Discovering the Magic of Hair Plopping

Despite skepticism, TikTok has proven to be a treasure trove of beauty hacks, from makeup tips to at-home tanning solutions. Among the most transformative for me has been the technique of hair plopping, a method that has completely revamped my approach to drying my wavy hair, offering a newfound definition to my waves that I never thought possible.

Understanding My Hair Type

Before diving into the hair plopping journey, it's crucial to note that my hair falls more into the wavy category, around a 2B or 2C curl type. Despite not having tight curls, my previous drying routine was doing my hair no favors, leaving me with limp and lifeless ends on most days.

The Wrong Turns in My Hair Care Routine

My hair plopping enlightenment came after realizing the errors of my post-shower routine, which included brushing my hair when dry, using a microfiber towel in the wrong way, and allowing my hair to partially dry while up in a towel— all steps that were sabotaging my wave potential.

Embracing the Correct Method

The correct method, as I learned, involves detangling hair in the shower, applying leave-in conditioners and styling products to soaking wet hair, and then using a cotton T-shirt for drying. This method, albeit a bit inconvenient due to the sopping wet stage, has been crucial in achieving the desired wave definition.

The Plopping Process

After applying products, the next step involves drying with a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt, a technique known as plopping. This involves gathering hair at the crown and gently wrapping it, allowing it to dry partially while minimizing frizz. This step, followed by resisting the urge to touch the hair as it dries, has been instrumental in enhancing my hair's natural texture.

To Plop or Not to Plop

While hair plopping does require a bit of effort and adjustment to one's hair care routine, the results speak for themselves. For anyone with wavy to curly hair looking for more definition and volume, the hair plopping method is definitely worth trying, especially considering it only requires an old T-shirt and some curly hair products.