The Perfect Scrunch: T-Shirt Technique For Beautiful Waves

Scrunching hair with a t-shirt is a popular method for drying hair, especially for those with curls, as it helps to reduce frizz and enhance volume and definition. This technique involves using a cotton t-shirt instead of a towel to absorb excess water from the hair, which can cause less friction and lead to bouncier, tighter curls. The process is simple and can be done in a few easy steps, resulting in beautiful, defined curls.

Using a t-shirt to scrunch hair reduces frizz and absorbs more water than a towel

Using a T-Shirt to Scrunch Hair: Reducing Frizz and Absorbing Water

When hair is wet, it is more prone to damage and breakage. Regular towels can be too harsh, causing frizz and even tearing hair strands. A cotton t-shirt, on the other hand, has a softer, smoother texture that is gentler on wet hair.

Reducing Frizz

The flat surface of a t-shirt allows water to be absorbed without roughing up the hair cuticle. This helps prevent frizz and maintains the natural curl pattern, resulting in bouncier, tighter curls.

Absorbing Water

While a t-shirt won't absorb as much water as a towel, it can still help remove excess water from your hair. The thinner fabric of a t-shirt can be more effective at absorbing water than a towel, which can be especially helpful for curly hair.

How to Scrunch Hair with a T-Shirt

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start with damp hair.
• Apply your favourite hair products, such as leave-in conditioners, oils, or creams. Use a scrunching motion to work the product into your hair, starting from the ends and moving up.
• Lay a clean cotton t-shirt on a flat surface, such as a bed or counter.
• Flip your hair upside down and place it on the front of the t-shirt so your hairline aligns with the neckline.
• Fold the bottom part of the t-shirt over the back of your head.
• Grab the neckline and sleeves, twist them, and tie them together at the back of your head.
• Leave the t-shirt on for 10-25 minutes, depending on your hair type. For fine hair, 10-15 minutes is enough, while thick, curly hair may need up to 25 minutes.
• Undo the t-shirt and style your hair as usual.

Tips

• Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your hair.
• Choose a soft, smooth t-shirt without any embellishments that could catch on your hair.
• Be gentle with your hair, squeezing or wringing it gently instead of vigorously rubbing or wringing.

T-shirts are made from smooth fabric without loops that can roughen hair and cause frizz

T-shirts are an effective alternative to drying your hair with a towel, as they can help to eliminate frizz. Unlike towels, T-shirts are made from smooth fabric without loops that can roughen hair and cause frizz. Towels have grooves, loops, bumps and ridges that create friction and lead to frizz.

The flat surface of a T-shirt allows water to sink in and slide over the hair, rather than roughing it up. This makes it ideal for people with curly hair, as it won't disrupt the natural curl pattern. The technique of drying hair with a T-shirt is known as 'plopping'. It involves using a T-shirt to absorb excess water from your hair, then wrapping your hair in the T-shirt, and is a great way to prevent frizz and encourage curls.

To 'plop' your hair, start with damp hair and apply any products you usually would. Then, lay your T-shirt on a flat surface and flip your hair over so that it's pointing towards the centre of the shirt. Gather your hair at the crown of your head to help provide lift at the roots. Once the bottom of the fabric is sitting at the nape of your neck, grab the sleeves and twist them, then tie them in a knot at the back of your head.

It's important to note that you shouldn't leave the T-shirt on your hair overnight, as this can cause curls to dry out and the friction of the T-shirt can cause frizz while you sleep. Instead, leave the T-shirt on for around 10-15 minutes, then undo it and style your hair as usual.

The technique involves drying hair by piling it on top of your head inside the t-shirt

How to Scrunch Hair with a T-Shirt

Step 1: Prepare your hair

Wash your hair and apply conditioner. After rinsing, put in a good leave-in product. Comb out any tangles with a wide-tooth comb while your hair is still wet.

Step 2: Position your T-shirt

Lay your T-shirt on a flat surface. Flip your hair over so that it is pointing towards the centre of the shirt. Gather your hair at the crown of your head to help provide lift at the roots.

Step 3: Wrap your hair

Bring the bottom of the T-shirt (the end with the sleeves) to your forehead and then down to the nape of your neck. Twist the sleeves and tie them in a knot at the back of your head.

Step 4: Dry your hair

Allow your hair to dry. Depending on how thick your hair is, this could take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours. Once your hair is around 70% dry, you can remove the T-shirt.

Step 5: Style your hair

After removing the T-shirt, gently shake out your curls. Allow your hair to air-dry completely. You can also use a diffuser on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process. Apply a small amount of gel or serum to the ends of your hair to add shine and prevent frizz.

Tips:

• Use a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel to reduce frizz and absorb excess water.
• Avoid leaving the T-shirt on overnight, as this can cause your hair to dry out and become frizzy.
• If your T-shirt becomes too wet, switch to a dry one.
• For extra curls, use butterfly clips or mini buns to hold your hair in place while it dries.
• To enhance the scrunching effect, use a curl-enhancing product such as mousse, gel, or spray.

It's best to use a cotton t-shirt, but a microfiber towel or cotton pillowcase can also be used

How to Scrunch Hair with a T-Shirt

What to Use

How to Scrunch

First, wash and condition your hair. Use a volumizing shampoo and allow the conditioner to soak for a few minutes before rinsing. After washing, apply a leave-in product to your hair while it's still damp. Comb out any tangles with a wide-tooth comb, then separate your hair into small sections.

Next, take your t-shirt and lay it on a flat surface. Bend over and place your hair in the middle of the t-shirt, gathering the curls at the crown of your head. Bring the ends of the t-shirt together at the nape of your neck and twist them, then tie the ends into a knot at the back of your head. Make sure the knot is not too tight or too loose.

Let your hair dry, then untie the t-shirt and gently shake out your curls. You can also let your hair air-dry overnight with the t-shirt, but be careful not to leave it on for too long, as this can cause curls to dry out and frizz.

Tips

• If your t-shirt becomes too wet, switch to a dry one for the night.
• To further reduce frizz, try blotting and scrunching your hair with a t-shirt instead of rubbing it with a towel.

After scrunching, you can use a curling tong to give extra definition to your curls

How to Scrunch Hair with a T-Shirt

Using a Curling Tong to Add Definition to Your Curls

After scrunching your hair with a t-shirt, you can use a curling tong to add extra definition to your curls. This is a great way to enhance the shape and volume of your curls, and there are several methods you can use.

Firstly, it is important to choose the right curling tong for your hair type and the style you want to achieve. Consider the width of the barrel, the material it is made of, and the design of the tong. For example, if you want loose waves, opt for a wider barrel, and if you want tight ringlets, go for a narrower barrel. Ceramic and tourmaline barrels are great for minimising frizz and distributing heat evenly, while gold and titanium-coated barrels are good conductors of heat but may not help with frizz.

Once you have selected your curling tong, prepare your hair by washing and conditioning it. If your hair is damaged, oily, or limp, use a product designed to add volume. If your hair is thick or not oily, skip the conditioner and use a dry shampoo. You can also apply styling products like mousse or hairspray to help hold the curls.

When you are ready to start curling, plug in your curling tong and select the appropriate heat setting for your hair type. Fine or damaged hair should use a setting under 200 degrees, medium hair can go up to 300 degrees, and curly or thick hair can go up to 400 degrees. Always be careful not to burn your hair or scalp.

To begin curling, separate a small section of hair at the back of your head and mist it with hairspray. Hold the section by the tip and apply the curling tong close to the roots, sliding them gently down to the tip for bouncy curls. For loose waves, start an inch or two above the ends of your hair and roll up, varying the direction for a more natural look. Hold the hair around the barrel for 10-20 seconds, depending on the desired level of curl definition.

Gently unwind your hair from the tong and use a bobby pin to clip the curl onto your head. Repeat this process until all your hair is curled, then carefully unpin your hair and style as desired. If your curls look too perfect, gently finger-comb your hair to break up the ringlets and create a more natural look.

Frequently asked questions