Nesines
Plopping is a technique used to preserve curls or waves in hair. It involves wrapping wet hair in a cotton t-shirt, or other soft fabric, to maintain the hair's natural curl pattern while it dries. This method helps to reduce frizz and can be used in combination with various hair products to achieve the desired level of volume and definition. While it may take some experimentation to perfect the technique, plopping can be a game-changer for individuals with wavy or curly hair, providing enhanced volume, definition, and consistency to their locks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is plopping? | A technique to wrap wet hair in a cotton t-shirt to preserve the natural curl pattern. |
| When to plop? | After showering when hair is wet. |
| How long to plop? | 5-10 minutes to avoid flat roots. 10-15 minutes for thick hair. 15-20 minutes for fine, low-porosity curls. |
| What to plop with? | A long-sleeved t-shirt, a microfiber towel, or a pillowcase. |
| How to plop? | 1. Lay the t-shirt upside down on a flat surface. 2. Lower your head slowly, allowing hair to pile onto the shirt. 3. Pull the bottom hem of the t-shirt over the back of the head and neck. 4. Grab and cross the sleeves, then tie them. |
What You'll Learn
How to prepare your hair for plopping
Plopping is a technique used to preserve your natural curl pattern and reduce frizz. It involves wrapping wet hair in a cotton t-shirt, or other soft fabric, to help it dry while retaining its natural shape. Here are the steps to prepare your hair for plopping:
- Choose the Right Fabric: Select a soft, rectangular piece of fabric such as a long-sleeved t-shirt, a jersey pillowcase, or a large cotton handkerchief. Avoid terry cloth towels as they can absorb too much moisture and cause frizz.
- Start with Clean, Damp Hair: Begin the plopping process on clean, damp hair. You can lightly blot your hair with a microfiber or jersey cloth to remove excess water.
- Apply Styling Products: Before plopping, apply your favourite curly hair styling products to enhance and define your curls. This can include leave-in conditioners, oils, curl creams, gels, or mousses.
- Prepare the Fabric: Lay your chosen fabric on a flat surface, such as a bed, table, or bathroom counter. If using a long-sleeved t-shirt, arrange it so that the sleeves are facing you.
- Bend Forward: Flip your head forward, bending at the waist, so that your hair hangs down towards the fabric.
- Lower Hair onto the Fabric: Slowly lower your hair onto the fabric, aiming for the centre. Allow your hair to spill onto the fabric naturally, following its curl pattern.
- Wrap the Fabric: Once your head touches the fabric, wrap it around your hair. Bring the back of the fabric over your neck and then roll up the sides to create a snug fit.
- Tie the Fabric: Cross the sleeves or loose ends of the fabric behind your neck and then wrap them back around your head to tie a final knot. This will secure the fabric in place.
- Adjust and Set: Lift your head back up and tuck any hanging fabric under. You can now leave your hair to set in the plop for at least 20 minutes or even overnight, depending on your hair type and desired results.
By following these steps, you will prepare your hair for effective plopping, leading to enhanced curls and reduced frizz. Experiment with the duration of plopping to find what works best for your hair.
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What to do with your hair while plopping
Plopping is a technique used to preserve the natural curl pattern of your hair. It involves wrapping wet hair in a cotton t-shirt to prevent curls from being stretched out. Here's what to do with your hair while plopping:
- Preparation: Before you begin plopping, it is recommended to start with clean, damp hair. Apply your favourite styling product to enhance and define your curls. You can blot your hair gently with a microfiber towel or cloth to remove excess water.
- Lay your T-shirt: Place a cotton t-shirt on a flat surface, such as a table, bed, or bathroom counter. If using a long-sleeved t-shirt, position it upside down with the sleeves closest to you.
- Lower your hair: Bend forward and slowly lower your head towards the t-shirt, allowing your hair to pile onto it naturally. Aim for your hair to gather a few inches away from the neckline of the t-shirt. Continue lowering your head until it is resting on the t-shirt, letting your curls form in their natural pattern.
- Wrap the fabric: Once your head is on the shirt, take the bottom hem and pull it over your hair and neck. Then, bring the edges of the hem under your chin to hold it in place.
- Secure the plop: Grab the sleeves of the t-shirt and cross them, tie them, or wrap them around your head again and tie them. Ensure the knot is tight enough to hold when you stand up.
- Stand up: You can now stand up, and the t-shirt should contain your hair securely.
- Set time: Allow your curls to set for at least 20 minutes. You can also leave the t-shirt on overnight for a longer plopping session.
- Remove the t-shirt: After the desired time has passed, gently remove your hair from the t-shirt.
- Break up your curls: Use your fingertips or a wide-tooth comb to gently separate and style your curls as desired.
- Add styling products: To enhance your curls, you can apply a styling product such as a styling cream or a curl-refreshing spray to reduce flyaways.
Plopping is a great technique to enhance your natural curls and reduce frizz. Experiment with the duration of plopping to find the ideal time that works best for your hair type and desired results.
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What to do with the sleeves of the t-shirt while plopping
When it comes to the sleeves of the t-shirt, there are a few different methods you can use to secure your hair while plopping. Here are some detailed instructions:
One method is to cross the sleeves of the t-shirt behind your head, and then bring them back around to the front of your head and tie them there. This creates a secure knot that will keep the t-shirt in place. If you are using a short-sleeved shirt, you can simply knot the sleeves at the base of your head. However, if you are using a long-sleeved shirt, you can cross the sleeves behind your head and then bring them to the front, crossing them again at your forehead before tying them. This extra step helps to ensure that your hair is securely wrapped and contained.
Another method is to twist the sleeves. With your head still upside down, grab the sleeves near your forehead and twist them together to tighten the "bag" around your head. Then, wrap the twisted sleeves around your head and tie them in place. This method helps to create a snug fit and ensures that the t-shirt won't slide or fall off.
It's important to note that the goal is to create a secure and snug fit that will contain your hair while it dries. The specific method you use to tie the sleeves may depend on the length of the sleeves and the amount of fabric you have to work with. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and your hair.
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How long to keep your hair in the plop
The amount of time you should keep your hair in a plop depends on several factors, including your hair type, the length of your hair, and your desired results.
Hair Type
If you have curly hair, you can keep your hair in a plop for longer than if you have wavy hair. Curly hair typically requires more time to dry, so you can leave it in a plop for 20 minutes or even overnight. For wavy hair, 5-10 minutes may be enough time to absorb excess water and enhance your waves.
Length of Hair
The length of your hair will also impact how long you should keep it in a plop. If you have short or fine hair, start checking your hair after 10-20 minutes, as it will dry faster than long or tightly coiled hair. For longer hair, you may need to leave it in a plop for closer to 30 minutes to absorb excess moisture and enhance your waves or curls.
Desired Results
If you are aiming to reduce frizz and define your curls or waves, you should leave your hair in a plop for at least 20 minutes. If you are mainly concerned with reducing drying time, you can leave your hair in a plop for a shorter period, around 10 minutes, and then let it air dry or use a diffuser to finish drying.
Overnight Plopping
Some people choose to plop their hair overnight, which can be a convenient option if you wash your hair before bed. If you decide to plop overnight, it is recommended to use two t-shirts: one to absorb excess moisture for 10 minutes, and then a dry one to sleep in for the rest of the night.
Trial and Error
Ultimately, the best way to determine how long to keep your hair in a plop is through trial and error. Experiment with different timings to see what works best for your hair.
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What to do after plopping
Once you've plopped your hair, the next steps to take depend on how long you want to keep your hair wrapped for. If you have short or fine hair, you should probably check your hair after 10-20 minutes, as it dries faster than long or tightly coiled hair. If you have thicker hair, you can leave it for up to an hour, or even overnight. However, be aware that if you leave your hair to dry completely while it's plopped, you may need to run your fingers through it to loosen some of the curls or waves.
When you're happy with how long you've left your hair, gently remove it from the cloth and shake your head to loosen your hair. If you want to add hold, scrunch in some styling product, like a styling cream or a curl-refreshing spray to reduce flyaways. If your hair is still damp, you can either let it air dry or use a diffuser to finish drying it.
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Frequently asked questions
Hair plopping 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.
Plopping helps to preserve your natural curl pattern, allowing your hair to dry while holding onto its natural pattern and keeping it from being stretched out. It also helps to reduce frizz and speed up drying time.
Plopping works best on hair types 2c, 3a, and 3b. It can also help wavy, almost-curly hair types (type 2c) achieve more defined waves. Plopping does not work well on super-tight coils or type-4 hair as it can trap moisture and extend drying time.
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your hair type, length, porosity, and lifestyle. Some people plop for as little as 5-10 minutes, while others plop for 15-20 minutes, an hour, or even overnight. Experimentation is key to finding the right duration for your hair.
After plopping, gently remove your hair from the cloth and break up your curls using your fingertips or a wide-tooth comb. You can then add a styling product, such as a styling cream or a curl-refreshing spray, to reduce flyaways and add hold.
