Step 1: Gather Your Materials: You don't need any special equipment for plopping. A soft, rectangular piece of fabric like a stretchy t-shirt, a jersey pillowcase, or a large cotton handkerchief works perfectly. The key is to use a smooth material that won't rough up the hair cuticle and create frizz.
Step 2: Prep Your Hair: Begin with clean, damp hair. Apply your preferred curl-defining styling product throughout the lengths of your hair.
Garnier Fructis Air-Dry Butter Cream Leave-In Treatment or
Garnier Fructis Curl Scrunch Gel are good options. Gently blot excess water with a microfiber towel or a jersey cloth.
Step 3: Position Your Hair: Lay your chosen fabric on a flat surface (like your bed) with the sleeves facing you if using a long-sleeved t-shirt. Bend over and lower your hair onto the fabric, aiming for the crown of your head to be in the center. Your curls should be spread out on the fabric.
Step 4: Wrap and Secure: Once your crown touches the fabric, wrap the fabric around your hair. Fold the back of the fabric over your neck. Gather each side and roll it up once or twice to create a snug fit around your hair.
Step 5: Tie the Ends: Holding each side (or sleeve), cross them behind your neck. Bring them around to your forehead and tie a knot. Tuck in any loose fabric at the sides.
Step 6: Plop and Wait: Leave the fabric wrapped around your hair for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for optimal results. This allows the curls to dry in a compressed state, promoting definition and reducing frizz.
If you wash your hair at night and prefer not to plop while awake, consider alternative
overnight drying methods for curly hair to avoid frizz.
