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What Is Hair Plopping? How To Do It + Hairstylist Tips
If you’ve ever frantically wrapped your wet hair in a towel, only to end up with frizz, you’re not alone. For many, this is a common struggle, especially for those with curlier or coarser hair textures that are prone to frizz upon exposure to air. If you’re part of the curl community, you may want to consider a popular drying method called hair plopping.
The Benefits of Hair Plopping
Hair plopping is a technique that utilizes a simple T-shirt to absorb excess water while enhancing your curls. This method not only prevents frizz but also promotes the definition and volume of your curls. By keeping your hair scrunched on the top of your head, you can avoid the damaging effects of humidity and gravity, which are notorious for causing limp hair.
What is Hair Plopping?
Unlike the traditional towel twist, which often utilizes terrycloth towels that can roughen the hair cuticle and extract too much moisture, hair plopping is a gentler approach. As explained by Michelle O’Connor, a texture specialist and artistic director at Matrix, “Traditional towels take too much moisture out of the hair.” Moisture is crucial for keeping curls soft and frizz-free. Not to mention, your hair is most vulnerable when wet—frequent towel wrapping can lead to physical breakage.
The hair plopping process is straightforward: you simply flip your head upside down and gently place your curls in the center of a T-shirt. You then wrap the shirt over your hair, cradling it inside and securing it. This technique not only absorbs moisture but also scrunches your strands for enhanced, voluminous curls.
Who Should Use Hair Plopping?
Hair plopping can be beneficial for various hair types. Although it is particularly effective for tighter curls prone to frizz, hairstylist Anthony Dickey notes that it is applicable to any hair type that enjoys a bit of scrunching. Loose curls, waves, and even straight hair can experience benefits, as plopping helps create a tousled look without the need for heat styling. O’Connor adds that plopping is especially helpful for those with limp curls, as it can create lift at the roots.
How to Plop Your Hair
Ready to give hair plopping a try? Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Prepare Your Hair: Apply styling products to freshly washed or co-washed hair while it’s still wet. Detangle your strands before moving on to the next step.
- The Plopping Process: Grab a T-shirt (the size will depend on how much hair you have), and lay it flat on a surface. Flip your hair upside down over the center of the T-shirt, letting your curls cradle in the fabric. Wrap the T-shirt around your hair gently.
- Secure the Wrap: Tie the sleeves of the T-shirt around the nape of your neck, making sure it is secured comfortably. You can leave the wrap on for as long as you prefer. Some individuals may choose to let their hair dry completely in the wrap, while others may find that 20 minutes is sufficient. It’s best to experiment with what works for your curl type.
When you unroll your hair from the T-shirt, you should be left with beautifully defined and bouncy curls.
The Takeaway
Hair plopping is an effective drying method that is beneficial for numerous hair textures, particularly when scrunching is involved. This technique allows curls to dry naturally while minimizing frizz and enhancing volume. Whether you have tight curls, loose waves, or straight strands, plopping can add a natural bend without the need for hot tools.
In conclusion, hair plopping can be a game-changer for achieving those perfect, frizz-free curls you’ve always wanted. Why not give it a try and see the difference for yourself?
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