So you’ve heard about hair plopping, and you’re wondering if it’s really worth all the hype. Or you have no idea what hair plopping is and came here to find out. Either way, we have answers. Here’s everything you need to know about hair plopping.
What Is Hair Plopping?
Admittedly, the name is pretty strange, but it’s fitting, too. Hair plopping is a technique where you, yes, plop your hair into a pattern that allows your hair to dry in its natural curls or waves. It’s not new, but it has been getting a lot of attention on social media lately, so many people are just hearing about it for the first time.
Why Bother With Hair Plopping?
Hair plopping is actually kind of amazing if you have curly or wavy hair. You know that heat damages your hair, and you know how prone your curly/wavy hair is to frizz. Hair plopping tackles both of those problems. That’s right, you can dry your hair without heat, have amazing curls or waves, and lose the frizz. Have we got your attention yet? Thought so.
What Do You Need?
Thankfully, you don’t need much to start hair plopping, and you may even already have what you need! The most important tool you need for hair plopping is a T-shirt, T-shirt towel, or microfiber towel. Any of the three will do. Just don’t try this with regular towels. They’re too rough and stretch out your curls.
In addition to your T-shirt or T-shirt towel, you’ll need the products you normally apply to your hair when it’s wet. This can just be a bit of leave-in conditioner or your favorite gel or mousse. Some people also choose to use a diffuser after plopping, but that’s totally up to you. Plopping works fine without any heat at all.
How Do You Do It?
Trust us, plopping is so simple, you’re going to be wondering where it’s been all your life. It barely takes any work at all!
First, lay out your T-shirt with the neck and sleeves on a flat surface, such as your bed. You want the neck and sleeves facing you. Then, hop in the shower. When you’re done, apply your leave-in conditioner or styling products and work them through your hair. Your hair needs to stay wet, but you can scrunch the excess water out if it bothers you.
Now that your hair is ready, tip your head over your t-shirt or towel, and let your hair fall, accordion-style, onto the center of the T-shirt. Press your head down on top of your hair. Next, pull the bottom of the shirt up and over your hair so it touches your neck. Then, twist the shirt sleeves and pull them around the side of your head. Finally, tie them in a knot to hold the shirt in place, and you’re done!
Leave the plop in place for a minimum of 15 minutes. Many people find that 30 minutes to an hour works better, and some even sleep with their hair plopped overnight. Experiment to see what works best for you. When you let your hair down, you’ll have perfectly-formed, frizz-free curls. Just finish air drying or use a diffuser, and you’re all set for the day. Amazing, right?
Are you plopping? We want to see the results! Leave us a pic of you rocking your curls or waves in your review.