What is Plopping? The Ultimate Guide to Plopping Curls for the Best Results

When researching curly hair, the word “plopping” comes up a lot. What could it possibly mean?! We’re here to help you master the art of plopping and create gorgeous defined curls.

Let’s dive into the world of plopping curly hair and explore the different methods - dry plopping, micro-plopping, and wet plopping.

Plopping is a way of gently drying your hair to create defined waves and curls with minimal frizz. It’s great for looser curl types that can be easily weighed down by water weight, which makes the curls less defined.

Dry plopping and micro-plopping involves using a cotton t-shirt or a microfibre towel to wrap or gently scrunch dry your hair. Wet plopping is when you pop on a shower cap after applying products on wet hair to help the product be absorbed.

Plopping has so many benefits for curls:

• Enhanced Curl Definition: By encouraging your curls to dry in a scrunched position, plopping helps to define your natural curl pattern.
• Reduced Frizz: Using a microfibre towel or a cotton t-shirt instead of a regular towel reduces friction and prevents frizz.
• Faster Drying Time: Plopping absorbs excess moisture, speeding up the drying process.
• Voluminous Curls: Plopping adds volume to your curls by lifting them off your scalp while they dry.

Dry plopping is the most common technique. After washing your hair and applying your styling products, use our Microfibre Towel, Towel Turban, or even a soft cotton t-shirt, to gently wrap your curls.

Our Microfibre Towels and Towel Turbans are perfect for plopping! They even include a button and loops to keep it secure.

Check out our easy method:

Micro-plopping creates enhanced curl definition with a quicker drying time. Instead of wrapping your curls in the towel, gently scrunch dry your hair with the towel for more definition. If dry plopping doesn’t work for your curls, give micro-plopping a try.

Here's how to do it:

1. Wash and condition your curls: Wash and condition your hair, then apply the Hydrating Creme while the hair is soaking wet.
2. Micro-plop: After applying the Creme,gently scrunch your hair with the towel and hold each curl for a few seconds to encourage definition and remove excess water.
3. Apply your styling products: Apply the Curl Mousse and/or Gel to style and define your curls. 
4. Dry your curls: Leave to air-dry or diffuse for extra volume and definition.

You can play around with this too and see what works best. Some prefer to apply all their stylers and then gently scrunch with the towel to add definition before diffusing. It really helps reduce drying time.

This technique is not a way of drying your curls, but instead it helps your stylers be fully absorbed into your hair before drying so you can achieve the best results. Instead of using the towel, pop on one of our gorgeous shower caps after applying all your products.

Wet plopping is especially good for those with low porosity curls as this hair type often finds it difficult to absorb products and moisture. Signs of low porosity hair include water beading on the hair surface and hair that takes a long time to get wet or dry. Using a shower cap generates a little heat which helps open up the cuticles on low porosity hair and the product can penetrate the hair shaft more easily.

Follow our simple method:

1. Wash and style your curls: Wash and condition your hair, then apply all your styling products on soaking wet hair, including our Hydrating Creme, Mousse and/or Gel.
2. Put your curls up in the shower cap: After applying all your styling products, flip your hair forward and pop your curls into the shower cap.
3. Let your products absorb into your hair: Leave the shower cap on for 5-10 minutes and then dry as normal. You can use the Microfibre Towel to dry plop or micro-plop your curls after this.

You can also pop on the shower cap after applying our Deep Hydration Hair Mask to ensure it’s fully absorbed into the hair.

• Choose the right fabric: When dry plopping or micro-plopping, always use a microfibre towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to minimize frizz and breakage.
• Don’t overdo it: Avoid leaving your hair wrapped for too long, as it can lead to flat, lifeless curls. It’s good to experiment and find the right amount of time that works for your curls.
• Use quality curl products: Invest in high-quality, curl-friendly products to enhance the plopping results. Only Curls products are perfect for this as they are packed full of nourishing ingredients that are designed to enhance and define your curls.

Plopping is a game-changing technique for anyone with curly hair. It’s an easy and effective way to achieve defined curls with minimal frizz. Whether you choose wet plopping, dry plopping, or micro-plopping, this method can transform your hair routine and help you embrace your natural curls with confidence. 

Are you new to the world of curls? Our Starter Bundle has all the products you need to start your curl journey, along with one of our lovely Microfibre Towels for plopping. You'll be amazed by the difference plopping makes to your results!