Plopping Short Hair: A T-Shirt Trick For Perfect Curls

If you have curly hair, you've likely heard of the plopping method. Plopping is a hair drying 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. This method 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, so your roots stay volumized, your curls stay clumped, and your hair cuticle stays smooth.

Preparing your hair

Firstly, you should wash and condition your hair. You can use your favourite hair products that are designed for your hair type. You don't need to do anything special here, just follow your normal washing and conditioning routine.

Next, you should apply styling products to your wet hair. Don't comb or brush your hair at this stage, as you want your waves and curls to hold their natural structure. You can do this while still in the shower by tilting your head to one side and gently working your chosen product into your hair. Then, repeat the process by tilting your head to the other side.

If you are using a mist or spray product, apply it evenly to your wet hair. You can also use a towel to help catch any drips, but don't towel-dry your hair before applying the product.

Now your hair is clean and prepared, you are ready to start plopping!

Getting your t-shirt ready

The first step to plopping your hair is to get your t-shirt ready. You'll want to use a cotton t-shirt, as this will help to reduce frizz and is easy to tie into a knot. A long-sleeved t-shirt may be easier to tie, but a short-sleeved one will work too. It's also important to use an old t-shirt, as you'll be wrapping it around your wet hair.

Lay your t-shirt on a flat surface, with the sleeves closest to you. If you're in the bathroom, you can lay it on the counter, a chair, or even on top of the toilet lid. You want to place it upside down, with the neck hole closest to you.

It's a good idea to get your t-shirt ready before you hop in the shower, so it's all set up when you're ready to plop your hair.

Once you've washed your hair, you can apply your styling products. This could be a leave-in conditioner, gel, or curl-enhancing cream. You can also use a mist or spray product, applying it evenly to your wet hair.

Now you're ready to start plopping!

Wrapping your hair in the t-shirt

Step 1: Get your t-shirt ready

First, grab a large t-shirt, preferably made of cotton, and lay it on a flat surface. It should be placed upside down, with the sleeves and neck hole closest to you.

Step 2: Prepare your hair

Wash your hair following your preferred method and apply any leave-in conditioners or stylers that you usually use on wet hair.

Step 3: Flip your hair onto the t-shirt

Bend over so that your hair falls directly onto the centre of the t-shirt near the neck. Keep your head lowered so that your hair coils naturally on the shirt.

Step 4: Fold the t-shirt over your hair

With your head still bent forward, grab the end of the t-shirt furthest from you and fold it over your hair so that it covers the back of your head and neck. Think of it as creating a little bag around your curls.

Step 5: Secure the t-shirt

Holding the edges of the t-shirt at the nape of your neck, 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 a knot to keep the shirt in place.

Tips

• You can use a short or long-sleeved t-shirt, but keep in mind that long sleeves might be easier to tie but will add more weight to your head.
• If you have short hair, slightly bend your head and cover it with the t-shirt. Bring the curls at the back close to your scalp and press them with the shirt, then bring the ends forward and tie them in the front.

Drying your hair

Preparing your hair:

Before you begin plopping, it is important to wash and condition your hair using your favourite hair care products designed for your hair type. You can also apply styling products to your wet hair, such as a curl-enhancing cream, leave-in conditioner, or frizz-fighting serum. Tilt your head to the side and gently work the products into your hair. If you use a mist or spray product, apply it evenly.

Plopping your hair:

Spread out a t-shirt on a flat surface with the sleeves closest to you. Bend over so that your hair falls directly onto the shirt near the neck. You don't need to arrange your hair in any specific way; just let it pile naturally. While your head is still bent, grab the opposite end of the t-shirt and fold it over your hair so that it covers your hair and touches the nape of your neck. Take the sleeves and tie them into a knot at the back of your head. You can also use large hair clips to secure the ends if needed.

Keep your hair plopped until it is mostly or completely dry. The amount of time will depend on your hair type and length. For short or fine hair, start checking after 10-20 minutes, as it dries faster. If you let your hair dry completely while plopped, you may need to loosen some curls or waves by running your fingers through your hair.

Once your hair is dry, unwrap it from the t-shirt and gently shake your head to loosen your curls. If you are air-drying your hair, simply work your fingers along your part, and you're done! If you want to blow-dry your hair, use a diffuser attachment and dry your hair until it is mostly dry.

Benefits of plopping:

Plopping helps reduce drying time and frizz. It also enhances volume and curl definition, especially for those with medium to long hair. For short or low-density hair, plopping can create volume near the roots, making your hair look fuller.

Tips:

• Plan to plop your hair as soon as you get out of the shower while it is still really wet.
• If you tend to use a lot of styling products, plopping will absorb the excess, preventing crunchy ringlets.
• Experiment with the duration of plopping to find the sweet spot for your hair. For fine, low-porosity curls, for example, 15-20 minutes may be ideal.
• If you want more curl definition, apply mousse, gel, or curl cream to your hair while it is soaking wet before plopping.
• If you have fine hair and want more volume, consider plopping first and then applying your styling products.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively dry your hair using the plopping method with a t-shirt, resulting in enhanced curls and waves.

Removing the t-shirt

If you slept with your hair plopped, simply shake it out in the morning, as it should be dry by then.

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

It is recommended that you plop your hair every time you wash and style it, which can be anywhere from three times a week to once a week.

Frequently asked questions