Curly Hair Drying: How to Plop With a Microfiber Towel

If you have curly or wavy hair, the way you dry it matters as much as the products you use. Plopping is a simple technique that lets curls dry in shape, with less frizz and less time under the dryer.

What is plopping?

Plopping means wrapping wet, styled hair in a smooth fabric, piled on top of your head, for 10 to 30 minutes. It soaks up excess water without disturbing your curl pattern and without the friction of rubbing.

Why microfiber (and not cotton)

Cotton terry loops catch curls and separate them into frizz. Microfiber is smooth and very absorbent, so it pulls water away quickly while keeping curl clumps together. A soft cotton t-shirt is the traditional alternative; microfiber absorbs faster.

Step by step

1. Apply products to soaking wet hair: leave-in conditioner, then curl cream or gel. Scrunch upwards.
2. Lay the towel flat on a chair or bed.
3. Lean forward and lower your hair onto the centre of the towel so it coils on top.
4. Wrap: fold the back edge over the nape of your neck, then twist the sides and tie or tuck them at the front.
5. Wait 10 to 30 minutes. Longer for thick hair, shorter for fine waves.
6. Release and finish: air dry or diffuse on low heat. Avoid touching your hair until it is fully dry.

Tips

• Fine or wavy hair may get flattened if plopped too long. Start with 10 minutes.
• If your gel forms a hard cast, scrunch it out gently once hair is completely dry.
• Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to keep the curls overnight.
• Wash your hair towel every 2 or 3 uses to remove product build-up.

Common mistakes

• Rubbing hair with a towel before applying products
• Plopping for hours (it can flatten roots and leave a dent)
• Using a towel washed with fabric softener, which reduces absorbency

Read why microfiber is kinder to hair. Plopping needs a large towel: the 150 × 90 cm towel in our microfiber towel set gives you plenty of fabric to lay flat and tie.