To plop your hair with a pillowcase, you essentially wrap your wet hair in the pillowcase to encourage curl formation and reduce frizz. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Pillowcase Plopping
- Wash and Condition Your Hair: Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Leave-in conditioner is optional, but can help define curls.
- Apply Styling Products (Optional): Apply your usual curl-defining products, such as mousse, gel, or cream, while your hair is still wet.
- Lay Out the Pillowcase: Lay the pillowcase on a flat surface (like your bed or a table) with the opening facing you.
- Flip Your Hair: Bend over and gently flip your wet hair into the center of the pillowcase. Make sure your hair is gathered together, allowing the curls to stack on top of each other.
- Wrap the Pillowcase:
- Bring the pillowcase flap/opening over the back of your neck.
- Tie the two "arms" of the pillowcase (the parts closest to you) together at the back of your head. You can tie them in a knot or secure them with a hair tie.
- Adjust the pillowcase, making sure that it fits snugly but not too tightly around your head. The idea is to keep the hair compressed against your scalp.
- Secure the Pillowcase: You can secure the wrapped pillowcase in place with a hair clip or bobby pins for extra security, if necessary.
- Wait: Leave your hair plopped for at least 20-30 minutes. Some people even leave it overnight. The longer you plop, the more defined your curls will be and the more water will be absorbed.
- Unwrap Carefully: Gently unwrap the pillowcase, being careful not to disturb the curl pattern.
- Air Dry or Diffuse: Allow your hair to air dry completely or use a diffuser on a low setting to speed up the drying process.
- Fluff and Style: Once your hair is dry, gently fluff the roots with your fingers to add volume. Style as desired.
Benefits of Plopping
- Enhanced Curl Definition: Plopping encourages curl formation and definition.
- Reduced Frizz: The gentle compression helps to minimize frizz.
- Faster Drying Time: Plopping removes excess water from the hair, potentially speeding up drying.
- Increased Volume: Plopping can help lift the roots and create more volume.
