the unusual method for pretty curls

Wrapping your hair in a t-shirt to dry it is the concept of plopping, which promises bouncy and better defined curls for wavy or curly hair. We explain everything you need to know about this atypical method.

Have you ever thought about creating beautiful, plump, well-defined curls with a simple t-shirt? As unusual as it may be, this is what the technique of plopping, to be done on damp hair. The latter is only intended for people with naturally wavy, curly or frizzy hair. Inexpensive, it avoids the use of curling irons, diffusers and other heating products which are very effective, but which even more sensitize hair types that are already dry. But for that, you must still succeed in performing this technique which can break your curls if it is poorly done.

Plopping: the 4 crucial steps

Step 1 : Once your hair is washed well and the shampoo and conditioner are rinsed out, wring out your hair very lightly. The latter must indeed remain wet and not just wet. Apply, if you are used to it, your hair care product, such as a serum or curl cream for example.

Sublime Curl Reactivator Spray by René Furterer

2nd step : Choose a T-shirt cotton that you do not necessarily care. For beginners, it is better to use a model with long sleeves, which will then facilitate the attachment. Place it on a flat surface such as a chair or bed with the collar against you. Remember to flatten and smooth the T-shirt by hand so that there is no irregularity.

Read also : 15 Tips Only Curly Haired Girls Can Understand

Step 3: Once your t-shirt is positioned correctly, it's time to put your hair in it. And this is where the plopping makes sense. Literally, "plopping" means "to fall heavily" in French. So you need to tilt your head forward so that your hair falls down. Then place your hair in the center of the t-shirt, always upside down.

Step 4: Now is the time to tie that t-shirt. To do this, grab the two sleeves and bring them back behind your head, being careful to “fold” your curls while respecting their natural shape. Tie the two sleeves together and tighten securely. For the remaining side, take both ends and fold them back behind your head, going over your ears. Tie well so that it does not fall out. Now all you have to do is lift your head and wait for your hair to dry like this.

Why the plopping works so well?

It’s pretty straightforward. The cotton t-shirt, on the other hand, will absorb all the moisture and prevent the creation of frizz. It will also absorb the excess of the products you put on at the beginning and thus your curls will be lighter and more ventilated. The plopping keeps your hair on your head and the curls are tight like a spring. This will make the curls more plump, because they do not dry down and therefore gravity has no effect and does not relax the curls. In addition, it will create volume from the root. So, people with thin and slightly curly hair can also use the plopping to create volume in their hair. It happens in fact, when the hair is long and thick, that it pulls on the roots and eliminates all the natural volume.

Can we use a towel instead of the t-shirt?

Not everyone wants to use a T-shirt To do that. Fortunately, you can take a shower towel instead. Be careful, in this case, it is better to take a microfiber towel, which will be able to better absorb the moisture from your hair.
If you are using a towel, the tying technique will be different. It will then be necessary twist the sides of the towel before folding them behind your scalp and tie them with a scrunchie or a simple knot if you can.

How long should we leave the plopping ?

It's all a matter of preference. Some women prefer to let their plopping for ten to twenty minutes, while the moisture and excess skin care products are well absorbed, then dry the hair, head down, with a diffuser. Others will leave it on overnight for the hair to dry in the T-shirt or in the towel. It also helps preserve the hair fiber, as it will not be wrinkled by the contact of the head on the pillow.