Defined, voluminous ringlets are a curlfriend's dream. Heat styling tools like curling wands and flat irons, and no-heat stylers, like flexi rods, help achieve out-of-this-world curls. But what to do when you're in the mood to go au naturale? To achieve the most beautiful curls in the world, all the while keeping things low maintenance and heat-damage-free, consider plopping your hair.
In case you were wondering, hair-plopping is just as iconic as it sounds. You literally plop wet hair onto a towel, tie it up, let it air dry, and voilà, welcome the most defined curls you've ever seen. According to BOUCLÉME founder Michele Scott-Lynch, hair plopping is a drying technique that enhances your freshly-washed curl pattern and absorbs excess water to give way to "juicy and hydrated" curls that are full of definition and bounce. Celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein recommends the viral air drying and curling method because it cuts down on drying time and prevents your curls from being disrupted by brushing. According to Rubenstein, hair plopping works best on wavy or curly hair textures. "Think 2B-4B," she advises. If you're ready to transform your curls, read ahead for everything you need to know about how to plop your hair.
How do you hair plop?
Hair plopping should begin with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Once you've gotten your wash-day routine done, Scott Lynch recommends going in with your favorite leave-in conditioner and styling product to achieve maximum hydration. Then, Rubenstein advises laying out your towel on a surface like a bed or a chair, flipping your hair upside down, then using a wide tooth comb to detangle the curls. Once any knots are removed, scrunch or arrange the curls at the top of your head. Scott-Lynch says you should flip the top of the towel over the back of your head, twist the sides tightly, and then tie it around the back of the head. It sounds super confusing, but if you need a visual reference, check out the tutorial below.
How long does hair-plopping take?
Your hair texture will determine how long you should keep your hair plopped. According to Scott-Lynch, loose waves and curls can plop between 30 minutes and one hour. if your hair forms curls quickly, she suggests plopping for up to 15 minutes.
What do you do after you hair plop?
Once you've successfully plopped your hair and it's completely air-dried, simply take the towel down and finger-comb your hair into your desired style.
What products do you need to help hair plop?
Hair-plopping is best achieved on wet, freshly-washed hair. Once your hair is thoroughly cleansed and conditioned, grab your favorite curling cream or moisturizer to hydrate and define curls.
Seal + Shield Curl Cream
CURL DEFINING CREAM
Briogeo Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème at Nordstrom
Both experts agree that towels, preferably made from microfiber or other soft fabrics, are best. Microfiber and other soft fabrics are absorbent and help dry the hair without drawing out too much moisture or causing breakage-inducing friction. And wala, your juiciest curls await.
Goody Tru X Let It Happen Collab Ouchless® Quick-Dry Plopping Towel 1 CT
DevaCurl DevaTowel Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Microfiber Towel
Happy curling, besties!
As the digital deputy editor of Seventeen, I help our site director oversee content on the site and across all of our social media platforms. In 2013, I published a DIY book for beginners called InstaCraft (Ulysses Press). In 2015, I served as a jewelry designer for The Jewelry Recipe Book (Artisan). Before coming to Seventeen, I held positions at The New Yorker, Allure, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Reader's Digest and BuzzFeed.
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
