Curls with wet hair—have you been drying your hair wrong?

How to turn your damp hair into a curly girls dream 

Ever wondered where your curls go when your hair dries? Chances are, you’re doing it all wrong—just ask BeautyTok. We’re here to talk about those luscious curls we all know and miss. Remember the younger days when our curls bounced with joy and framed our faces perfectly? Somewhere along the way, through endless straightening sessions, tight ponytails, and rushed blow-drying routines, many of us lost that natural bounce. But guess what? It’s not gone forever.

Thanks to TikTok, the beauty community is rediscovering the magic of curls with wet hair. Influencers are raving about the game-changing technique of "plopping"—a method that transforms wet hair into frizz-free, defined curls without the heat damage. This trend is a lifesaver for those of us who have struggled to keep our curls intact post-shower, and we’re going to spill the tea. 

We all dream of having natural curls like Zendaya—those perfect, natural ringlets that look effortlessly perfect (like her). But how does she go from straight, bleached locks to her natural curls in the space of a few beauty sittings? It’s all in the maintenance, honey. If you’ve been battling with frizz and limp curls, it’s time to rethink your drying routine. The secret lies in embracing your natural texture and treating your curls right from the moment you step out of the shower.

Ready to turn your damp hair into a curly girl's dream? It all starts with mastering those curls with wet hair.

Can you curl wet hair? Not exactly, but plopping works better

Trends on TikTok come thick and fast, and we can't lie—while some might sound a bit out there, others genuinely work wonders! From chunky face-framing highlights and makeup-free looks to the latest obsession: hair plopping, the beauty world is buzzing with unexpected hacks. We never imagined that plopping, of all things, would help us reclaim the natural curls we thought we'd straightened into oblivion. But here we are, eager to embrace our curls with a technique that's as trendy as it is effective.

Embrace the plop

Right, what’s the scoop with plopping? It’s not just a catchy name—plopping is a styling technique that helps your curls maintain their natural shape and bounce as they dry. Here’s the lowdown—after you’ve washed and conditioned your hair, apply your favorite curl-enhancing products while your hair is still soaking wet. Then, you “plop” your curls onto a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel. This method allows your curls to dry in a way that reduces frizz and boosts definition. Think of it as a comfy little cocoon for your curls to rest in while they dry, without all the usual friction and mess.

We all know that the traditional bathroom towel can be a bit harsh on your curls, causing frizz and disrupting your natural curl pattern. Plopping with a soft T-shirt or microfiber towel helps absorb excess moisture without roughing up your hair. It’s a curl-loving hug, letting them dry in their most beautiful, defined shape.

How to perfect the plop

How on earth do you master the plop? If scrolling TikTok isn’t your bag, then here’s an easy guide to get you on your way to curling glory: 

1. Wash and condition: Start with freshly washed, wet hair. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to keep your curls hydrated and bouncy.
2. Apply your best after-shower curl cream: While your hair is still dripping wet, apply your favorite curl cream or styling product. Make sure to distribute it evenly through your hair, focusing on the ends.
3. Prepare your plopping tool: Lay a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel flat on a surface. The fabric should be smooth and soft to prevent any friction.
4. Plop and wrap: Bend over and carefully place your hair onto the center of the T-shirt or towel. Gently gather the fabric around your hair and secure it by twisting and tying the ends at the nape of your neck. This helps the curls stay in place and absorb excess moisture.
5. Let it set: Leave your hair in the plop for about 20-30 minutes, or until it feels damp but not dripping wet. If you’re short on time, even 10 minutes can make a difference.
6. Unwrap and dry: Carefully unwrap your hair and let it air dry or use a diffuser to finish the drying process. Avoid touching or disturbing your curls too much to keep them defined and frizz-free.

Plopping might seem like a small change, but trust us—it can make a world of difference in how your curls turn out. This method allows you to embrace your natural texture and rock those gorgeous curls with confidence. Oh, and it can even turn those half-curl locks into a curly-girl mane—sounds perfect. 

Why plopping works wonders for your curls

Alright, girlies, let’s dive into why plopping is more than just a TikTok trend—it’s a curly hair miracle. Wondering why this technique is making such a splash on your FYP? It’s not just about catching the latest beauty wave, there’s real science behind why plopping works so well for enhancing your curls. Let’s break it down.

The science behind the plop

First off, your hair's texture and pattern are shaped by its structure. When your hair is wet, it's at its most malleable state. Traditional towels can cause friction and disrupt the curl pattern, leading to frizz and undefined curls. Plopping, however, works by reducing this friction and giving your curls a chance to form naturally.

When you plop your hair onto a soft T-shirt or microfiber towel, you’re essentially creating a gentle, friction-free environment. The fabric absorbs excess moisture without rubbing or tangling your hair. This means less breakage and fewer flyaways, allowing your curls to dry in their natural shape and definition. 

Benefits of plopping your hair

1. Reduced frizz: Traditional towels can rough up the hair cuticle, leading to frizz. Plopping with a soft T-shirt or microfiber towel prevents this, giving you smoother, more defined curls.
2. Enhanced curl definition: By allowing your curls to dry in their natural pattern without disturbance, plopping helps enhance and maintain the definition of your curls.
3. Faster drying time: The gentle absorbency of the T-shirt or towel helps remove excess moisture more efficiently than air-drying alone. This can reduce drying time and minimize the risk of heat damage if you’re using a diffuser.
4. Less breakage: The soft fabric used in plopping is kinder to your curls, reducing the risk of breakage compared to traditional towel drying, which can cause tangling and split ends.
5. Improved product distribution: Applying your curl cream or styling products while your hair is still dripping wet and then plopping helps ensure that the products are evenly distributed, enhancing the overall look of your curls.

How to keep your curls looking fresh

While plopping is the perfect post-shower tool, maintaining healthy curls doesn’t stop there. Here are a few extra tips to keep your curls looking their best:

– Use the right products: Choose curl-specific products that cater to your hair type and needs. Look for sulfate-free shampoos, hydrating conditioners, and styling creams designed for curly hair.

– Avoid over-washing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, or as needed.

– Incorporate deep conditioning: Regular deep conditioning treatments can help keep your curls hydrated and healthy, preventing breakage and enhancing their natural shape.

– Protect at night: Consider using a satin or silk pillowcase or a satin sleep cap to reduce friction while you sleep, which can help maintain curl definition and reduce frizz.

Plopping is more than just a trend—it’s a game-changing technique that brings back the bounce to your curls. Embrace this method and see for yourself why it’s the curly-girl secret to achieving those fabulous, frizz-free curls you’ve been dreaming of.

How do you manage curls after a shower? Plop it 

We’ve found the secret to reclaiming the curls that you thought were gone forever. It turns out that plopping isn’t a silly TikTok trend but a game-changing technique that makes getting your natural curls back easier than ever. Maybe mom was onto something all along—sometimes, natural is best.

If you’ve been curling your hair when wet using traditional methods of applying heat, it’s time for a change. The truth is, curling hair when wet can be a bit of a no-no unless you’re using a method like plopping. Heat isn’t always your best friend, especially for curly girls. Over-relying on heat tools can lead to dryness, frizz, and damage, which can strip your curls of their natural beauty and bounce.

So, next time you step out of the shower, remember that plopping is your ticket to the best curls you can get. Skip the heat and give your curls the chance to shine in their own, unique way. Natural curls are back and better than ever, and plopping is your BFFL in the search for curl perfection.