What Is Plopping?
Plopping is a drying technique where wet, styled curls are wrapped in a t-shirt or microfiber towel to enhance definition and reduce frizz.
Understanding Plopping
Plopping is a no-heat drying technique developed in the curly hair community. After applying styling products to soaking wet hair, you lay a t-shirt or microfiber towel flat, flip your head upside down onto it, and wrap the fabric around your head. This scrunches the curls upward, reduces drying time, and allows curls to set in their natural pattern without being stretched by gravity or disturbed by towel friction.
Why It Matters
Traditional towel drying with terry cloth creates friction that disrupts curl formation and causes frizz. Plopping eliminates this by gently cradling curls against the head while absorbing excess water. It also helps products distribute evenly and encourages curl clumps to form properly.
How To Apply This
- 01Apply all styling products to soaking wet hair in the shower.
- 02Lay a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel flat on a surface.
- 03Flip your head upside down and lower your curls onto the center of the fabric.
- 04Wrap the edges of the fabric around your head and secure with a twist or clip.
- 05Leave for 15-30 minutes (or longer for slower-drying hair) before releasing.
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Related Terms
Scrunching
A technique of gently squeezing sections of hair upward toward the scalp to encourage curl formation and remove excess water.
Diffusing
A drying technique using a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to dry curls gently while preserving their natural pattern.
Wash and Go
A styling approach where hair is washed, products are applied to wet hair, and curls are left to air dry or diffused.
Curly Girl Method (CGM)
A hair care approach that eliminates sulfates, silicones, and heat styling to restore and enhance natural curl patterns.
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