Women with curly hair are always looking for effective ways to maintain and style their curls. Your curly hair has strict moisture and protein requirements to stay healthy and beautiful. Plopping is a new drying trend that protects your curls from friction and frizz that would otherwise ruin your look for the day. Drying your hair this way can produce amazing results and revolutionize your regular haircare routine.
Plopping may be difficult for those who are trying the process for the first time. You can start plopping now to improve your curl definition and create lasting hairstyles. Don’t let your curls go flat or dull during the day. Learn everything you need to know about plopping aftercare here.
What to do after plopping your hair?
Plop your hair for about five to 20 minutes right after you shower. This allows the moisture from your hair to be absorbed by the t-shirt or microfiber towel that’s holding your curls up. Plopping holds your curls in place while safely removing friction without destroying their natural definition. If you plop overnight, you may need a thicker t-shirt and to add a few steps into your routine.
For those plopping directly after showering, release your hair gently from its wrap. Your hair should fall in beautiful curls, perfectly defined and neat with minimal flyaways. If your hair is still a little wet, try squeezing out more water next time before tying your hair up in a t-shirt. Letting your hair down after plopping should produce a lovely look that doesn’t necessarily need to be adjusted.
You can flip your hair over and give it a scrunch for some extra volume if desired but minimize how much you touch your curls. Combing out your hair or pulling your fingers through it could create frizz and flyaways that need to be tamed down with extra product. All of the important products and care steps of the process are completed before plopping your hair.
What to do when your hair is a mess after plopping?
Your hair is more likely to be flattened when you plop overnight. Light, soft t-shirts can protect your hair only so much. Plopping is meant to safely dry your hair rather than protect it from vigorous, overnight movement. You’ll get better results from brief plopping right after your shower. If you’re looking for better ways to protect your hair at night, consider a silk or satin pillowcase or bonnet.
Plopping is a styling technique that safely dries your hair without disturbing your curls. It isn’t a protective technique that can prevent long-term damage or frizz control. After plopping overnight, gently stimulate the hair at your roots. Fingercurl your strands to refresh your natural style and correct any areas that have flattened out. Right before you head to work for the day or out for errands, clip up the curls around your face for a few minutes to restore volume and create a vibrant, beautiful look.
Minimize the possibility of your hair looking a mess by timing how long you keep your curls secured in a towel. Use quality products for your hair type, and avoid heat treatments or drying that can increase frizz. Practice different plopping styles and wraps to find the best that works with your curls.
Do you apply products before or after plopping?
Apply your products as usual right after your shower. Leave-in conditioner, oil and curling gel are great options if you’re looking for the ideal curl product combo. Supporting the health of your hair should always be your main goal while washing, drying and styling. A leave-in conditioner can help your curls retain more moisture, increasing their natural elasticity and strength. Various oils give your hair vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals to increase shine and health.
Curling gel can encourage a stronger curl, giving your hair an extra-strong hold that lasts the whole day. Applying products while your hair is wet locks in more moisture and minimizes the chances of a greasy look. Plopping dries your hair while boosting volume and definition, making it ready for the day with only minor adjustments needed if any at all. Don’t apply any other products once your hair is dry.
Many hairsprays contain high amounts of alcohol that dry your hair out. Curling gel may not even be necessary for you if you have naturally strong curls. Always choose quality products that don’t contain sulfates or parabens. If your hair is struggling to maintain a strong curl even with various products and plopping, ask your local beautician for product recommendations and hair care advice.
Common hair plopping mistakes
Plopping is an easy hairstyling technique that protects your curls from the harshness of an average towel. Every hair type can benefit from styling techniques that limit frizz and flyaways. However, it’s important to be aware of the health needs of your hair and common plopping mistakes you may make when trying this style out for the first time.
Avoid washing your hair every day. Your curls need moisture and benefit from the natural nutrients in your sebum. Overwashing can strip your hair down and flatten your curls. Never forget to use a leave-in conditioner and schedule your wash days around your regular schedule. Every hair type should limit their overwashing or risk causing lasting damage to their hair.
Minimize using heat tools, inappropriate products or chemical treatments. Heat damages your skin and hair, resulting in dryness, protein deficiency and even slight color changes over time. Plopping is an easy, natural way to protect your curls and quickly wick away moisture from your hair. Find alternative, healthy ways to care for your hair and meet your aesthetic style preferences.
When practicing plopping, your t-shirt shouldn’t be tied tightly around your head. You want to lay your curls down on the shirt and gently support them. If you tie your hair too tightly, you may squeeze or flatten the curls. Plopping should lift your curls without constricting or moving them. Feel free to adjust individual hairs before tying them up to achieve the best hold and look possible.
Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet. Damp hair is fragile and can break or stretch when brushed. Many women with curls don’t use brushes because they create frizz and ruin the natural shape of your curls. You can straighten up your curls with small adjustments but avoid overworking your hair right after plopping. This styling technique leaves your hair ready for the day with defined, spiraled curls.
Conclusion
Plopping is a modern technique that protects curls from becoming messy or frizzy as they dry. By applying moisturizing products and tying your hair up with a safe t-shirt or microfiber cloth, you can maintain the natural definition of your hair for the entire day. The more your practice plopping and other safe styling techniques, the better your hair will look and feel.
Further reading material
Thank you for reading this far! I hope that you liked reading the article. If you want to learn more about similar subjects, you can click on one of the links below and start reading :).
Alternative to Plopping for Short Hair
How To Get Short Hair To Lay Down
Does Twisting Your Hair Make It Grow?
