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The Plop Hair Method: How to Achieve Frizz-Free, Defined Curls

The Plop Hair Method: How to Achieve Frizz-Free, Defined Curls

If you've never plopped your curly hair before or aren't sure how to plop hair, you're about to have a freakin' transcendent experience. Plopping is one of the most popular curly hair-drying techniques right now.

While the name may sound strange, it truly works like magic on wavy, curly, and coily strands, and it works whether you have short or long hair. The trend took TikTok by storm, with videos amassing millions of views. Look no further if you're unfamiliar with plopping or simply need some pointers on where to begin. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about plopping curls.

What Is Hair Plopping?

Plopping is a heat-free hair drying and curling technique that can help your luscious locks retain moisture and keep frizz at bay. It is also one of the simplest and most effective changers for hair types 2c to 3b.

Hair plopping, with a little practice, could become your favorite drying and curling method, saving you time and creating lively curls in as little as 15 minutes.

Simply place your freshly washed hair in the center of a t-shirt, microfiber towel, or pillowcase to plop. Then, wrap the t-shirt around your head and go about your business as usual. As you rock the plop, the shirt will absorb excess moisture from your hair and allow your natural curls to dry without the friction of a towel.

When Should You Plop Your Hair?

Begin the hair-plopping process as soon as you step out of the shower with freshly washed and conditioned hair. This entails gathering the necessary items before your shower, such as:

A t-shirt, a microfiber towel, or a pillowcase

A hair tie to hold your improvised hair wrap in place.

Your preferred hair curling products (like leave-in conditioners, gels, and curling creams)

What Is The Best Way To Plop Curly Hair?

Curling your hair can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your hair type and the products you use. For the best and most consistent results, use a t-shirt, preferably a large long sleeve t-shirt. If this is your first time puffing your hair, you may require more detailed instructions. This is how you plop curls.

Step 1: Wash and condition your hair

The first step to plop hair is to take a regular shower. There is nothing complicated about this, other than using the appropriate shampoo and conditioner for your curl type. Enjoy your shower.

Step 2: Gently massage your curls.

It's time to start Plopping your hair after you've freshly washed it. It is critical to leave some moisture in your hair before exiting the shower; do not completely dry it.

Step 3: Use styling products

Apply products that define the curl to your hair after you get out of the shower, such as conditioning styler and curling gels.

Step 4: Use a t-shirt or towel to protect your hair.

hair plopping method

What exactly is "plopping hair"? At this point, simply wrap your hair in a t-shirt or towel. This can be the most difficult step in the process the first time, but with a little perseverance, it will feel easy and problem-free.

● Bend at the waist and flip your hair over your t-shirt or towel so that it hangs in the center of the t-shirt or towel.

● Fold the t-shirt over your hair - Fold the end of the t-shirt furthest away from you over your head, touching the back of your neck.

● Wrap the sleeves around your head - Take your shirt sleeves and wrap them around your head, tying them securely. If you're using a pillowcase or microfiber towel, a hair tie can be used to keep the ends in place.

Step 5: Allow your hair to settle for 15-45 minutes.

The next step is to let your hair dry; we recommend leaving it alone for at least 15 minutes to allow the curls to naturally shape. The more time you leave your hair wrapped in a t-shirt or towel, the more defined your curls will be.

The Advantages of Hair Plopping

Plopping your hair can help you achieve a head of bouncy, healthy curls, but the benefits don't stop there. Other advantages include:

Frizz Control

Taming frizz can be a constant battle for those with naturally curly or wavy hair, especially when learning how to smooth hair. Plopping improves your chances of victory over your frizzy mane for several reasons:

Plopping dries your hair with softer materials - Plopping uses smoother fabrics than a standard towel. A t-shirt or microfiber towel is less likely to irritate your hair shafts and can help you avoid the frizz that regular towels can cause.

Plopping allows your curls to dry naturally - While blow dryers and curling irons can help create defined curls of various shapes and sizes, the constant heat from those styling tools can cause split ends and breakage, resulting in frizz. You can allow your curls to dry naturally without using hot styling tools thanks to curly hair plopping methods.

Promoting Smooth Hair

Surprisingly, frizz and smooth hair go together. Why? It's difficult to have one without getting rid of the other. When frizz is removed from the equation, defined curls are more likely to appear.

You can credit plopping in part to the soft material of the t-shirt or microfiber towel, which helps to keep your cuticles laid down and thus smooth while your hair is drying.

Is Plopping Effective on All Hair Types?

Is Plopping Effective on All Hair Types

Aside from providing a heat-free way to dry wet hair, the main goal of plopping is to assist you in creating the ultimate natural curls. Unfortunately, plopping hair does not magically turn straight hair curly.

If you have wavy, almost-curly hair (type 2c), plopping can help your waves clump together better and look more defined, so it's definitely worth a shot.

Similarly, plopping doesn't work well on super-tight coils or type-4 hair because it traps moisture and extends the drying process, as well as increases the risk of tangles and fairy knots by requiring your hair to be scrunched and flipped. That's not to say that certain 3c or 4a hair types can't get good plopping results, but plopping appears to work best on 2c, 3a, and 3b hair types.

Conclusion

Hair plopping is a natural hair care routine, It’s exciting to find new ways to perfect your natural curls and try different curly hairstyles. With the proper technique and a few choice hair products at your side, you can dry your hair and craft the ultimate curls in one fell swoop.