How to Plop Hair for Bouncy, Frizz-Free Curls
If you have curly or wavy hair, you’ve likely struggled with frizz and lack of definition in your curls. But have no fear – the hair plopping method is here! Plopping is a simple styling technique that helps define curls and reduce frizz by encouraging curl formation as your hair air dries.
When done correctly, plopping leaves you with bouncy, touchable curls without damaging heat styling. Read on to learn all about how to plop curly hair step-by-step.
What is Plopping Curly Hair?
Hair plopping is the process of gathering your curls together and securing them against your head with an old t-shirt or microfiber towel. This gently presses your curls together to encourage curl formation as they dry.
The fabric also absorbs excess moisture to speed up drying time. At the same time, it protects your delicate curl pattern from frizz and disruption from air exposure while drying.
People with wavy, curly, and coily hair textures can benefit from plopping to maximize curl potential. When done regularly, it can enhance definition and spring to give you your best curls yet!
Why Plop Curly Hair?
If you have textured hair, you know the struggle is real when it comes to style maintenance. Plopping offers solutions to several common problems:
Frizz Control – Plopping minimizes frizz by protecting curls from external friction while drying. This allows strands to dry smoothly together.
Faster Drying – By absorbing excess water, plopping speeds up drying so you achieve stylish curls faster.
Enhanced Definition – Curls dry compacted together in their natural formation, revealing your best bounce and definition.
Volume Production – As moisture gets pulled from strands, it leaves hair light and lift-able for maximum body.
Ease of Styling – Achieve polished curls without heat or complex methods! It’s ideal for busy mornings.
Now let’s get into the step-by-step process for how to plop your locks like a pro!
How to Plop Curly Hair in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1 – Wash, Condition, and Apply Products
Plopping works best when done immediately after washing. Start by cleansing hair with a moisturizing curl shampoo and conditioner. After conditioning, rinse out just enough to leave some slipperiness without feeling greasy.
Next, section damp hair and evenly apply your favorite curl cream, mousse, gel, or leave-in to coat strands. This helps define curls and provides control while plopping.
Step 2 – Lean Forward and Gather Hair
After applying products, lean forward and gently gather all your hair into your hands on top of your head. Try not to disturb your curl pattern too much.
Step 3 – Grab Your Plopping Accessory
Have your plopping t-shirt, microfiber towel or specially designed plopping wrap ready. Old cotton t-shirts work great since they have some absorbency but are soft and gentle.
Step 4 – Wrap and Secure Your Curls
With your hair gathered in one hand, use your other hand to drape your plopping accessory over your head. Twist it to wrap your curls into the fabric, almost like you’re wringing water out.
Make sure all strands are smoothed down and tucked inside. Then tie a knot or tuck & secure the fabric’s ends at your forehead to keep everything in place.
Your hair should feel gently pressed against your scalp, cupped inside the fabric. Now just let it do its work!
How Long Should You Plop For?
Plopping duration depends on your hair type and desired results:
- 15-20 minutes – Best for fine or easily over-moisturized hair
- 20-30 minutes – Ideal for most medium or thick curls
- 30-60 minutes – Great if your curls need extra definition
Play around to see what plopping time gives you bouncy, defined curls without limpness or crunchiness. Some people even plop overnight with a silk wrap securing it to wake up with perfect curls!
3 Mistakes to Avoid When Plopping Hair
While plopping is pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that can mess up your results:
1. Plopping Sopping Wet Hair – Remove excess moisture with a t-shirt or microfiber towel before plopping. Too much water will dilute products and lengthen dry time.
2. Disturbing Curls While Wrapping – Gently smooth hair into the fabric without ruining your curl formation for best results.
3. Leaving It Too Long – Give very moisturized or fine hair under 30 minutes to avoid limpness. Pay attention to your hair’s needs.
Be mindful of these pitfalls and adjust as needed to master the hair plopping method for your texture.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Plopping
Here are some additional pointers to help you get the most out of plopping your curls:
- Apply styling cream or gel evenly from roots to ends before plopping for enhanced definition.
- Use a hooded dryer on low-heat to cut down drying time after plopping.
- Set curls with cool air after drying to lock in volume and bounce.
- Try Medusa clipping the crown area before plopping to get extra lift at the roots once dry.
- Sleep plopping with a loose silk wrap prolongs styling between washes.
- Customize plopping time to your hair porosity and density for best results.
Say Goodbye to Frizz and Hello Bouncy Curls!
As you can see, plopping wavy or curly hair is an easy, low-manipulation way to take your textured tresses to the next level. By following these simple steps for how to plop hair properly, you can achieve smooth, shapely curls sans frizz and with stellar definition.
Give this ingenious air-drying technique a try next wash day. We bet you’ll be hooked on those flawless bouncy curls in no time!