Drying Curly Hair: The T-Shirt Method

Curly hair is prone to breakage, frizz, and dehydration, which makes the process of drying and styling more challenging. The traditional method of drying hair with a towel can cause frizz and disrupt your natural curl pattern. A popular alternative is plopping, which involves drying hair with a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel. This method reduces frizz, preserves curls, and absorbs water without stripping hair of moisture.

Plopping: a curly hair drying technique

If you have curly hair, you may have noticed that your curls are smooth and defined when wet, but once dry, they lose their definition and become frizzy. The solution to this problem could be a hair drying technique called "plopping".

Plopping is a drying method that involves tying your wet hair up in a T-shirt or microfiber towel after you've applied your styler and before you start to dry your hair. It will help your curls keep their defined, spiral shape, even after they dry.

How to plop your hair:

First, it is recommended to use a long-sleeved T-shirt or a microfiber towel. Place it on a chair or bathroom counter with the sleeves at the end closest to you. After getting out of the shower, scrunch out the excess water and apply your leave-in conditioner and stylers. Then, flip your head forward, bending at the waist, so that all of your hair is in the centre of the T-shirt and on top of your head. Take the flap of fabric that is behind your head and flip it up over your neck, then tie the long sleeves of the shirt behind your head in a knot. If you have extra material or used a long-sleeved shirt, wrap the extra length of the sleeves around to the front and tie them in a knot to make your turban more secure.

You can keep the T-shirt on for as long as you like, depending on your hair type and personal preference. Some people prefer to keep it on for 10-20 minutes, while others keep it on overnight. However, it is not recommended to wear the T-shirt overnight, as it can cause curls to dry out and the friction of the T-shirt can cause frizz while you sleep. Once your hair is around 70% dry, you can simply untie the sleeves of the T-shirt and gently shake out your curls. Allow your hair to air-dry completely.

Why cotton t-shirts are better than towels

Cotton t-shirts are a great alternative to towels when drying curly hair. Curly hair is particularly susceptible to frizz and damage, so it's important to choose the right fabric to dry your locks.

Cotton t-shirts are smooth and safe for your hair. Unlike the rough texture of terry cloth towels, t-shirts are made of soft fabric that will not snag or break your hair. The tightly woven fabric of a t-shirt will absorb water without over-drying your hair, helping to prevent frizz. This is especially important for curly hair, as frizz can cause your curls to lose their definition and become unmanageable.

Traditional terry cloth towels have large loops that can tangle with your hair, leading to high levels of friction and damage to the cuticle layer of your hair. This can result in frizz and roughened hair fibres that are more prone to tangles and breakage. On the other hand, cotton t-shirts are made of soft, smooth fabric that glides over your hair without causing damage.

Microfiber towels are another alternative to traditional towels that are often recommended for curly hair. Microfiber towels have smaller, smoother fibres than regular towels, making them more absorbent and less likely to cause friction and breakage. However, not all microfiber towels are created equal, and some may still be too harsh for your hair.

When choosing a cotton t-shirt to dry your hair, opt for a soft, high-quality t-shirt without any embellishments or decorations that could snag your hair. Experiment with different techniques, such as plopping or micro-plopping, to find what works best for your curls.

In summary, cotton t-shirts are better than towels for drying curly hair because they are smooth, soft, and absorbent, reducing the risk of frizz, tangles, and breakage. By choosing a cotton t-shirt over a traditional towel, you can help keep your curls defined, healthy, and manageable.

Step-by-step guide to plopping

Plopping is a drying technique that helps enhance and preserve wet curls while minimising frizz and flyaways. It is a heatless method that involves wrapping the hair in a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel.

Step 1:

Grab your hair products and a large T-shirt. Ensure your hair is damp before applying products such as leave-in conditioners, oils, or creams. Scrunch the product into your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up.

Step 2:

Position your T-shirt on a flat surface with the sleeves closest to you. Flip your hair over so that it falls towards the centre of the T-shirt, gathering at the crown of your head to provide lift at the roots.

Step 3:

Flip the shirt onto your head so that the bottom of the fabric sits at the nape of your neck. Grab the sleeves and twist them, then tie them in a knot at the back of your head. If you have extra fabric, you can wrap the sleeves around to the front and tie them again for added security.

Step 4:

Leave the T-shirt on until your hair is mostly dry. The time this takes will vary depending on your hair thickness and type. Once your hair is around 70% dry, remove the T-shirt and gently shake out your curls. Allow your hair to air-dry completely.

Tips:

• It is recommended to avoid leaving the T-shirt on overnight, as this can cause curls to dry out and may lead to frizz due to friction.
• Experiment with the duration of plopping to find what works best for your hair.
• Plopping is not recommended for super-tight coils or type-4 hair, as it can trap moisture and extend drying time, and may cause tangles.
• If you desire more curl definition, apply mousse, gel, or curl cream to your wet hair before plopping. For fine hair, consider plopping first and then applying products to achieve maximum volume.

How long to keep the t-shirt on

The amount of time you should keep your hair wrapped in a t-shirt depends on several factors, including your hair type, length, porosity, and lifestyle. Experimentation is key to finding the optimal duration for you. However, here are some general guidelines to help you get started:

If you wash your hair in the morning or during the day, it is recommended to plop your hair for 10 to 20 minutes. This will help remove excess water and speed up the drying process. After plopping, you can then air-dry or diffuse your curls.

If you wash your hair at night, you can consider plopping your hair overnight. This method has been praised by many curlies, as it saves time and often yields better results. Your hair will be slightly damp in the morning, so 5 to 10 minutes of diffusing or air-drying should be sufficient. If you find that your t-shirt becomes too wet and uncomfortable for sleeping, you can try using two t-shirts—plop with one for 10 minutes, then switch to a dry one for the night.

It's important to note that plopping for too long can dry out your curls, making it challenging to add products afterward without causing frizz or altering your curl pattern. On the other hand, plopping for too short a time may not effectively remove excess water, leading to longer drying times.

Additionally, those with very curly, frizzy textures may want to avoid plopping for extended periods to prevent excessive shrinkage. Similarly, individuals with fine hair might prefer a shorter plopping duration, as longer periods can result in flattened or squashed curls.

In conclusion, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the ideal plopping time seems to be between 10 and 20 minutes for daytime plopping and overnight for nighttime plopping. However, feel free to experiment to find the duration that gives you the best results in terms of bounce, definition, and volume.

What to do after removing the t-shirt

Once you've removed the t-shirt, you should gently shake out your curls. If you've left your hair to dry for long enough, it should now be around 70% dry. You can then let your hair air-dry completely.

If you want to add some extra hold to your curls, scrunch in some styling product, such as a styling cream to moisturize your hair, or a curl-refreshing spray to reduce flyaways.

If you want to add some extra volume to your curls, use your fingertips or a wide-tooth comb to gently break up your curls.

You should plop your hair every time you wash it, which can be anywhere from once a week to three times a week.

Frequently asked questions