
There are several ways to curl your hair with a t-shirt, and one of the most popular methods is plopping. This technique involves using a cotton t-shirt, pillowcase, or microfiber towel to dry your wet curls in a self-contained mound on top of your head, enhancing and preserving your curls while minimising frizz. Another method, popularised by TikTok, involves rolling up a t-shirt into a doughnut shape and using it to tie your hair into bouncy curls overnight.
What You'll Learn
Using a t-shirt to curl hair overnight
Curl your hair overnight with a t-shirt? Yes, it's possible! This method is called "plopping" and it's a great, no-heat way of drying your curls to perfection. It's natural, easy, and can transform your hair into a dream of beautiful, bouncy curls.
How to Plop Your Hair
- Prepare your hair products and a cotton t-shirt: You can use any hair products that work best for your hair. A long-sleeved cotton t-shirt is ideal for plopping, but a short-sleeved one will also do the trick.
- Apply your hair products: After shampooing, apply your products to damp hair. You can also use a cotton t-shirt to squeeze out excess moisture before applying any products.
- Detangle your hair: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair.
- Lay out the t-shirt: Place the t-shirt on a large, flat surface with the sleeves and neck hole closest to you. You can lay a towel underneath to keep the surface dry.
- Flip your hair: Flip your head upside down and gently place your curls onto the centre of the t-shirt. Gather your hair in the centre so that it's one unit.
- Roll and wrap the t-shirt: Begin rolling the bottom of the t-shirt towards your forehead and then wrap it around the nape of your neck. Bring the top of the t-shirt up towards your head, wrapping it around the rest of your hair, and bring the arms down around the nape of your neck.
- Secure the t-shirt: Stand upright and bring the arms of the shirt up towards your forehead. Tie them together in a knot and tuck any loose corners into the knot. Make sure the knot is tight enough to stay in place but not too tight that it becomes uncomfortable.
- Unwrap and reveal your curls: Leave your hair to dry overnight. In the morning, gently remove the t-shirt and admire your beautiful curls!
Tips for Success
- Experiment with different techniques: There are modifications to the basic plopping method, such as the Slinky method for wavy or fine hair and net plopping for tighter curls.
- Choose the right t-shirt size: The size of the t-shirt can affect the outcome of your curls. A smaller t-shirt will result in tighter curls, while a bigger t-shirt will give you more of a blowout look.
- Find the right timing: The amount of time you plop your hair depends on your hair type, length, and porosity. Experiment to find the sweet spot that gives you the best results without drying out your curls too much.
- Prepare for product application: If you want more defined curls, apply your mousse, gel, or curl cream to soaking wet hair before plopping. For fine hair, plop first and then apply your products to get more volume.
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How to prepare hair for curling with a t-shirt
Preparing your hair is a crucial step in achieving the perfect curls with a t-shirt. Here are some essential steps to follow:
Wash and Condition Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a mild shampoo, ensuring it is thoroughly cleansed. Follow up with a moisturising conditioner, focusing on the lengths and ends of your hair. This step will help keep your hair nourished and hydrated, creating a healthy base for curling.
Detangle Your Hair
Before you begin curling, ensure your hair is free of tangles. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your locks. Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots to avoid creating more knots.
Apply Styling Products
After washing and conditioning your hair, apply your favourite styling products. You can use leave-in conditioners, curl-enhancing creams, or gels specifically designed for curly hair. These products will help define your curls, add moisture, and reduce frizz.
Squeeze Out Excess Moisture
Before you begin the curling process, gently squeeze out any excess moisture from your hair using a cotton t-shirt. This step will help reduce the drying time and ensure your hair isn't dripping wet when you start curling.
Choose the Right T-Shirt
Select a large, long-sleeved cotton t-shirt for the curling process. Make sure the fabric is soft and absorbent to help define your curls and reduce frizz. Prepare the t-shirt by laying it flat on a surface, ready for the next steps.
By following these preparatory steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving beautiful, bouncy curls with the help of a t-shirt! Now, you're ready to move on to the curling process itself, using the chosen t-shirt to create and enhance your desired curls.
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The benefits of using a t-shirt instead of a towel
Using a t-shirt to dry your hair has several advantages over a regular towel, especially for those with curly hair. Here are some of the key benefits:
T-shirts are softer and smoother:
The fibres in a t-shirt are typically smoother and softer than those in a standard towel. This reduces frizz and breakage, as the t-shirt is gentler on your hair. The cotton used in t-shirts is finer, helping to prevent damage and over-drying.
Reduced friction and manipulation:
The soft and smooth texture of a t-shirt means there is less friction between the fabric and your hair. This also means less manipulation is required to dry your hair, reducing the risk of damage and breakage.
Retains moisture:
The smooth fibres of a t-shirt allow the hair cuticles to remain flat, helping to retain moisture in your hair. This is particularly beneficial for curly hair, as it needs extra care and moisture to prevent frizz.
Sustainable and affordable:
Using a t-shirt to dry your hair is a more sustainable and affordable option than a microfiber towel. You likely already have a suitable t-shirt in your wardrobe, and it will be just as effective, if not more so.
Quick and easy:
The t-shirt method is a simple and quick way to dry your hair. It requires fewer steps than the plopping method with a microfiber towel and can be done in 15-20 minutes.
So, if you're looking for a gentle, affordable, and effective way to dry your hair, particularly if you have curls, the t-shirt method is a great choice. It will leave your hair feeling soft, smooth, and frizz-free!
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How to tie a t-shirt into a 'doughnut' shape
To tie a t-shirt into a doughnut shape, first take a t-shirt and roll it up into a doughnut, securing it with hair ties to keep its shape. The size of the curls that this method produces depends on the size of the t-shirt—a smaller t-shirt will result in tighter curls, while a larger t-shirt will give a blowout look.
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How to maintain curls after using the t-shirt method
Now that you've achieved beautiful, bouncy curls using the t-shirt or "plopping" method, here are some tips to maintain those curls and keep them looking their best:
Avoid Over-Washing
To make your curls last, avoid washing your hair every day. Natural oils from your scalp help to nourish your curls and keep them defined. Washing your hair too frequently can strip these oils away, leading to dry and frizzy curls. Try to wash your hair two to three times a week, or even less frequently if your hair tends to be on the drier side.
Sleep with a Satin Bonnet or Scarf
When you sleep on a cotton pillowcase, your curls can become frizzy due to friction and moisture absorption. To prevent this, invest in a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to wear while you sleep. This will help your curls glide smoothly across the fabric, preserving their shape and moisture.
Refresh with a Water Bottle
If your curls start to lose their definition or become frizzy, simply spritz them with a water bottle filled with plain water or a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner. Gently scrunch your curls with your hands to redefine the curls, and let them air-dry.
Use Curl-Enhancing Products
To maintain your curls throughout the day, keep a curl-refreshing spray or styling cream on hand. These products can help reduce frizz and redefine your curls without making them crunchy. Apply a small amount to your hands, gently scrunch into your hair, and let it air-dry.
Avoid Touching and Playing with Your Curls
As much as you may love your new curls, try to avoid the temptation to play with them or run your fingers through them constantly. The natural oils from your hands can transfer to your hair, making it look greasy and weighed down. So, admire your curls, but let them be!
By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your curls and enjoy beautiful, bouncy hair for longer!
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Frequently asked questions
Plopping is a no-heat method of drying your curls to perfection. It uses a cotton T-shirt (or 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.
First, get yourself a big T-shirt. Then, lay your T-shirt upside down on a flat surface. After showering and applying your stylers, flip your wet hair over and onto the center of the T-shirt. With your head still upside down, grab the end of the shirt closest to your head and fold it over your hair/head. Grab the sleeves near your forehead and twist them together to tighten the "bag" around your head. Wrap the twisted sleeves around your head and tie them in place.
There's no right or wrong answer to this. Some people plop for 5-10 minutes, some for 15-20, others for an hour, and some even plop overnight. It depends on your hair type, length, porosity, and lifestyle.