How to Plop Your Hair for Better Curls

Wrap wet, product-laden curls in a cotton t-shirt for 10-20 minutes to absorb excess water without disturbing curl formation.

Plopping is just strategic water removal—think of it as giving your curls a controlled environment to set instead of letting gravity drag them down.

1. Apply your curl products. Work leave-in conditioner and curl cream through soaking wet hair using praying hands or scrunching motions. Your hair should be dripping wet and fully coated.
2. Lay out your cotton t-shirt. Spread a clean cotton t-shirt flat on your bed or counter with the sleeves pointing toward you. The cotton absorbs water without creating frizz like terry cloth towels do.
3. Lower your head into the shirt. Flip your head upside down and lower your curls onto the center of the t-shirt. Your hairline should hit about where the neck opening is.
4. Wrap and secure. Fold the bottom of the shirt up over your curls, then wrap the sleeves around your head and tie them at the nape of your neck. The wrap should feel snug but not tight.
5. Wait and remove. Leave for 10-20 minutes depending on your hair thickness. Gently unwrap and let your curls fall naturally without touching them.