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The Plopping Method: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published in Hair Drying Technique 2 mins read

How to Plop Hair

Plopping is a simple hair-drying technique that helps define curls and reduce frizz. It involves wrapping wet, product-treated hair in a soft material, like a t-shirt or microfiber towel, to encourage curl formation.

  1. Prepare your hair: Apply your favorite styling products to your wet hair. Several sources suggest applying products before plopping to maximize curl definition and minimize frizz. [Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrpoeRFsBpA]

  2. Choose your plopping tool: A soft cotton t-shirt is ideal; however, microfiber towels also work well. Avoid rough towels that can cause frizz. [Source: https://www.beautycon.com/article/to-plop-or-not-to-plop]

  3. Lay out your material: Lay your t-shirt or towel flat on a surface.

  4. Place your hair: Bend over and place your hair in the center of the fabric. Ensure all of your hair is on the middle part of the fabric, not hanging off the sides. [Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/curlyhair/comments/2u6p5d/so_how_do_i_plop_properly/]

  5. Wrap and secure: Begin at the nape of your neck, scrunching your hair upwards in an accordion-like motion as you move closer to your head. The ends of your hair should touch the fabric first. [Source: Provided text excerpt]

  6. Tie and wait: Tie the fabric securely, and leave it on for at least 15-30 minutes, or longer if desired. [While not explicitly stated in references, this is common practice]

  7. Unwrap and style: Carefully remove the fabric and gently style your hair.

Benefits of Plopping

  • Reduces frizz
  • Enhances curl definition and clumping
  • Increases volume
  • Creates natural-looking waves

Tips for Successful Plopping

  • Use a lightweight, absorbent material.
  • Apply products evenly before plopping.
  • Don’t over-plop—too much pressure can create weird crimping. [Source: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a25400845/how-to-plop-curls/]
  • Experiment with different plopping times to find what works best for your hair.
  • Consider plopping overnight for extended results (ensure material is breathable to avoid overheating).

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