If you are new to the curly girl method or a curly girl veteran, you’ve heard of or probably even tried plopping your curls. Today I am sharing Plopping: The Curly Girl’s Guide To The Perfect Plop.
It’s no secret that the curly girl method can be a little daunting when first getting started. A big reason is that there are so many different terms used that are not familiar to our everyday language.
One of which being Plopping.
The reason for this to help you understand a little more about plopping and how to do it.
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This cheat sheet will help break down the process of caring for and styling curly hair.
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What Is Plopping?
Plopping is a curly girl method technique used to increase curl pattern and speed of drying time.
There are many different techniques to plopping but the basic idea is to use t-shirt material to scrunch your curls toward your head creating a head wrap.
This helps remove moisture, increase curl pattern, and cut drying time in half.
Which is pretty much every curly girl’s dream am I right?
The Benefits To Plopping
Plopping has become a more and more popular way to manage curls because it has so many benefits.
- Removes added moisture
- A t-shirt or microfiber towel will soak up moisture without creating frizz
- Significantly cuts down drying time
- Can create lift at the roots since your hair is drying on top of your head
- Enhances curl pattern by scrunching hair on top of your head
- Can be slept on to keep curls overnight (this is not my favorite method)
Why T-Shirt Material?
Unlike traditional towels that are made out of rough material, t-shirt material is soft and smooth. It will soak up moisture without creating frizz while your hair dries significantly cutting down your drying time.
Plopping with a T-shirt or micro fiber towel will also help absorb excess product so you don’t end up with crunchy curls.
Plopping: The Curly Girl’s Guide To The Perfect Plop
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Pick your plopping friend
I use and highly recommend the Tee Owl Towel.
I absolutely love mine because it’s extra soft, and large which gives you plenty of room to plop.
But an old t-shirt will work as well.
>>>>>Click here to get the best micro fiber towel for plopping
Place tee-owl towel (or t-shirt) on a flat surface.
Gently flip curls over your head and scrunch them into the towel like an accordion. This helps hold and set natural curl pattern.
Take both sides of the tee-owl towel and wrap them toward your head.
Finally, Wrap the back of the towel up toward the top of your head. Twist then tie or tuck.
Let curls rest on your head for as long as you prefer.
Note: I don’t like to plop more than 15-20 minutes because it does reduce volume if you plop for too long.
I have noticed after plopping for too long and too often a wear mark in the back of my head. This might not happen to everyone but it is something to be aware of.
Benefits Of Plopping
Plopping is super versatile and can be used for multiple purposes. Below are a few reasons I use the plopping method.
- Speed up the drying process
- Protect curls while you sleep
- Get curly out of your face during the day
- Protect curls while getting dressed
- Let curls rest right out of the shower before you are ready to style
The Down Side Of Plopping
Though plopping has been a huge breakthrough for curly girls, there are a few downsides worth mentioning that not a lot of people are talking about.
Reduces Volume – I’ve noticed that when I plop for too long (more than 20 minutes) I see a significant reduction in volume.
Can create a wear mark – I noticed a slight wear mark toward the top of my head after plopping often and for more than twenty minutes. I’m not sure this is typical but it is something to be aware of.
In Conclusion:
Plopping, when done right can be a significant addition to your styling process.
A few things to keep in mind are the importance of using t-shirt material since traditional bath towels are too harsh and will cause breakage and frizz.
My favorite towel to plop with is the Tee-Owl Ultra Soft towel.
>>>>>Click here to get the tee-owel towel
How do you like to plop your curls?
Xoxo
P.S If you are new to the Curly Girl Method and not sure where to start, download your FREE Beginners guide to the curly girl method cheat sheet here.