Unlock Your Best Curls with the Art of Plopping: How to Use a Hair Plopping Towel

Hello, I'm Annaleise, and I would like to share with you how I use hair plopping for my curly hair. (Well, my hair has a mind of its own. It's actually sometimes kind of wavy, sometimes curly...depends on the day and what my hair decides.) If you're anything like me, the battle against frizz and unruly curls has been a lifelong journey.

I've tried so many products and techniques over the years with mixed results. I do like to wear my hair naturally wavy/curly, but I get frustrated by frizz and I don't like the products that leave it feeling like a bunch of hay on my head.

One day my daughter, Ella, was telling me about how great it is to dry wavy and curly hair to in a t-shirt. It honestly really didn't sound like a huge difference maker to me over my terry cloth turban routine. However, I tried it, and I was super impressed with the results. So much so, that I tried to find a hair towel made from t-shirt material, but all I could find was either microfiber which I can't stand, or a synthetic blend which I didn't want either. I just wanted a thick, 100% cotton hair towel. Thus, OOF! was born. We decided to make them ourselves.

In this article, I'm excited to share a technique that has helped me reduce frizz and define my curls—it's the art of plopping, and all you need is a trusty hair plopping towel (and maybe a dab of curl cream).

Using a hair plop towel for hair plopping is a gentle method of drying your hair that encourages your curls to form naturally and set in a beautifully defined shape. By using a hair plopping towel, you can reduce frizz, retain moisture, and create lasting curls without the need for heat or damaging styling tools.

So, get ready to say goodbye to bad hair days and hello to gorgeous curls with less frizz. Let's dive into the art of plopping with a hair plop towel.

How to prepare your hair (don't forget your scalp)

Before diving into the art of plopping, you want to prepare your hair. This step is often overlooked but it shouldn't be overlooked to achieve the results you want. First, have you determined your hair type using our hair type chart? Not just curl type, but your whole hair type? It can really help to figure out exactly what ingredients you should (and shouldn't) be using in your products. What is your texture or porosity? Knowing these details can help you decide on the best products for your curly hair care.

Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner. These products will cleanse your hair without stripping away its natural oils, leaving it moisturized and ready for styling. Be sure to massage your scalp gently to stimulate blood flow and promote healthy hair growth. Using a scalp massager can help with circulation and help with hair thickness and growth. We made the OOF! Boho Heart Shaped Scalp Massager just for this reason!

After rinsing out the conditioner, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle your hair. This will prevent any knots or tangles from forming during the hair plopping process. Remember to be gentle to avoid causing unnecessary breakage.

What is hair plopping and why is it beneficial for curly hair?

Hair plopping is a gentle method of drying your hair using a hair plop towel that encourages your curls to form and set in a beautifully defined shape. Unlike traditional towel drying or blow drying, which can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz, hair plopping helps retain moisture and creates lasting curls without the need for heat or damaging styling tools.

The concept behind hair plopping is simple. By wrapping your damp hair in a hair plopping towel, you create a controlled environment that allows your curls to dry in their natural state. This technique not only enhances your curls but also reduces frizz and promotes curl definition.

Choosing the right hair towel plopping towel for curly hair (no it's not microfiber).

When it comes to hair plopping, not all towels are created equal. While microfiber towels are often recommended for drying curly hair, they may not be the best option for hair plopping. Microfiber towels can absorb too much moisture, leaving your curls overly dry and prone to frizz. Microfiber towels can also leech microplastics which end up in our water supply and oceans. Yuck!

Instead, opt for a hair plop towel made of soft and absorbent 100% cotton t-shirt material. This fabric is thick enough to be absorbant (yes, you want a thick cotton t-shirt material, not the thin see-through kind), but it is gentle on your frizz prone curly hair. Your hair plop towel chould be large enough to comfortably wrap around your head, but not too big with extra weight. This will allow your curls the perfect amount of space to rest and set without being squished or flattened.

The art of plopping: a step-by-step guide

Now that you have the right tools and products, it's time to master the art of hair plopping. You basically want to dry your wet curls in a self-contained mound on top of your head. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the best results. (Video included after for a better visual!)

1. Place the hair plop towel on a flat surface, such as a bed or countertop. Gently scrunch your hair (cup and squeeze) from the tip to the root to encourage your hair's curl pattern.

2. Flip your hair over and position your hair onto the center of the hair plop towel, allowing your curls to fall naturally.

3. Grab the end of the shirt furthest from your head and fold it over your hair/head (so it’s touching the nape of your neck and completely covering your hair).

4. Take the two sides and bring them over the back of your head (some people like to twist the sides, I just bring them over each other). Tie them together at the back of your head.

5. Leave your hair wrapped in the towel for at least 20-30 minutes to allow your curls to set and dry naturally.

6. Gently unwrap the towel and let your curls fall freely. You can use a hair dryer with a diffuser if you want to get all the dampness out of your hair.

Tips for achieving the best results with hair plopping

While the basic technique of plopping remains the same, there are a few tips and tricks to enhance your results and make the most out of this method.

Curly hair products

Try a curl-enhancing product, such as a leave-in conditioner or curl cream, to your damp hair before plopping. This will help define your curls and provide extra moisture. If you prefer a stronger hold, you can use a gel or mousse instead of a cream. Experiment with different products to find the one that works best for your hair type.

No touching!

Avoid touching or scrunching your hair while it's wrapped in the towel. This can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz. Let the plopping towel do its magic!

Not too tight

If you have exceptionally long or thick curly hair, you may need to use a hair clip or hair tie to secure the towel in place. Make sure it's not too tight to avoid creating unwanted creases or indentations.

Patience

Don't rush the drying process. Leaving your hair wrapped in the hair plop towel for a longer period can help achieve more defined and long-lasting curls.

Hair plopping variations for different curl types

While hair plopping works wonders for most curl types, there are slight variations you can try to cater to your specific hair needs. Experiment with different variations to find the perfect plopping routine that works for you.

Loose waves or fine curls

If your curly hair tends to be wavy opt for a shorter plopping time to avoid weighing down your hair. Around 10-15 minutes should be sufficient to enhance your natural texture.

Tight curls or coils

Hair plopping doesn't work as well on super-tight coils or type-4 hair, since has an extented drying process. Extend the plopping time to 40-60 minutes to ensure your curls have enough time to set and dry fully. This will enhance definition and minimize frizz.

Plopping vs. other drying methods: pros and cons

While plopping is an excellent technique for enhancing your curls, it's essential to weigh its pros and cons against other drying methods to determine what works best for your hair. Consider your hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences when choosing between hair plopping and other drying methods.

Hair Plopping Pros:

- Encourages curl definition and reduces frizz

- Gentle on your hair, minimizing damage

- Requires minimal heat or styling tools

- Allows for natural drying, promoting healthy hair

Hair Plopping Cons:

- May not be suitable for all hair types or lengths

- Requires additional time compared to other drying methods

- Can flatten hair if not done correctly

Give hair plopping with a hair plop towel a try!

Listen, as you should know by now, what works for one person's curly hair may not work for yours—and plopping is no different. While this hair plopping method works amazingly well for my 2c/3a curls, you may get better results from microplopping or using the t-shirt hair towel as a turban to avoid frizz and breakage, and then using a diffuser. However, it's certainly worth a try! With a little practice and experimentation, you'll unlock your best curls and turn heads wherever you go.

So, give the power of plopping and a try! And yes, please feel free to message me and let me know how it worked for you!