What is Hair Plopping? An Essential Technique to Dry Curly Hair

Introduction

If you have curly or wavy hair and struggle to keep your curls defined without frizz, you might want to try hair plopping. This technique is a heatless drying method that uses a micro-fiber towel or cotton T-shirt to help your hair dry naturally and undisturbed, enhancing volume and curl definition.

Unlike the traditional towel turban that can stretch and leave curls limp and lifeless, plopping prevents this by avoiding any twisting or rough handling with a normal towel.

To plop your hair, lay a micro-fiber towel or a cotton T-shirt on a flat surface. Then, with your head bent forward, let your wet curls fall onto the towel. Next, wrap the towel around your head to remove excess water without disrupting the natural curl pattern.

This technique prevents friction and tangling, helping to keep your twisty treasure beautifully curled. Surprisingly, the humble T-shirt works just as well as any special towel. By the time your hair air-dries, you’ll notice less frizz and more defined curls that seem to have been styled without effort.

Bath Towel Vs Micro Fiber 

Plopping is a method where you use specific fabrics, like micro-fiber or cotton clothing, instead of the average bath towel. Bath towels have a harsh texture that rubs roughly against strands, causing frizziness.

In contrast, soft micro-fiber or a cotton t-shirt compacts and scrunches wet curls on the top of the head, helping to retain the curls’ shape and volumize roots. This technique prevents friction and frizz, making your hair cuticle smooth for a bouncy, silky finish.

Why Hair Plopping?

Hair plopping is a method that dries your hair without heat, which helps maintain the unique curl pattern. This technique suits those getting into CG (Curly Girl Method) or veteran CG-ers. It defines curls effectively and is a benefit lauded by many who have heard of and use plopping regularly.

Improved Curl Pattern

Plopping is a simple method to enhance your curl pattern. When your hair is wet, the curls are most beautifully defined. By using a microfiber towel or a plain old cotton t-shirt, you can plop your hair during this crucial time as it dries.

This technique gently absorbs excess water and product without the harshness of terrycloth towels, which are less absorbent and can strip too much moisture, leading to frizz and dryness. Plopping ensures that your locks retain moisture inside the hair shaft, keeping the curls defined and beautiful as they dry.

Eliminate the Effect of Gravity

Plopping offers a significant benefit as it eliminates the effects of gravity on hair while drying. When hair is wet, it’s weighed down by the water it has absorbed, which smooshes the roots and stretches the curl, often causing curls to dry flat and limp.

When properly plopped, your hair can begin drying without being weighed down, giving you defined curls and volume at the roots.

Dries Curls Gently

Hair plopping gently dries your curls, using a microfiber towel or a plain old cotton t-shirt. This method is commonly done because these fabrics slowly absorb excess water and product from the hair without stripping too much moisture.

This type of fabric is key to a successful plop, opposed to terrycloth towels, which absorb moisture quickly and thoroughly, making them less absorbent. By retaining more moisture inside the hair shaft, plopping allows your hair to avoid frizz and dryness as it dries.

Minimize Drying Time

Using a microfibre towel for hair plopping not only absorbs extra moisture from your hair but also shortens the drying time. This efficiency leaves more time for other things, such as blow-drying and styling your hair. A big plus is how the towel sits comfortably on your head, allowing you to continue getting ready in the meantime.

Benefit for Straight or Fine Hair

Hair plopping can be especially beneficial for those with straight or fine hair looking to create extra volume. By letting your hair dry on the top of your head instead of hanging down, you avoid the hair becoming too heavy with water, which can drag it down. This technique prevents your hair from drying loose, where you might experience less volume and definition.

Does Plopping Work On All Hair Types?

Plopping is a heat-free method designed to help dry wet hair and create natural curls. The main purpose of plopping is to enhance your hair’s texture, maximizing curls and minimizing frizz.

Unfortunately, plopping does not magically transform straight hair into curly hair, but it can lend a few covetable waves. However, for someone with a straight hair type, using a t-shirt or microfiber towel can still be beneficial to reduce frizzy hair while drying.