The Curly Girl's Guide To Drying Hair With A T-Shirt

Curly hair is beautiful, but it can be challenging to maintain. The wrong techniques or tools can lead to frizz, loss of volume, and damage to your curls. One common mistake is using a regular towel to dry curly hair, as the grooves in the towel can rough up the cuticle, causing frizz and removing product. A simple solution to this problem is to use a cotton t-shirt instead of a towel. The smoother texture of a t-shirt helps prevent frizz, maintains healthy hair, and preserves your natural curl pattern. This technique, known as plopping, has gained popularity among the curly-haired community as a way to achieve sleek, well-defined curls without the use of heat.

Why t-shirts are better than towels

Towel fibres are woven using two warp beams, creating a rough texture that can be harsh on hair. The grooves and loops in the fabric can catch and tug at hair, causing frizz and breakage. This is especially true for curly hair, which is more prone to frizz and damage.

T-shirts, on the other hand, are made of softer, smoother fabric with a flat surface. This means they won't rough up your hair or cause as much frizz as towels. The smooth texture of a t-shirt helps to preserve your natural curl pattern, resulting in healthier, more defined curls.

Cotton t-shirts are also more absorbent than towels, which helps to reduce drying time. They soak up excess water without stripping your hair of its natural moisture, which can lead to dryness and frizz.

Additionally, t-shirts are gentler on hair than towels. They don't require the same vigorous rubbing motion that towels do, reducing friction and the risk of damage. Simply squeeze your hair gently with a t-shirt to dry it without disrupting your curls.

Finally, t-shirts are a more economical option than investing in a specialty hair towel. You can easily find a soft, smooth t-shirt in your wardrobe or purchase one at a low cost.

How to squeeze your hair with a t-shirt

Squeezing your hair with a t-shirt is a great alternative to drying your hair with a towel, especially if you have curly hair. The smoother texture of a t-shirt will prevent frizz and help maintain your curls. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to squeeze your hair with a t-shirt:

Step 1: Wash and Prepare Your Hair

Start by washing your hair as you normally would. After washing, gently wring out any excess water from your hair using the t-shirt. You can also use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while it's still wet.

Step 2: Lay Out the T-Shirt

Place a cotton t-shirt on a flat surface, such as a bed or a counter. Make sure the sleeves of the t-shirt are closest to you. It is recommended to use a long-sleeved t-shirt, as this will provide more fabric to work with.

Step 3: Flip Your Hair Forward

Flip your head forward and bend at the waist so that all of your hair is hanging down towards the floor. This will help you gather your hair and control the amount of water you are removing.

Step 4: Squeeze and Twist

Take a section of your hair and gently squeeze it with the t-shirt. Start from the roots and work your way down to the ends. Do not rub or scrub your hair, as this can disrupt your natural curl pattern and cause frizz. Move along your hair in sections, taking a handful of hair at a time.

Step 5: Plop Your Hair (Optional)

If you want to further enhance your curls, you can try the "plopping" technique. After squeezing out the excess water, flip your head forward again so that your hair is now on top of your head. Take the bottom part of the t-shirt and flip it up over your neck. Then, grab the sleeves and twist them, gathering the excess fabric. Finally, tie the sleeves together at the back of your head, similar to a turban.

Step 6: Air Dry

Allow your hair to air dry. You can leave the t-shirt on for 10-20 minutes, and then undo it and style your hair as usual.

Remember, when squeezing your hair with a t-shirt, be gentle and avoid rubbing or scrubbing your hair. This technique will help you achieve smooth, frizz-free curls without damaging your hair.

How to scrunch your hair with a t-shirt

Using a t-shirt to dry your hair is a great way to prevent frizz and maintain healthy, curly locks. The soft fabric of a t-shirt is smoother than a towel and won't rough up your hair cuticles or disrupt your natural curls. This method is called "plopping" and is a popular technique for people with curly hair.

Step-by-Step Guide to Scrunching Hair with a T-shirt:

Step 1: Soak Up Excess Water

After washing your hair, gently squeeze out any excess water with a t-shirt. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your hair, as this can damage your curls.

Step 2: Prepare the T-shirt

Lay the t-shirt flat on a surface, such as a bed or a chair. Make sure the sleeves are at the end closest to you.

Step 3: Place Hair on the T-shirt

Flip your hair upside down and place it on the t-shirt so that your hairline aligns with the neckline. Ensure all your hair is in the centre of the t-shirt.

Step 4: Fold and Tie the T-shirt

Take the bottom part of the t-shirt and fold it over the back of your head. Then, grab the neckline and sleeves, twist them, and gather the fabric. Finally, tie the sleeves together at the back of your head, securing it in place like a turban.

Step 5: Let it Dry

Leave the t-shirt on for around 10 to 20 minutes. You can also leave it on overnight if you prefer. During this time, you can continue with your morning routine or any other activities.

Step 6: Undo and Style

Once the time has passed, remove the t-shirt and style your hair as usual. You can apply any styling products or oils at this stage.

Remember, it's important to be gentle with your hair and avoid excessive rubbing or scrubbing. This method will help you achieve well-defined, frizz-free curls without disrupting your natural curl pattern.

How to plop your hair with a t-shirt

Plopping is a drying technique that helps you achieve sleek, well-defined curls without the frizz. It works by "accordioning" your curls, helping them keep their defined, spiral shape, even after they dry.

• Soak up excess water: After washing your hair, gently wring out any excess water using a cotton T-shirt. Do not rub your hair, as this can damage your curls.
• Line up your T-shirt: Lay the T-shirt flat on a surface, such as your bed. Flip your hair upside down and place it on the front of the T-shirt so that your hairline aligns with the neckline.
• Use a folding technique: Take the bottom part of the T-shirt and fold it over the back of your head. Grab the neckline and sleeves, twist them, and gather them together. Then, tie the sleeves together at the back of your head.
• Leave it on: Keep the T-shirt on for 10 to 20 minutes. You can also leave it on overnight if you prefer.
• Style as usual: Undo the T-shirt and style your hair as you normally would. You can apply products such as mousse or styling cream before twisting your hair up in the shirt if you like.

By using a T-shirt instead of a towel, you can prevent frizz and maintain your natural curl pattern. The smooth texture of the T-shirt will help to absorb excess water without causing friction or disrupting your curls.

When to apply hair products when drying with a t-shirt

When drying your hair with a t-shirt, the timing of applying hair products depends on your hair type and styling goals. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve the best results:

For Curly Hair

If you have curly hair, apply your favourite hair products before wrapping your hair in a t-shirt. This could include mousse, styling cream, or leave-in conditioner. After removing the t-shirt, you can apply nourishing oils or smoothing serums.

For Straight Hair

For straight hair, use creams or salt sprays after drying your hair with a t-shirt to fine-tune your desired movement. You can gently squeeze your hair with your hands or use a hair towel instead of rubbing it.

General Guidelines

Regardless of hair type, it is recommended to apply hair products to slightly damp hair. Start by gently squeezing out excess water with the t-shirt, and then apply your products. This ensures that the products are not diluted, providing better hold and more even application. Remember to apply the product from back to front to avoid clumping in the most noticeable areas.

It is also important to note that less is more when it comes to hair products. Using too much can lead to clumping and uneven styling. Experiment with different products and application techniques to find the combination that works best for your hair.

Frequently asked questions