If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you may already know that drying it can be tricky. Heat tools can damage your curls, and towels can create frizz. That’s where hair plopping comes in, a heat-free technique that’s popular in the curly girl method and loved for enhancing curl definition and reducing frizz.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what hair plopping is, how to do it at home, how long to plop hair for, and the best products to use to support your routine.
What Is Hair Plopping?
Hair plopping is a method used to dry curly hair gently without disturbing the curl pattern. Instead of using a rough towel, which can roughen up the cuticle and lead to frizz, hair is wrapped up in a hair plopping towel or soft cotton T-shirt. This lets your curls dry in a scrunched-up position, encouraging bounce and volume.
This technique is a go-to step in the curly girl method, a popular approach to curly haircare that avoids harsh ingredients and promotes natural, healthy curls.
What Are the Benefits of Hair Plopping?
Plopping your hair can make a big difference in how your curls look and feel. Some of the top benefits include:
Defined curls without the crunch or stiffness
Less frizz thanks to a smooth drying surface
Faster drying time, as excess water is absorbed gently
More volume, especially at the roots
No need for heat styling
How to Plop Hair: Step-by-Step
Ready to try plopping curly hair for yourself? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Wash and Condition
Start with a curl-friendly shampoo and conditioner. The Luscious Curl Conditioning Cleanser with Chia Seed Oil gently cleanses without stripping hair, making it ideal for curly textures.
Step 2: Apply Styling Products
While your hair is still damp, apply a curl-defining product. We recommend the Luscious Curl Defining Butter with Kokum Butter to boost bounce and shape without weighing curls down.
Step 3: Prepare Your Plopping Towel
Lay a hair plopping towel or a soft cotton T-shirt on a flat surface (like a bed or chair). Avoid using regular bath towels, they’re too rough for curly hair.
Step 4: Flip and Wrap
Flip your head over and gently “plop” your curls in the middle of the towel. Fold the fabric over your head and tie or tuck it at the nape of your neck to keep it in place.
Step 5: Wait
So, how long should you plop hair? Most people leave their hair plopped for 15 to 30 minutes, but you can adjust depending on your hair type and how much water your curls hold.
Step 6: Air Dry or Diffuse
Unwrap your hair and let it finish drying naturally or use a diffuser for a bit of extra volume. Avoid touching your curls while they dry to keep them smooth and frizz-free.
Tips for Better Results
Always plop on damp, not soaking wet, hair.
Use products designed for curly hair to encourage definition and softness.
Avoid rubbing your hair — the key is to wrap, not towel-dry.
The Luscious Curls Collection has everything you need to prep and style curls for maximum impact.
FAQs About Hair Plopping
How do I dry curly hair without frizz?
Use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt and try hair plopping. This method supports your curl pattern and reduces frizz.
How do I plop hair correctly?
After applying styling products, wrap your hair in a plopping towel or cotton T-shirt while it dries for defined, bouncy curls.
What is the curly girl method?
It’s a haircare routine for naturally curly hair that avoids harsh ingredients and promotes air-drying, gentle cleansing, and curl-safe styling techniques, like plopping.
How long should I plop my hair?
Aim for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how thick or porous your hair is. If you need more definition, try leaving it plopped a bit longer.
Final Thoughts
Plopping curly hair is a simple yet powerful technique to dry curls naturally while keeping them frizz-free, bouncy, and defined. It’s a staple of the curly girl method for good reason. Pair it with the right products, like those in our Luscious Curls collection, and a proper hair plopping towel, and your curls will thank you.
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