What Is Hair Plopping?

Have You Tried Hair Plopping?

Hair plopping is a hair care technique that is often used by people with curly or wavy hair to enhance and define their natural curl or wave pattern while reducing frizz. It involves wrapping wet hair in a T-shirt, microfiber towel, or a specialized hair plopping cloth to encourage the formation of curls and waves without causing the disruption and friction that traditional towel-drying can create. The term "plopping" comes from the action of gently placing the hair onto the fabric and securing it in place.

Here's how to plop your hair:

  1. Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair.

  2. While your hair is still wet, you can apply a leave-in conditioner, curl-enhancing product, or styling gel to help define your curls or waves.

  3. Lay a T-shirt, microfiber towel, or a specially designed plopping cloth on a flat surface, like a bed or bathroom counter.

  4. Lean forward and position your hair over the fabric so that it falls into the center of the cloth.

  5. Carefully lower the fabric over your head, gently gathering and folding the sides of the fabric around your head.

  6. Secure the wrapped cloth in place by tying it or using a hair elastic to hold it in position.

  7. Leave your hair wrapped in the cloth for a period of time, typically around 20-30 minutes, although some people leave it for longer, depending on their hair type and desired results.

The plopping method helps absorb excess water from the hair while allowing the natural curl or wave pattern to form without causing frizz. After plopping, you can air dry your hair or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to finish drying while maintaining your defined curls or waves.

Hair plopping is particularly popular among individuals with curly and wavy hair types as it can help promote the natural texture and reduce the need for heat styling tools, which can damage and disrupt the curl pattern.