Plop It Like It’s Hot: The Jersey Knit Trick for Curls + Waves
I don’t know about you, but every time I see social media posts with perfect, defined curls and waves, I get super motivated to embrace my naturally curly hair. For a long time (years!) I fought to blow out my hair to get it as straight as possible and use heat to either straighten or do loose curls. Heat was the only way to tame the frizz after blow drying.
If you read my article about hair dusting, you will know about my plight with an overzealous stylist who cut my hair way too short for my giant head of hair. Soooo, I began a hair journey to grow my hair back out, keep it healthy, and embrace my 3c naturally curly hair.
One of the best things I have done for my hair has been hair plopping with a t-shirt hair towel. Hair plopping is making waves (literally) as a top styling technique for enhancing natural curls and waves. It's been viral on social media for curly hair care and is an important part of the Curly Girl Method for curly hair care.
My daughter, and co-Founder of OOF!, Ella, uses the plop method for more volume in her hair. Her hair is slightly wavy, but she like to plop to help give it bounce and lift.
Why does the t-shirt material make such a difference? It all has to do with surface area. Jersey knit has a much lower surface area than terry cloth or microfiber—actually about 300% less than microfiber and 200% less than terry cloth. Low surface area means less cuticle friction on the hair strands for less frizz and breakage.
Hair plopping keeps your hair on top of your head which helps with volume. The naturally breathable material of 100% cotton allows your curls to try in their natural curl pattern. So, while there's definitely no one-size-fits-all approach to styling curls and waves, hair plopping with a t-shirt hair towel can definitely benefit any of the curly girls.
I’ve put together the ultimate guide to mastering hair plopping. Plus, a few tips and tricks to make the process effortless—because, spoiler alert, the right tools and technique make all the difference. Whether you’re rocking loose waves, tight curls, or even just looking for more volume with your hair, plopping with a t-shirt hair towel is great for definition, frizz control, and volume.
I will walk you through the step-by-step process of t-shirt hair plopping, providing you with all the necessary tips and tricks to achieve the results you want.
What is hair plopping?
With plopping your hair with a t-shirt hair towel, you'll learn how to enhance your natural curls or boost fullness in any hair type without heat damage. It involves wrapping and plopping wet, scrunched hair in a t-shirt hair plop towel and allowing it to dry naturally. This method is a great alternative to using heat styling tools, as it helps maintain the health and integrity of fragile, wet hair.
Hair plopping works by allowing the excess moisture to be absorbed by the t-shirt hair towel, while the curls are held in place to retain their shape. The plopping technique combined with the lightweight, breathable jersey knit material helps to enhance your natural curl pattern, reduce frizz, and create more defined and bouncy curls. Up next, let's explore the different curl types and patterns to better tailor this technique to your specific hair needs.
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The Benefits of Hair Plopping for Curly Hair
Here’s why you need to add plopping your hair to your routine ASAP. While hair plopping offers numerous benefits for us curly girls to enhance our wave and curl patterns—any hair type can score major volume points with plopping. So, here we go:
Enhances Curl Definition
Hair plopping helps to enhance your natural curl pattern, making your curls appear more defined and uniform. By allowing the hair to dry in a wrapped position, the curls are encouraged to form and set in a more organized manner.
Hair Plopping Reduces Frizz
Frizz—the ultimate curly hair struggle, right? Let’s talk about how to keep those curls smooth. The rough surface of microfiber or terry cloth can cause unnecessary friction and lift the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and damage. Hair plopping with jersey knit t-shirt material minimizes frizz by gently absorbing excess moisture and preventing cuticle friction.
Preserve Natural Moisture
Unlike drying with microfiber or terry cloth, hair plopping with a t-shirt hair towel helps retain natural moisture in the hair. Cotton jersey knit is naturally absorbent and removes excess water without stripping away natural oils, leaving your curls more hydrated and less prone to dryness.
Heatless Styling
Hair plopping eliminates the need for heat styling tools, which can cause damage to your hair over time. This method allows you to achieve beautiful curls without subjecting your hair to excessive heat. While you may choose to finish drying your curls with a diffuser, it will take a lot less time after plopping.
Hair Plopping Saves Time
Once you've plopped your hair, you can go about your daily activities while it dries. This technique saves you time compared to using heat styling tools or air-drying without any manipulation.
Understanding Curly Hair Types and Patterns
Alright, curly girls, listen up! Curly hair comes in all sorts of types and patterns, and each one needs its own special love and care. Getting to know your curl type is the secret to nailing your hair plopping game and achieving best results.
There are generally three main categories of curly hair: wavy, curly, and coily. Within each category, there are subcategories ranging from 2A to 4C, with 2A being the loosest waves and 4C being the tightest coils.
Wavy Hair (Curl Type 2)
Wavy hair typically has loose, S-shaped waves that can range from barely noticeable to more defined. This hair type tends to be on the finer side and is more prone to frizz and losing definition. Hair plopping can help enhance the natural waves and add volume to wavy hair. Plop with a t-shirt hair towel for gentle curl definition. Don't leave it on too long—just enough to enhance those natural waves without flattening them.
Curly Hair (Curl Type 3)
Curly hair has more defined and tighter curls that form ringlets or corkscrews. This hair type often has a medium texture and requires more moisture and product to maintain its shape and prevent frizz. Hair plopping can help define and enhance the curls, reducing frizz and creating a more uniform and voluminous look. Plop for 15-20 minutes to define and separate curls. The t-shirt absorbs moisture while keeping curls bouncy and frizz-free.
Coily Hair (Curl Type 4)
Coily (kinky) hair is characterized by tight coils or zigzag patterns. This hair type is typically the most fragile and prone to dryness and shrinkage. Hair plopping can help stretch and elongate the coils, providing more definition and reducing shrinkage. It also helps retain moisture, promoting healthier and more manageable coily hair. Plop for 20-30 minutes, allowing the t-shirt to soak up excess water and preserve coil definition. This helps prevent shrinkage and keeps coils looking smooth and defined.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hair Plopping
1. Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair.
Begin by washing and conditioning your hair as you normally would. Use a gentle shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner suitable for your hair type. Avoid products with harsh sulfates and silicones, as they can strip away moisture and weigh down your curls.
2. Apply styling products.
While your hair is still wet, apply your preferred curl-enhancing products, such as leave-in conditioners, curl creams, or gels. Use products that are specifically formulated for curly hair to achieve the best results. Apply the products evenly throughout your hair, ensuring that all strands are coated.
3. Prepare your t-shirt hair towel.
Lay your T-shirt hair towel on a flat surface, ensuring it is free of any major wrinkles or creases. Flip your hair forward, so it falls naturally towards the floor.
4. Lower your head onto the hair towel.
For curly girls, scrunch your hair (cup and squeeze) from the ends going all the way to the roots. Carefully lower your head onto the hair towel, positioning your hair towards the center.
5. Wrap your hair in the towel.
Bring the top of the towel over the nape of your neck. Take the two ends and tie at the back of your head. (How to use the HALO t-shirt hair towel below!)
6. Leave it to dry.
Allow your hair to dry in the plopped position for approximately 20-30 minutes. You can leave it longer if your hair takes longer to dry. Be patient and avoid touching or manipulating your hair while it's drying to prevent frizz.
7. Unwrap and style.
After the designated drying time, gently unwrap the hair towel from your hair. Let your curls fall naturally and avoid running your fingers through them. If desired, you can use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to separate and define your curls further.
8. Add optional products.
Apply finishing products: If you feel your hair needs additional moisture or hold, you can apply lightweight oils, serums, or hairsprays to finish off your look. Remember to use products sparingly to prevent weighing down your curls.
Choosing the Right Products for Hair Plopping
Now that you’ve got the hair plopping technique down, it's time to talk products. The right products are key to making those curls pop, so let’s dive into some tips for picking the perfect ones to elevate your plopping game.
Products with Curl Enhancing Ingredients
Opt for products that contain ingredients known to enhance curl definition, such as shea butter, argan oil, or aloe vera. These ingredients help moisturize and nourish your curls, making them more manageable and defined.
Avoid Sulfates and Silicones
Sulfates can strip away natural oils from your hair, leading to dryness and frizz. Likewise, silicones can create a buildup on your hair, weighing it down and reducing curl definition. Look for sulfate-free and silicone-free products to maintain healthy and bouncy curls.
Consider Your Hair's Moisture Needs
Curly hair tends to be drier, so it's essential to choose products that provide adequate moisture. Look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, as they help attract and retain moisture in your hair. Looking for the perfect ingredients for your hair type, our Hair Type Quiz will walk you through exactly what you need.
Experiment with Different Product Combinations
Finding the perfect product combination for your hair may require some trial and error. Don't be afraid to try different products and techniques to determine what works best for your curl type and pattern.
Consider the Climate
The climate you live in can affect how your curls behave. If you live in a humid environment, opt for anti-humidity products to help combat frizz. If you're in a drier climate, focus on products that provide intense hydration.
Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so don't be discouraged if you don't find the perfect products right away. It's all part of the journey to embrace and enhance your natural curls.
Tips for Maintaining and Refreshing Hair Plopped Curls
Once you've mastered the art of hair plopping, it's important to know how to maintain and refresh your curls to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips to help you maintain your hair plopped curls:
Limit Washing Frequency
Curly hair tends to be drier, so washing it too frequently can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness. Try to limit washing your hair to 2-3 times a week or less, depending on your hair's needs.
Use a Satin or Silk Pillowcase or Bonnet
Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase or wearing a sleep bonnet helps minimize friction and frizz, allowing your curls to maintain their shape and definition overnight. It also helps retain moisture, preventing your hair from drying out.
Refresh Your Curls Between Washes
To revive your hair plopped curls between washes, spritz them with a mixture of water and a small amount of leave-in conditioner. Gently scrunch your curls to reactivate them and reduce any frizz.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your hair plopped curls looking fresh and defined for longer periods.
FAQs About Hair Plopping
Is hair plopping suitable for all curl types?
Yes, hair plopping can be beneficial for all curl types, from loose waves to tight coils. However, the drying time may vary based on your curl pattern and hair density.
Can I use a regular towel instead of a T-shirt?
While you can use a regular towel, it's best to opt for a T-shirt hair towel or T-shirt as they are gentler on your curls and help reduce frizz. Regular, terry-cloth towels have a rough surface that can roughen your hair cuticle and cause frizzy hair.
How long should I leave my hair wrapped in the T-shirt?
The recommended time is around 20-30 minutes, but you can adjust it based on your hair's drying time. Experiment to find the ideal duration for your hair.
Embrace Your Natural Curls with Hair Plopping
Achieving effortless and defined curls has never been easier with the t-shirt hair plopping technique. By following the step-by-step guide and incorporating the tips and tricks mentioned in this ultimate guide, you can enhance your natural curl pattern and say goodbye to frizzy, undefined curls.
Remember to understand your curl type and pattern to tailor the technique accordingly. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for your hair. Embrace your natural curls and enjoy the confidence that comes with rocking stunning, defined curls.
So, grab your favorite t-shirt hair towel or t-shirt, follow the steps, and get ready to experience the magic of t-shirt hair plopping.
Happy hair plopping!
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