How to Plop Hair: Complete Guide & Plopping Towel Tips
What Is Hair Plopping?
Hair plopping is a technique used by people with wavy or curly hair to help set and define curl definition before drying, either by air-drying or using a diffuser. Hair porosity affects how long you plop and which fabrics work best — high porosity hair may benefit from shorter plopping times, while thicker hair can plop for longer.
The fabric you use for plopping matters just as much as the technique itself. A curly hair towel made from smooth organic jersey cotton behaves very differently to traditional terry towels or some microfibre fabrics, which can feel more aggressive on delicate curls.
You can read more about how fabric impacts hair in our guide to why fabric matters.
Our organic jersey cotton hair towels can be used in the traditional way, or specifically as a plopping towel for curls and waves. When paired with the right styling products, many people find plopping becomes a genuine game-changer for curl definition and frizz control. After removing the towel, scrunch gently upwards to encourage curl definition and hold.
There are several ways to plop hair, depending on how wet your hair is and the result you want to achieve.
Wet Plopping
When hair is soaking wet.
After applying styling products, place a shower cap over hair to help curls begin setting before drying.
Most people wet plop for 5–10 minutes before diffusing or air-drying.
Dry Plopping
Removes some moisture.
Gently squeeze excess water from the hair using your hands or a T-shirt towel, then wrap in a dry towel.
Most people dry plop for 5–20 minutes, depending on hair density and porosity.
Micro Plopping
Focused moisture control.
Using a smooth cotton hair towel, hair wrap or turban, lightly squeeze sections of hair to remove excess water.
Works well for wavy and curly hair, and can reduce drying time and frizz compared to rubbing with a traditional terry towel.
As with all things textured hair, a little experimentation is often needed to find what works best for you and your hair.
The fabric you use can make a noticeable difference.
Explore our organic jersey cotton hair towels designed for plopping and gentle drying.
Our Bestsellers
Organic Jersey Cotton Hair Towel – End of Line | Reduced
Organic Jersey Cotton Hair Towel – Plain Colours
Organic Jersey Cotton Hair Towel – Leopard Print
XL Organic Jersey Cotton Hair Towel – For Very Long Hair
Regular Organic Jersey Cotton Headband
Large Organic Jersey Cotton Headband
Plopping FAQs
How long should you plop your hair?
How long should you plop your hair?
Most people plop for 10–30 minutes, depending on hair density and porosity. Fine or low-porosity hair usually benefits from shorter times of around 10 minutes, while thicker or high-porosity hair can plop for longer.
Does plopping work for wavy hair?
Does plopping work for wavy hair?
Yes, plopping works well for wavy hair as well as curly. It helps encourage wave definition and reduce frizz without disturbing the natural pattern while hair dries.
What is the best towel for plopping?
What is the best towel for plopping?
A smooth, lightweight fabric works best. Organic jersey cotton is a popular choice because it absorbs water gently without roughing up the hair cuticle or disrupting curl and wave patterns.
What is the best towel for curly and wavy hair?
What is the best towel for curly and wavy hair?
A soft, breathable fabric with a smooth surface works best for curly and wavy hair. Organic jersey cotton hair towels are gentle on the hair cuticle, lightweight, and support curl definition without creating frizz, making it a popular choice for both everyday drying and plopping.
Can you plop hair overnight?
Can you plop hair overnight?
Overnight plopping is possible but not generally recommended. Extended plopping can over-dry or flatten curls, and keeping hair tightly wrapped for long periods can create a warm, damp environment around the scalp which isn't ideal for scalp health. Most people find 10–30 minutes gives the best results before air-drying or diffusing.