My dear curlies! I’ve mentioned the plopping technique already a few times on the blog, but haven’t yet done a post on how to plop. So here it is!
Plopping definitely is one of the parts of my washing routine I couldn’t imagine to skip – this is why:
- Plopping leads to frizz-free & defined curls by getting rid of excess moisture before blow-drying
- Plopping makes my curls curlier
- It doesn’t take up much time, because you’ll be able to do other things while plopping
You’ll need:
- an (old) long-sleeved t-shirt
- something like a chair to plop on
When’s the right time to plop?
Start washing your hair just as you usually do. I suggest you to plop after applying gel to your curls and after scrunching them with your bare hands to already get rid of as much moisture as possible. Meaning your curls shouldn’t anymore be dripping wet when you start plopping.
Step-by-step
So, this is how I usually plop (my t-shirt is already wet because I had to get from the shower to where I took the photos, as I didn’t want to cause a huge mess, I’ve already plopped for a few minutes before taking the pictures):
1. Start by putting your old long-sleeved t-shirt on the chair – the sleeves facing you.
2. Place your curls onto the middle of the t-shirt.
3. Take the lower part of your t-shirt and place it above your head to cover all of your curls (also see the following picture).
4. Grab both sleeves and bring them to the “edges” of your t-shirt.
5. Make sure the t-shirt covers all of your curls and then start twisting the sleeves and the edges of your t-shirt until it’s tight to your head (twist 2-3 times).
6. Cross the two sleeves at your neck so there’re now on the opposite side and get back upright to finish fixing the t-shirt with step 7.
7. Get your sleeves on top of your head and tie them into a knot, which will hold your t-shirt in place.
You can plop for as long as you like to! I usually do something else while like putting on my make-up while plopping (which works just fine because the t-shirt stays in place). On average I plop for about 10 minutes. After plopping I use the t-shirt to scrunch my curls one last time before I blow-dry them.
March 5, 2015
I love plopping! It’s the technique that has changed my hair <3
Love your blog, your hair and everything curl-related haha!
Elena | glowingfair.wordpress.com
March 5, 2015
Thank you so much, Elena!
June 27, 2015
I LOVE plopping! I decided to try plopping overnight and the results were amazing! I do know some people who say plopping overnight isn’t for them and leaves them with wonky, flat curls, but it gives mine more volume and definition.
July 7, 2015
I recently plopped! Thank you for the advice. Take a look at me sampling it on my blog! http://sweatpantsandatiara.blogspot.com/2015/07/plop-down-and-get-your-curl-on.html
July 8, 2015
Hi Adele, thanks for sending me the link, your curls are looking good!
November 2, 2015
Does this also work for fluffy hair… my hair does not really get frizzy it just gets fluffy as it dries.
January 20, 2017
mine is the opposite. fluffy at my ends and not at my roots
November 28, 2015
My hair does the same thing as Launica’s. I recently started plopping overnight after taking a shower before bed, and in the mornings I’ve noticed how curly my hair really is. But the bad thing is I still have a really frizzy middle section of my hair. The best parts are the ends where the most amount of Firm Styling Mousse is applied. Is there a way for me to be able just to have air dry-able hair without making have to be stiff?
November 28, 2015
Hi Brooke, in case your ends are not frizzy, but your roots are, you could try applying more styler to you roots and maybe even some leave-in conditioner. Make sure to scrunch out the crunch, if your curls are still stiff when they are dry. I have written a post about this: https://www.justcurly.com/curly-tips/do-your-curls-always-look-like-theyre-still-wet/
April 26, 2016
Yes I find my hair is very similar but it has got rid of most of the friss
November 9, 2016
Is overnight plopping safe for my hair??
June 26, 2017
How do you plop if you have bangs that you don’t want to curl?
October 8, 2017
This may be a stupid question but how do you get the tangles out? I usually have to run my fingers through my hair while in the shower but also have to do it after I get out and I feel like I’m pulling the curl out of my hair!