Curly hair often requires specific care techniques to maintain its natural texture and shape. One of the most popular methods to enhance and define curls is known as plopping. This technique involves using a towel to dry and set curls without causing frizz. In this article, we will explore the steps to successfully plop curly hair with a towel, ensuring your curls stay bouncy and well-defined.
What You Will Need
Before you begin the plopping process, gather the following items:
- A microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt
- Your favorite curl-enhancing product (gel, mousse, or cream)
Step-by-Step Guide to Plopping Curly Hair
Step 1: Wash and Condition Your Hair
Start by thoroughly washing and conditioning your hair with products formulated for curly hair. This helps to hydrate and smooth your curls, making them easier to manage. Rinse your hair well to ensure no residue is left behind.
Step 2: Apply Curl-Enhancing Products
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair using your hands. Avoid rubbing your hair with a regular towel, as this can cause frizz. Distribute your chosen curl-enhancing product throughout your damp hair. This could be a gel, mousse, or cream, depending on your hair type and preference. Make sure to apply it evenly from roots to ends.
Step 3: Lay Out Your Towel or T-Shirt
Spread a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt flat on a surface, such as your bed or a countertop. These materials are recommended because they are gentler on hair and help reduce frizz.
Step 4: Plop Your Hair
With the towel or T-shirt laid out, flip your head over so that your hair hangs towards the floor. Lower your head and gently place your curls onto the center of the towel or T-shirt. Ensure that all of your hair is cradled in the fabric. Slowly bring the bottom edge of the towel or T-shirt up towards the nape of your neck.
Next, take the two sides of the towel or T-shirt and twist them over the sides of your head. Secure the twisted fabric behind your head, either by tucking it in or using a clip if needed. The goal is to wrap your hair snugly but comfortably, so it remains in place.
Step 5: Wait and Let Your Hair Set
Keep your plopped hair wrapped for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows your hair to absorb moisture while forming curls naturally. For best results, you can leave it on for a longer period or even overnight if it is comfortable for you.
Step 6: Unwrap and Dry
Carefully unwrap the towel or T-shirt, making sure to avoid disturbing the curls. At this point, your hair should be significantly drier and your curls more defined. If your hair is still quite damp, you can either air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to finish drying your curls gently.
Conclusion
Plopping curly hair with a towel is an effective and straightforward way to enhance your natural curls while minimizing frizz. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve beautifully defined and bouncy curls with minimal effort. With practice and the right products, plopping can become an essential part of your curly hair care routine.