Hair plopping is a gentle, heat-free drying method popular for wavy, curly, or coily hair textures. This technique is incorporated into the styling routine after applying products to preserve the hair’s natural pattern as it begins to dry. Plopping is an effective way to manage hair after washing, offering a smooth alternative to traditional drying methods.
Defining Hair Plopping and Its Purpose
Hair plopping involves wrapping wet, product-applied hair in a soft, absorbent material, such as a cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel, on top of the head. The hair is placed in a self-contained mound, allowing the curls to rest in an accordion-like shape against the scalp. This method is a gentle alternative to wrapping hair in a coarse terry cloth towel, which can rough up the hair’s cuticle and create friction.
The purpose of plopping is to encourage the hair’s natural curl pattern without stretching or disturbing it. Compressing the hair maximizes volume at the root, benefiting waves and loose curls often weighed down by water. The soft material absorbs excess moisture without removing too much, which reduces frizz. This process helps define curl clumps, leading to resilient, springy, and defined results.
Step-by-Step Plopping Technique
Before beginning, hair should be freshly washed, conditioned, and detangled, with styling products applied while soaking wet. This is the stage to scrunch in leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or gel, depending on hair density and preference. Lay a clean, dry, long-sleeved t-shirt or a microfiber towel out on a flat surface, such as a bed or counter, with the neck opening closest to you.
Next, gently flip your head over so that your hair hangs down toward the center of the laid-out material. Slowly lower your head, allowing your hair to “plop” into the center of the fabric, stacking your curls on top of your head. The goal is to gather all the hair into a pile on the shirt without crushing the curl pattern against the scalp.
While your head is still inverted, take the bottom edge of the fabric—the part furthest away from your neck—and fold it up over your head until it reaches the nape of your neck. If using a t-shirt, the neckline will be positioned at your forehead. Gather the sleeves or the sides of the towel and wrap them tightly around your head, securing them into a knot or twist to keep the hair contained.
Once secured, carefully lift your head; the hair will remain contained and compressed on top of your head. The plop should be snug enough to stay in place but not so tight that it flattens your roots or causes discomfort. This process holds the curls in their desired shape while the fabric wicks away excess water.
Essential Tools and Timing
A soft cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel are the recommended options for plopping. Traditional terry cloth bath towels are avoided because their coarse, looped texture can snag the hair cuticle and cause frizz. Both cotton and microfiber are effective because they feature a smoother weave that is gentle on the hair shaft.
A cotton t-shirt is an easily accessible option that absorbs water without stripping the hair of moisture. Microfiber towels are highly absorbent, often removing water faster than cotton, which benefits individuals with high-density or very thick hair. Regardless of the material chosen, the plop must remain on the head for a specific duration to achieve the desired level of dampness.
The ideal plopping time requires experimentation, typically ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. Fine waves may only need 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess water, while thicker, tighter curls may benefit from 20 to 30 minutes. Plopping for too long can dry the surface of the hair, leading to frizz, or leave the scalp too damp. After the plop is removed, hair can be air-dried or diffused to finish the drying process and set the curl pattern.