. Here are the steps to plop straight hair:
| 1. Start with freshly washed hair, and gently comb it to remove any tangles or knots. |
| 2. Flip your head forward and lay a T-shirt, microfiber towel, or a special plopping towel on a flat surface. |
| 3. Place the ends of your hair at the nape of your neck on the centre of the towel. |
| 4. Take both sides of the towel and bring them to the back of your head. Tie the ends together in a knot or use a hair tie to secure it in place. |
| 5. Leave your hair wrapped in the towel for 20-30 minutes to allow it to dry. |
| 6. Once you remove the towel, use your fingers to gently tousle your hair and add volume. |
Plopping ensures that the moisture is retained in the hair, and reduces frizz, giving you defined curls or waves.
Pro tip: You can add a styling gel or mousse to your hair before plopping to enhance the results.
Best products for plopping straight hair
Plopping is a proven technique for achieving defined, bouncy curls, even for those with naturally straight hair. Here are the two best products for plopping straight hair:
| 1. Mousse: | A lightweight mousse is ideal for adding body to straight hair without weighing it down or creating a crispy texture. Apply a golf-ball-sized amount of mousse to damp hair from roots to ends, then scrunch sections of hair upwards towards the head before plopping. |
| 2. Gel: | A gel with a medium hold is best for straight hair as it provides enough structure to hold curls in place. Apply a quarter-sized amount of gel to damp hair from roots to ends, scrunch sections of hair upwards towards the head, then plop. |
Pro Tip: Make sure to use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt for plopping to avoid frizz and damage to your hair.
Tips for plopping straight hair
Plopping is a popular hair styling technique that involves drying your hair with a t-shirt or microfiber towel wrapped around your head. Here are three tips for plopping straight hair:
| 1. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair before placing it in the plop. This will prevent tangles and knots from forming while your hair is drying. |
| 2. Use a lightweight styling product, such as a leave-in conditioner or hair oil, to enhance your hair’s natural texture and add shine. Avoid using heavy products that can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy or limp. |
| 3. Don’t leave the plop on for too long. Unlike curly or wavy hair, straight hair dries faster and can become flat or stiff if left in a plop for too long. Aim for 10-20 minutes of plopping time, then remove the towel and let your hair air dry or blow dry using a diffuser. |
Common Mistakes While Plopping
Plopping is a useful hair styling technique which is great for any hair type. It can help create a smooth and voluminous look.
However, plopping can be tricky if done incorrectly. This section will discuss some of the common mistakes that people make while plopping and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Using the wrong type of fabric
Plopping can be a great technique to enhance natural curls or waves, but using the wrong type of fabric can lead to frizz and damage to your hair. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right fabric for plopping based on different hair types:
| Hair Type | Fabric |
| Fine Hair | Use a light-weight, microfiber towel or t-shirt to reduce frizz and not weigh down fine hair. |
| Thick and curly hair | Cotton t-shirts or a microfiber towel can be used for plopping as they absorb moisture very well without frizz. |
| Short hair | Muslin cloth or cotton t-shirts can be used as they are gentler on short hair. |
In contrast, using a terry cloth towel, rough fabric or any fabric made of synthetic materials can lead to frizz and breakage, especially when other towel-drying processes are involved.
Be mindful of choosing the right fabric for different hair types to get the best plopping experience.
Leaving Plopping for too long
Leaving plopping for too long can turn a hair-friendly technique into a frizz-inducing disaster. Due to over-plopping, your hair may be subjected to excessive moisture, which can lead to breakage, split ends as well as frizz.
The ideal plopping time for wavy hair is 10-15 minutes while curly hair can be plopped for 20-30 minutes. For finer hair, 5-10 minutes is enough.
After taking off the t-shirt or towel, air-dry the hair or use a diffuser to dry it with low heat. Make sure to remove the product buildup by clarifying the hair and considering a less-greasy product alternative.
Understanding your hair type and the desired outcome for plopping method sets you towards the perfect routine that minimises hair damage, saving you time and effort.
Using too much product
Plopping is a popular technique for drying curly hair without damaging the delicate curls. However, using too much product during the plopping process is one of the most common mistakes people make.
Here are some tips to help you use the right amount of product, based on your hair type:
| Hair type | Product to use |
| Fine curly hair | Use a small amount of lightweight styling gel or mousse to avoid overloading your hair. |
| Wavy hair | Use a light leave-in conditioner to enhance your curls without weighing them down. |
| Thick curly hair | Use a nourishing cream or oil to keep your curls hydrated and defined, but be sure to use only a pea-sized amount to avoid buildup. |
Plopping is an excellent technique for maintaining healthy, bouncy curls, but it’s important to use the right amount of product to avoid weighing down your hair.
