Plopping Hair: T-Shirt Method For Defined Curls

how long to plop hair with t shirt

How Long Should You Plop Your Hair?

The length of time you should plop your hair depends on several factors, including hair type, length, porosity, and personal preference. Some people plop their hair for as little as 5-10 minutes, while others leave it for an hour or more. If you're unsure how long to plop your hair, it's best to start with a shorter time and increase it gradually until you find the sweet spot that gives you bouncy, defined curls without making them feel dry or frizzy.

Characteristics Values
Time to plop hair 10-20 minutes if washed in the morning, overnight if washed in the evening
Hair type Works best for wavy, curly hair
Hair length Works for both long and short hair
Hair thickness Thicker hair may result in more defined curls

shunvogue

How to wrap hair in a t-shirt

Plopping is a hair drying technique that enhances and preserves wet curls while minimising frizz and flyaways. It is a great alternative to twisting a towel around your head as it keeps your wet curls compact and scrunched, accordion-style, on the top of your head. This allows your roots to stay volumised, your curls to stay clumped, and your hair cuticle to stay smooth.

Step 1: Get a large T-shirt, preferably made of cotton.

Step 2: Lay the T-shirt on a flat surface with the sleeves closest to you.

Step 3: Wash your hair and apply your regular styling products to damp hair.

Step 4: Flip your wet hair over and place it in the middle of the T-shirt.

Step 5: Bring the side of the T-shirt closest to you to your forehead and then bring the other end together at the nape of your head.

Step 6: Take the sleeves and twist them together to tighten the T-shirt around your head.

Step 7: Tie the sleeves at the front, back, or sides to secure the T-shirt in place.

Your hair is now wrapped in a T-shirt! You can leave it like this for 10-20 minutes or even overnight, depending on your hair type and desired results.

shunvogue

How long does hair plopping take?

The length of time you should plop your hair depends on several factors, including your hair type, length, porosity, and lifestyle.

If you have short or fine hair, you should start checking your hair after 10–20 minutes, as it dries faster than long or tightly coiled hair.

For long or tightly coiled hair, you can leave your hair plopped for 15–45 minutes. Some people even sleep with their hair plopped overnight, although this is not recommended as it can cause curls to dry out and the friction of the T-shirt can cause frizz while you sleep.

The goal of hair plopping is to let the towel absorb excess moisture while your hair structure sets. You can stop hair plopping when your hair is mostly or completely dry, or at around 70% dryness.

shunvogue

What are the results of hair plopping?

The results of hair plopping are bouncy, defined curls without frizz. The technique is designed to enhance and preserve wet curls while minimising frizz as they dry. It is a great way to get defined curls without the crunch of using too much gel and finger-scrunching.

Plopping is also a good way to get wet hair off your neck and shoulders while you're getting dressed or working around the house. It is a method that works well for people with wavy, almost-curly hair, helping their waves to clump together better and look more defined.

The results of hair plopping are also dependent on how long you leave your hair in the plop. Some people plop for 5-10 minutes, some for 15-20, others for an hour, and some even swear by plopping overnight. The length of time depends on your hair type, length, porosity, and lifestyle.

If you plop for too long, your curls may dry out too much, making it hard to add products afterward without causing frizz or messing with your curl pattern. If you plop overnight, your hair may be too damp in the morning, which can cause an itchy scalp.

The results of hair plopping are also influenced by the type of fabric you use. It is recommended to use a soft, cotton fabric like a T-shirt or microfiber towel to avoid creating frizz in your hair.

Overall, hair plopping is a great way to achieve bouncy, defined curls without the use of heat tools. The results will vary depending on your hair type, the length of time you plop, and the type of fabric you use.

shunvogue

How to plop with a t-shirt

Plopping is a hair drying technique that enhances and preserves wet curls while minimising frizz as they dry. It's a great way to get defined, hydrated curls without the use of heat.

  • Get yourself a large T-shirt, preferably made of cotton. An XXL long-sleeve cotton T-shirt is ideal.
  • Before you shower, lay your T-shirt upside down on a flat surface, such as a bathroom counter, chair, or toilet lid.
  • After showering, apply your chosen stylers to your wet hair. This could include a leave-in conditioner or gel.
  • Flip your wet hair over and place it in the centre of the T-shirt, pressing your head down on the curls like an accordion.
  • With your head still upside down, grab the end of the shirt closest to your head and fold it over your hair and head, so it covers your hair completely.
  • Hold the edges of the shirt at the nape of your neck and grab the sleeves near your forehead. Twist them together to tighten the "bag" around your head.
  • Wrap the twisted sleeves around your head and tie them to secure the shirt. You should now be resembling a wet helmet!
  • Once you flip your head back over, your curls will be nestled on top of your head, allowing them to dry untouched by gravity or humidity.

How Long to Plop:

There is no definitive answer to how long you should leave your hair in a plop. It can vary depending on your hair type, length, porosity, and personal preference. Some people plop for as little as 5-10 minutes, while others leave it for an hour or even overnight. Experimentation is key to finding the sweet spot for your hair.

Results:

After removing your hair from the plop, gently break up your curls with your fingertips or a wide-tooth comb. If you want to add hold, scrunch in some styling product, such as a curl-refreshing spray.

Plopping is a great, low-maintenance way to enhance your curls and reduce frizz. It may take a bit of practice to perfect the technique, but the results are worth it!

shunvogue

How often should you plop hair?

You should plop your hair every time you wash and style it, which can range from three times a week to once a week. Plopping is a curl-friendly solution to drying hair without heat. It is a technique that uses a cotton T-shirt, pillowcase, or microfiber towel to dry your wet curls in a self-contained mound on top of your head, helping to increase definition and cut down on frizz.

The technique is called "plopping" because you plop your hair into a towel or T-shirt and roll the fabric around your head like a turban. Your curls are thus accordioned on the top of your head, helping them keep their defined, spiral shape after they dry.

The amount of time you spend plopping your hair depends on your hair type, length, porosity, and lifestyle. Some people only plop for 5-10 minutes, some for 15-20, others for an hour, and some swear by plopping overnight while they sleep.

If you wash your hair in the morning, plop it for 10 to 20 minutes, then air dry or diffuse your curls. If you wash your hair at night, you can plop it overnight.

Frequently asked questions

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The ideal duration depends on your hair type, length, porosity, and lifestyle. For instance, people with short or fine hair can start checking their hair after 10-20 minutes, while those with long or tightly coiled hair may need to wait longer. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect plopping duration for your hair.

Yes, you can plop your hair overnight. However, one source advises against this, stating that leaving a t-shirt on your hair overnight can cause curls to dry out and the friction of the t-shirt can cause frizz while you sleep. If you choose to plop overnight, consider using a dry t-shirt to avoid discomfort.

The goal of plopping is to let the towel absorb excess moisture while your hair structure sets. You can stop plopping when your hair is mostly or completely dry, or when it feels dry enough to your touch.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment