Hair Plopping Explained

My hair’s a wayward mix of kinks and curls, so I love a styling trend that works with, rather than against, unruly tresses.

Enter ‘hair plopping’, an American trend that’s taking the beauty world by storm.

Invented to help wild-haired beauties enhance their curls without heat styling, it basically involves ‘plopping’ your tresses in a towel, t-shirt or cloth on top of your head.

Then, you simply twist both sides securely and leave it on while your hair dries.

Once your hair’s dry (and you’ve officially tired of rocking an old tee on your head), you remove it to reveal beautiful, natural curls – without the dreaded frizz.

The best part about the technique? The curls form and set above your head, which helps to give them extra bounce and definition (minus the two hours spent struggling with your styler).

For a step-by-step guide, take a look at this great hair plopping how-to video from UK haircare brand Bouclème.

These guys have brought out a Curl Towel specifically designed for the technique as, according to the founder Michele Scott-Lynch, run-of-the-mill terry towels “draw moisture from the hair, ruffle the cuticles and mess up the curl pattern".

Apparently, Bouclème’s soft cotton, bamboo and elastane version helps the hair to stay hydrated – which is essential for smooth curls.

Alternatively, you could just stick with your old bath towel/tea towel/t-shirt and spritz on a styling product before the ‘plopping’ part. To help your curls along, try Aveda Be Curly™ Style-Prep, De Lorenzo Elements Barrel Wave Curl Defining Lotion or KMS California CURLUP Control Crème.

Would you try hair plopping? What other styling how-tos are you interested in seeing?

66 Member Comments

Elunia 30 Dec 2017 6:05 PM

I just watched the video and it seems like a good idea.

I think I will try it sometime soon.

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maggieball 22 May 2017 6:26 PM

This works! I’ve tried it and it totally changes my hair.

Chicklet 7 Nov 2016 10:46 PM

Funny name! Would this work for straight hair?

duality 7 Nov 2016 10:11 PM

really? wow I will try this with one of hubby's tshirts of course :) sounds like a great idea in summer too, the less heat on my head the better!

josella432 24 Aug 2015 5:05 PM

I have one of those towel turbie things - I found a regular towel too heavy and I was getting migraines from it. Definately reduces the frizz.

Petal 13 Jun 2015 2:46 PM

I don't have curly hair, but I can imagine this would work well.

Stresseduser 29 May 2015 6:15 PM

I've been doing this for about 18 months. Instead of a t shirt I bought t shirt material from Spotlight and use that. It helps my curls so much

Carolyn833 27 May 2015 9:58 PM

I have quite fine hair but it still takes many hours to dry. I can't imagine how long it would take with average - thick hair! It's pretty impractical.

EvaG 11 May 2015 12:00 PM

I've tried with a microfiber special hair drying towel and it took all day and my was still wet, I've lots of hair so not sure what else to do?

tamara53 8 Nov 2016 6:35 AM

Use two towels. I found this happens when I use only one but if I use my microfiber towel when I get our of the shower then switch to an old shirt as I'm getting dressed it works treat.

Shop A Everyday 11 May 2015 5:58 AM

Looks nice and simple

Shop A Everyday 10 May 2015 8:38 AM

I had not heard of this term before

Sydneyswans910 8 May 2015 5:07 AM

Hmm.. I have straight hair but it's an interesting trick!

Elefante 7 May 2015 4:30 AM

i find the centre of my head towards the back never dries properly

Wittyusername 6 May 2015 11:27 AM

Hahaha! I can't see this name taking off lol

Natool 5 May 2015 2:49 AM

Wow ! I have been "hair plopping" for years and didnt even know it â˜º I use a hair towel, not always until it is dry, but a lot of the time I am too lazy to take it off and it stays on till dry.