A Tee For Your Hair: Wrapping Techniques

How to Wrap Your Hair with a T-Shirt

Plopping is a hair drying technique that can be used to enhance and preserve curls while minimising frizz. It involves wrapping wet hair in a cotton T-shirt, pillowcase, or microfiber towel to form a self-contained mound on top of the head. This helps to increase definition, reduce frizz, and cut down on drying time. The technique is suitable for curly and wavy hair types and can be adapted for different hair lengths.

Choosing the right fabric

The fabric you use to wrap your hair can have a significant impact on its health and appearance. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right fabric for wrapping your hair:

Absorbency:

• Cotton is a highly absorbent natural fabric that can help reduce frizz and enhance curls. Its thin fibres give it a soft texture, making it gentle on the hair.
• Microfiber is another highly absorbent fabric option. It is lightweight and quick-drying, making it ideal for reducing frizz and drying hair faster.

Comfort and Luxury:

• Silk is a luxurious and comfortable fabric option. Its lightweight and airy nature makes it perfect for warmer climates. Silk is also hypoallergenic and helps prevent tangles, making it an excellent choice for hair wraps.
• Cotton and modal fabrics offer superior breathability and comfort. Modal, made from natural fibres, provides a softer texture than traditional cotton without compromising durability.

Durability and Maintenance:

• Polyester is a durable and inexpensive fabric option. It has a matte finish and is easy to care for, as it doesn't wrinkle easily.
• Cotton is known for its durability and ease of maintenance. It comes in various weights, offering flexibility for different preferences. However, it may require more frequent washing due to its absorbency.
• Rayon is another affordable and lightweight fabric option. It has a soft texture but tends to wrinkle more easily, requiring frequent ironing.

Climate:

• Consider the climate you live in when choosing a fabric. Cotton and wool are suitable for colder climates as they provide better insulation.
• For warmer climates, silk or modal are ideal choices as they are lightweight and breathable, keeping you cool and comfortable.

Budget:

Different fabrics have different price points. Silk, for example, is often more expensive due to its rarity. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider polyester or rayon.

Ultimately, the choice of fabric depends on your individual needs, preferences, and hair type. Experiment with different fabrics to find the one that works best for you and your hair.

Preparing your hair

First, wash and condition your hair as you normally would. You can use any hair products that are designed for your hair type.

Next, apply your chosen styling products to your wet hair. This could include a leave-in conditioner, curl-enhancing cream, frizz-fighting serum, or hair oil. It's best not to brush or comb your hair at this stage, as you want your curls or waves to hold their natural structure. Instead, gently work the product into your hair using your hands, scrunching it through from the ends upwards.

If you're using a spray or mist product, apply it evenly throughout your hair. You can also wrap a towel around your head to catch any drips without disturbing your hair.

Now you're ready to start the plopping process!

Positioning your t-shirt

Firstly, ensure you have a large t-shirt, preferably a long-sleeved one made of cotton or a similar soft fabric. Place the t-shirt on a flat surface, such as a counter, chair, or bed, with the end that has the sleeves closest to you. The exact placement will depend on your preference and comfort. You can also place it on a toilet lid or any other convenient surface.

Now, it's time to prepare your hair. Wash your hair as you normally would, and apply any products you typically use on wet hair, such as leave-in conditioners, oils, creams, or gels. It is important not to brush or comb your hair at this stage, as you want to maintain its natural structure.

Once your hair is ready, flip your hair over so that it hangs down towards the centre of the t-shirt. Bend your head forward and position your hair so that the curls gather at the crown of your head. This step helps to create lift and volume at the roots.

At this point, you should be in a comfortable position with your hair hanging down towards the t-shirt. Now, take the bottom of the t-shirt and bring it towards your chin, covering your hair completely. You can also pull the t-shirt over your head like a hood, ensuring it covers your hair.

Finally, take the sleeves of the t-shirt and tie them securely at the back or front of your head. You can twist the sleeves together first to create a tighter hold. Make sure the knot is tight enough to keep the t-shirt in place.

By following these steps, you will have successfully positioned the t-shirt for effective hair plopping. The t-shirt will now be securely in place, allowing your hair to dry without friction or stretching, resulting in enhanced curls or waves.

Wrapping your hair

Plopping is a hair drying technique that uses a cotton T-shirt, pillowcase, or microfiber towel to dry your hair in a self-contained mound on top of your head. This helps to increase definition and cut down on frizz. It is a great alternative to twisting a towel around your head, as plopping 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.

How to Plop with a T-shirt:

• Get a big T-shirt.
• Lay your T-shirt upside down with the sleeves and neck hole closest to you on a flat surface.
• Wash your hair and apply your styling products to sopping wet hair.
• Flip your wet hair over and onto the centre of the T-shirt, pressing your head down on the curls.
• With your head still upside down, grab the end of the shirt furthest from your head and fold it over your hair/head so it's touching the nape of your neck and completely covering your hair.
• Grab the sleeves near your forehead and twist them together to tighten the "bag" around your head.
• Wrap the twisted sleeves around your head and tie them in place.

Tips:

• If you have wavy, almost-curly hair, plopping can help your waves clump together better and look more defined.
• Plopping also doesn't work well on super-tight coils or type-4 hair, as it tends to trap in moisture and extend the drying process, and can cause tangles.
• Plopping can take some practice and experimentation to get right, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't work for you the first time.
• You can also plop your hair dry to preserve your curls overnight and get great definition in your second- and third-day curls.

Drying your hair

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair

Start by washing and conditioning your hair as you normally would. After you've finished shampooing, ensure your hair is still damp before adding any products. You can use leave-in conditioners, oils, creams, or curl-enhancing serums. It's important not to comb your hair at this stage, as you want to maintain the natural structure of your curls or waves. Instead, use a scrunching method to work the product into your hair, starting from the ends and moving upwards.

Step 2: Position Your T-Shirt

Lay a large cotton t-shirt flat on a surface such as a counter, chair, or your bed. The end with the sleeves should be closest to you. Then, flip your hair over so that it hangs towards the centre of the shirt. Gather your curls at the crown of your head to provide lift at the roots.

Step 3: Wrap and Tie the T-Shirt

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 together. Then, tie the sleeves in a knot at the back of your head. Make sure the knot is tight enough that the t-shirt won't come loose.

Step 4: Let Your Hair Dry

Keep the t-shirt on until your hair is mostly or completely dry. The drying time will vary depending on your hair type and thickness. For short or fine hair, check your hair after 10-20 minutes. For longer or thicker hair, you may need to leave the t-shirt on for longer. Avoid leaving the t-shirt on overnight, as this can cause curls to dry out and may lead to frizz.

Step 5: Remove the T-Shirt and Style

Once your hair is dry, gently remove the t-shirt and shake your head to loosen your curls. If needed, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair. You can let your hair air-dry completely or use a diffuser to finish drying it. If desired, apply a finishing product, such as a curl-refreshing spray or a shine-enhancing oil, to reduce flyaways and add extra definition to your curls.

Tips and Variations

• Experiment with applying products before or after plopping to find what works best for your hair. If you want more defined curls, apply products before plopping. If you have fine hair and want more volume, try plopping first and then applying your products.
• If you have straight hair, plopping can create a slight wave. Apply sea salt spray or texture spray to enhance the beachy waves.
• For tighter curls, try the "net plopping" method, which involves using fishnet stockings instead of a t-shirt to create more airflow during diffusing.
• If you prefer to use a towel instead of a t-shirt, opt for a microfiber towel, which is more absorbent and gentler on the hair than a standard bath towel.

Frequently asked questions