Chances are you've heard of plopping-but what exactly does it mean, you wonder? The go-to practice for so many curly girls might be something worth adding to your styling routine. The result? Beautiful bouncy coils, defined (and frizz-free) fresh off of wash day.
So, What Exactly is Plopping?
Hair plopping is a technique used to dry curls while keeping them defined and intact. First, apply your usual styling products when hair is clean and damp. Then, simply lay a t-shirt or a soft towel (microfiber preferably) on a flat surface, flip your head upside down and plop your hair onto the towel, wrapping any excess fabric around the nape of your neck to secure. Once you have your towel or T-shirt secured, let hair dry (30 minutes to an hour depending on your hair type) before removing.
Does it Work?
The curly girls on TikTok seem to think so! While this tried-and-true technique is not new, the trend has hit social media by storm-likely because so many of us have been experimenting with new ways to style our hair at home (thanks, quarantine!). But, it's not just a fun way to look cute on wash day, though there's that, too. Plopping removes dampness from curls without using any friction caused by the rubbing motion of a traditional towel that can induce frizz.
Let's Talk Products
So, now you're ready to get started on your plopping journey-but what products should you use? Because you won't be adding much more product once you're done plopping (your hair will still be slightly damp when you remove the towel, so you can either let it air-dry or diffuse it), you want to stick to products that pack in a lot of moisture. Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel works great for styling all hair types before plopping and if you need something a little more lightweight the new Curl Shaper Take Shape Plumping + Defining Cream will definitely get the job done without weighing down your curls or loose waves.
And there you have it! Try this technique at home and be sure to tag us on social with #OuidadLove so we can see the results.