Curly hair requires proper care and attention to keep it healthy and bouncy. There are various methods that are popular for taking care of curly hair, and one of them is ‘wet plopping’. Many people are not familiar with the term ‘wet plopping’ and its advantages. In this article, we will cover everything related to wet plopping for curly hair. You will learn about what wet plopping is, why it is good for curly hair, how to do wet plopping, and much more. So let’s dive into the ultimate guide about wet plopping for curly hair.
What Is Wet Plopping for Curly Hair?
Wet plopping is a technique for drying curly hair that involves wrapping the hair in a cloth or a towel to let it dry naturally. The term ‘plopping’ refers to the way hair is wrapped in a cloth or a towel, making a ‘plopping’ sound. The technique is popular among women with curly hair as it helps reduce frizz, defines curls, and keeps the hair from getting tangled.
How Does Wet Plopping Work?
Wet plopping works by allowing curly hair to dry in a more controlled and gentle way. When hair is wrapped in a cloth or a towel, it absorbs the excess moisture, and the curls remain intact without becoming frizzy. This technique is useful because it helps to enhance the natural curl pattern of the hair and prevents it from becoming tangled or frizzy.
The Advantages of Wet Plopping for Curly Hair
Wet plopping has numerous advantages for curly hair, including:
- Reducing Frizz: One of the most significant benefits of wet plopping is that it can reduce frizz in curly hair. When hair is wrapped in a towel or a cloth, it isn’t exposed to ambient air, which can cause the hair to become frizzy.
- Defining Curls: Wet plopping can help to define curls and enhance the natural curl pattern of the hair. It is an excellent technique for those with loose or undefined curls.
- Preventing Tangles: Wet plopping can help to prevent tangles in curly hair by keeping the hair in place while it dries.
- Reducing Damage: Wet plopping is a gentle method of drying hair, which means that it can help to reduce damage caused by heat styling or rough towel drying.
How to Do Wet Plopping?
To do wet plopping, you’ll need a soft cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel. Here’s how you can do wet plopping for your curly hair:
- After washing your hair, remove as much water as possible by gently squeezing your hair.
- Lay a clean cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel flat on a surface.
- Bend over and lower your head so that your hair falls on the center of the cloth or towel.
- Wrap the cloth or towel around your head so that the hair is tightly covered.
- Twist the ends of the cloth or towel together and secure the wrap at the back of your head using a hair clip or elastic band.
- Leave the hair wrapped for at least 10 to 15 minutes, or until the hair is nearly dry.
- Remove the cloth or towel from your hair gently, and avoid pulling or tugging on the hair.
After removing the cloth or towel, you can style your hair as desired. Avoid using heat styling tools, as they can damage your curly hair.
Tips for Getting the Best Results with Wet Plopping
Here are some tips that can help you achieve the best results when wet plopping:
- Use a Soft Cloth or Towel: Use a soft and gentle cloth or towel for plopping, as rough towels can cause hair breakage and frizz.
- Choose the Right Cloths: Many people have different preferences when it comes to cloths and towels for wet plopping. However, a microfiber towel is ideal for this technique.
- Don’t Plop for Too Long: Avoid keeping your hair wrapped for too long, as it can lead to over-drying and cause frizz.
- Use the Right Hair Products: Use hair products that are specifically designed for curly hair, as they can help to define and enhance your curls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wet plopping is a straightforward technique, but there are some common mistakes that you should avoid to get the best results. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when doing wet plopping:
- Wringing Wet Hair: Avoid wringing your curly hair too hard as it can lead to tangling and frizz. Instead, use gentle squeezing motions to remove the excess water.
- Using a Rough Towel: Using a rough towel can cause hair breakage and frizz. Instead, use a soft and gentle cloth or a microfiber towel.
- Leaving Hair Wrapped for Too Long: Avoid leaving your hair wrapped for too long, as it can lead to over-drying and cause frizz.
- Using the Wrong Products: Using the wrong products can lead to unsatisfactory results. Use hair products that are specifically designed for curly hair.
FAQs About Wet Plopping for Curly Hair
- Can I use a regular towel for wet plopping? While you can use a regular towel for wet plopping, it is not advisable as rough towels can cause hair breakage and frizz. A microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt is ideal for this technique.
- How long should I wrap my hair when wet plopping? Wrap your hair for at least 10 to 15 minutes, or until your hair is nearly dry. Avoid leaving your hair wrapped for too long, as it can lead to over-drying and cause frizz.
- Can I use wet plopping on straight hair? Wet plopping is a technique that is designed for curly hair. If you have straight hair, this technique may not be suitable for you.
- Can I apply styling products while my hair is wrapped in the towel or cloth? It is not advisable to apply styling products when your hair is wrapped up in a towel or cloth, as it can lead to an uneven distribution of the product.
Conclusion
Wet plopping can be an excellent technique for taking care of curly hair, reducing frizz, defining curls, and preventing tangling. It is a gentle method of drying, which can help to reduce damage caused by heat styling or rough towel drying. Use a soft and gentle cloth or a microfiber towel for plopping, and avoid leaving your hair wrapped for too long. Use hair products that are specifically designed for curly hair, and avoid applying styling products when your hair is wrapped up in a towel or cloth. Avoid common mistakes such as using rough towels and over-wringing wet hair.
References
- The Ultimate Guide to Hair Plopping: How to Plop Your Hair for Perfect Curls, by Kathleen Felton.
- How to Plop Your Hair for Perfect Curls Every Time, by Jessica Ourisman.
- The Best Ways to Air Dry Curly Hair, by Kristin Ess.