What is plopping, and how do you do it?

Plopping is a drying technique in which you place wet hair in a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt and let it rest for 10–20 minutes. The technique removes excess water without disturbing the wave pattern, adds more volume at the roots, and reduces drying time. Lay the towel flat, bend forward, and place your hair in the center, fold up the edges, and tie it loosely at the nape of your neck.

Should I diffuse or air-dry wavy hair?

Both work well for wavy hair. Air-drying gives the softest, most natural waves but takes 1–2 hours. Using a diffuser on low heat and low airflow provides more volume and definition in 15–20 minutes. You can also start with plopping and finish with a diffuser or air-drying, depending on how much time you have.

How do I prevent frizz as wavy hair dries?

Don’t touch your hair while it dries—it’s the most common cause of frizz in wavy hair. Apply products to soaking-wet hair, scrunch the waves with your palms, and then let your hair dry undisturbed. Finish your shower with cold water to seal the cuticle, and use a microfiber towel instead of a regular terry towel.

Easy hairstyles for wavy and curly hair: how to enhance your waves and curls

The best hairstyles for wavy and curly hair work with the hair’s natural movement rather than against it. Ponytails, loose buns, and half-up hairstyles are easy to create, protect the lengths, and highlight the natural shape of waves and curls.

Wavy and curly hair has built-in texture that makes simple hairstyles beautiful without effort. It’s about choosing styles that don’t disrupt the wave pattern or create friction that causes frizz.

Ponytail for wavy and curly hair

A loose ponytail high on the head highlights the volume of the waves. Always use a gentle hair tie without metal; elastic bands create friction and cause hair strands to break. Gather the hair with your hands instead of a brush to preserve the wave pattern. Pull out a few strands at the temples for a softer, more editorial feel.

Loose bun: the easiest updo

A loose bun at the nape is perfect for wavy hair. Gather the hair into a low ponytail, twist and fold it up into a bun, and secure it with hairpins. Let the ends stick out slightly for a relaxed look. Avoid pulling too tightly, as this creates tension on the hair follicles and can lead to hair loss over time.

Half-up hairstyle: the best of both worlds

A half-up hairstyle shows off the length and volume of the waves at the same time. Take the top half of the hair, gather it loosely, and secure it with a gentle hair tie or hairpins. Let the lengths fall freely below. The style works on both dry and wet hair and is especially beautiful when the waves are defined.

Important: avoid friction and tightness

Wavy and curly hair is more sensitive to friction than straight hair because the cuticle layer opens more easily with mechanical stress. Always use gentle hair ties without metal, avoid wearing the same style several days in a row, and let your hair hang freely as often as possible.

The Editor's Note: Sleep with your hair in a loose bun or braid on a silk pillowcase. This reduces friction overnight and helps the waves retain their shape until morning.

Three easy hairstyles for wavy and curly hair

Hairstyle	Best suited for	Tip
Loose ponytail	All wave and curl types	Gather with your hands, not a brush
Loose bun	Medium-length and long hair	Let the ends stick out for a relaxed look
Half-up	Voluminous wavy hair	Works on both dry and wet hair