The Ultimate Guide to T-Shirt Hair Plopping for Curly Hair: Achieve Effortless and Defined Curls
- OOF!
- Oct 13, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Plop It Like It’s Hot: The Jersey Knit Trick for Curls + Waves
I don’t know about you, but every time I see social media posts with perfect, defined curls and waves, I get super motivated to embrace my naturally curly hair. For a long time (years!) I fought to blow out my hair to get it as straight as possible and use heat to either straighten or do loose curls. Heat was the only way to tame the frizz after blow drying.
If you read our article about hair dusting, you will know about my plight with an overzealous stylist who cut my hair way too short for my giant head of hair. Soooo, I began a hair journey to grow my hair back out, keep it healthy, and embrace my 3c naturally curly hair.
The Best Hair Towel for Plopping Curly Hair
One of the best things I have done for my hair has been hair plopping with a t-shirt hair towel.
Why does the t-shirt material make such a difference? It all has to do with surface area. Jersey knit has a much lower surface area than terry cloth or microfiber—actually about 300% less than microfiber and 200% less than terry cloth. Low surface area means less cuticle friction on the hair strands for less frizz and breakage.
Hair plopping keeps your hair on top of your head which helps with volume. The naturally breathable material of 100% cotton allows your curls to try in their natural curl pattern.
Whether you have loose waves, tight curls, or even just looking for more volume, plopping for curly hair with a t-shirt hair towel is great for definition, frizz control, and volume.
I will walk you through the step-by-step process of t-shirt hair plopping, providing you with all the necessary tips and tricks to achieve the results you want.
What is hair plopping?
Hair plopping is making waves (literally) as a top styling technique for enhancing natural curls and waves. It's been viral on social media for curly hair care and is an important part of the Curly Girl Method for curly hair care.
Hair plopping gets its name from the way you literally “plop” your scrunched, wet hair onto the center of a t-shirt hair towel, letting your curls pile loosely on top of your head before wrapping them up to dry.
Hair plopping works by allowing the excess moisture to be absorbed by the t-shirt hair towel, while the curls are held in place to retain their shape.
The plopping technique combined with the lightweight, breathable jersey knit material helps to enhance your natural curl pattern, reduce frizz, and create more defined and bouncy curls.
The Benefits of Hair Plopping for Curly Hair
Here’s why you need to add plopping your hair to your routine ASAP. While hair plopping offers numerous benefits for us curly girls to enhance our wave and curl patterns—any hair type can score major volume points with plopping. So, here we go:
Enhances Curl Definition
Hair plopping helps to enhance your natural curl pattern, making your curls appear more defined and uniform. By allowing the hair to dry in a wrapped position, the curls are encouraged to form and set in a more organized manner.
Hair Plopping Reduces Frizz
Frizz—the ultimate curly hair struggle, right? Hair plopping with jersey knit t-shirt material minimizes frizz by gently absorbing excess moisture and preventing cuticle friction.
Preserve Natural Moisture
Plopping curly hair with a t-shirt hair towel helps retain natural moisture in the hair. Cotton jersey knit is naturally absorbent and removes excess water without stripping away natural oils.
Heatless Styling
Hair plopping eliminates the need for heat styling tools, which can cause damage to your hair over time. While you may choose to finish drying your curls with a diffuser, it will take a lot less time after plopping.
Understanding Curly Hair Types and Patterns
Alright, curly girls, listen up! Curly hair comes in all sorts of types and patterns, and each one needs its own special love and care. Getting to know your curl type can help you learn how to take care of your curls.
There are generally three main categories of curly hair: wavy, curly, and coily. Within each category, there are subcategories ranging from 2A to 4C, with 2A being the loosest waves and 4C being the tightest coils.
Wavy Hair (Curl Type 2)
Wavy hair typically has loose, S-shaped waves that can range from barely noticeable to more defined. Hair plopping can help enhance the natural waves and add volume. Plopping your hair can help encourage your wavy pattern.
Curly Hair (Curl Type 3)
Curly hair has more defined and tighter curls that form ringlets or corkscrews. This hair type often requires more moisture and product to maintain its shape. Hair plopping will help define and separate curls. The t-shirt absorbs moisture while keeping curls bouncy and frizz-free.
Coily Hair (Curl Type 4)
Coily (kinky) hair is characterized by tight coils or zigzag patterns. This hair type is typically the most fragile and prone to dryness and shrinkage. Hair plopping can help stretch and elongate the coils, providing more definition and reducing shrinkage. It also helps retain moisture, promoting healthier and more manageable coily hair.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hair Plopping
1. Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair.
Begin by washing and conditioning your hair as you normally would. Use a gentle shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner suitable for your hair type. Avoid products with harsh sulfates since they can strip away moisture and weigh down your curls.
2. Apply styling products.
While your hair is still wet, apply your preferred curl-enhancing products. With product on your palm, gently cup the ends of your hair and squeeze upward toward your roots so the product is evenly distributed while encouraging your natural wave or curl pattern.
3. Prepare your t-shirt hair towel.
Lay your t-shirt hair towel on a flat surface. Flip your hair forward, so it falls naturally towards the floor.
4. Lower your head onto the hair towel.
Lower your head onto the hair towel, positioning your hair towards the center.
5. Wrap your hair in the towel.
Bring the top of the towel over the nape of your neck. Take the two ends and tie at the back of your head. (How to use the HALO t-shirt hair towel below!)
6. Leave it to dry.
Allow your hair to dry in the plopped position for approximately 20-30 minutes. You can leave it longer if your hair takes longer to dry.
7. Unwrap and style.
After the designated drying time, gently unwrap the hair towel from your hair. Let your curls fall naturally and avoid running your fingers through them. You can either let them continue to air dry (don't touch!) or use a diffuser to dry completely.
Choosing the Right Products for Hair Plopping
Now that you’ve got the hair plopping technique down, it's time to talk products. The right products are key to making those curls pop, so let’s dive into some tips for picking the perfect ones to elevate your plopping game.
Products with Curl Enhancing Ingredients
Opt for products that contain ingredients known to enhance curl definition, such as shea butter, argan oil, or aloe vera. These ingredients help moisturize and nourish your curls, making them more manageable and defined.
Avoid Sulfates in Your Shampoo
Sulfates can strip away natural oils from your hair, leading to dryness and frizz. To avoid product or protein overload, you can and should use a sulfate shampoo every 4-6 weeks, but not for normal use.
Consider Your Hair's Moisture Needs
Curly hair tends to be drier, so it's essential to choose products that provide adequate moisture. Look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, as they help attract and retain moisture in your hair. Looking for the perfect ingredients for your hair type, our Hair Type Quiz will walk you through exactly what you need.
Consider the Climate
The climate you live in can affect how your curls behave. If you live in a humid environment, opt for anti-humidity products to help combat frizz. If you're in a drier climate, focus on products that provide intense hydration.
Tips for Maintaining and Refreshing Hair Plopped Curls
Limit Washing Frequency
Curly hair tends to be drier, so washing it too frequently can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness. Try to limit washing your hair to 2-3 times a week or less, depending on your hair's needs.
Use a Satin or Silk Pillowcase or Bonnet
Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase or wearing a sleep bonnet helps minimize friction and frizz, allowing your curls to maintain their shape and definition overnight. It also helps retain moisture, preventing your hair from drying out.
Refresh Your Curls Between Washes
To revive your hair plopped curls between washes, spritz them with a mixture of water and a small amount of leave-in conditioner. Gently scrunch your curls to reactivate them and reduce any frizz.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your hair plopped curls looking fresh and defined for longer periods.
FAQs About Plopping for Curly Hair
Is hair plopping suitable for all curl types?
Yes, hair plopping can be beneficial for all curl types, from loose waves to tight coils. However, the drying time may vary based on your curl pattern and hair density.
Can I use a microfiber towel instead of a t-shirt hair towel?
It's best to use a t-shirt hair towel or t-shirt because they are gentler on your curls and help reduce frizz. Microfiber towels have a higher surface area that can roughen up your hair cuticle. Since they are made from polyester or nylon (plastic) they aren't as breathable so you may not get the results you want.
How long should I leave my hair wrapped in the t-shirt?
The recommended time is around 20-30 minutes, but you can adjust it based on your hair's drying time. Experiment to find the ideal duration for your hair.
Do you have a video to show me how to plop?
Yes! You can see our video for curly hair plopping with the HALO t-shirt hair towel HERE.
Embrace Your Natural Curls with Hair Plopping
Achieving effortless and defined curls has never been easier with the t-shirt hair plopping technique. By following the step-by-step guide and incorporating the tips and tricks mentioned in this ultimate guide, you can enhance your natural curl pattern and say goodbye to frizzy, undefined curls.
Remember to understand your curl type and pattern to tailor the technique accordingly. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for your hair. Embrace your natural curls and enjoy the confidence that comes with rocking stunning, defined curls.
So, grab your favorite t-shirt hair towel or t-shirt, follow the steps, and get ready to experience the magic of t-shirt hair plopping.
Happy hair plopping!
$21.99
HALO T-Shirt Hair Towel
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