If you’ve seen girls on TikTok wrapping their heads in 👉 oversized T-shirts like they’re part of a sacred hair cult… you're not wrong. Welcome to hair plopping - the low-effort, high-reward hack for defined curls without the frizz or crunch. 💁♀️✨
Whether your waves are lazy or your curls are chaotic, this heatless method is about to change your wash day forever.
🍳 Bonus Tip #1: Don’t Use a Towel
Regular towels = frizz factories. Cotton T-shirts or microfiber = spa for your curls. The goal is bounce, not bird’s nest.
🪄 Bonus Tip #2: Combine With Diffusing
For max volume and faster drying, plop for 20–30 minutes, then finish with a diffuser on low. This is the “I have places to be but still want goddess hair” combo. 👑
Original Video Creator @kianadalleave
🌀 Step-by-Step: How to Plop Like a Pro (Or at Least Fake It)
🧼 Step 1: Get Your Hair Soaking Wet
We’re talking mermaid just emerged from the ocean wet. Think post-shower, dripping, slightly-regretting-life wet. Check out my guide below for an in-depth tutorial on how to wash your hair!
🚨 ULTIMATE GUIDE: How to Wash Your Hair Properly (Because Your Mom Never Taught You)🧴 Step 2: Apply Your Products
Use whatever styling routine you swear by. Cream, mousse, gel, prayer hands, witchcraft - this step is yours. ✨
🤲 Step 3: Scrunch It Like You Mean It
Flip your head over and scrunch those curls into submission. Make it sound like you’re punching wet spaghetti. That's how you know you're doing it right.
👕 Step 4: Lay Out Your T-Shirt
Grab a 👉 soft cotton T-shirt or 👉 long sleeve - the one you stole from your ex or got for free at a concert you didn’t attend. Lay it flat in front of you, sleeves closest to you.
🤸♀️ Step 5: Flip & Drop
Flip your hair upside down and “plop” it right into the middle of the shirt like you’re offering your curls to the fabric gods.
🪢 Step 6: Fold & Wrap
Fold the bottom of the shirt over the back of your head and (if it’s long enough) tie it at your forehead like you’re about to do a self-love ritual. 💫
🧣 Step 7: Tie Off Like a Pro
Wrap the sleeves around the nape of your neck and tie them up at the top. If it looks like a fabric brain helmet, you did it right.
⏳ Step 8: Wait
Leave it on for at least 10 minutes. Up to an hour or two if you're committed or just forget. Let your hair start drying while wrapped in softness, not judgment.
❓ FAQ: Hair Plopping 101
Q: Will this work for wavy hair or just curls?
🌊 Yup! It works wonders on 2A to 3C textures. The softer the wave, the more definition you’ll get from plopping.
Q: Can I sleep in my plop?
😴 You can, but it may flatten the curls depending on your position. It’s better for shorter periods unless you’ve mastered the art of sleeping like a statue.
Q: Can I use a microfiber towel instead of a T-shirt?
🧺 Absolutely. Just make sure it’s not rough or too absorbent - you want to remove excess water, not your will to live.
Q: How often should I plop?
🗓 Every wash day if you're going heatless or want to reduce frizz. Just don’t overdo the product or you’ll end up with crispy ramen hair.
⭐ Check out this post on How to Detox Your Scalp!
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