Plopping: the technique that gives curly hair definition without frizz

Plopping is a drying method where you place wet, curly hair in a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt and let it dry for 15–30 minutes. The technique preserves the curl pattern, reduces frizz, and provides more volume at the roots compared with rubbing the hair with a regular towel.

 

How you dry curly hair is just as important as which products you use. A regular towel creates friction that disrupts the curl pattern and lifts the cuticle, resulting in frizz instead of definition. Plopping solves this problem by allowing the curls to dry in their natural shape without mechanical interference. Read more about the complete routine in our complete guide to curly hair.

What is plopping?

Plopping is a CGM technique where you turn your head upside down into a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt and tie it around your head. The hair dries in a compressed shape that preserves the curl pattern and allows the products to set without gravity pulling the curls down. The result is more volume at the roots and more defined curls. Read more about the Curly Girl Method for an overview of the technique.

How to plop correctly

  1. Wash and condition your hair as usual. Rinse with cool water.
  2. Lay a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt flat on a surface, with the sleeves facing you.
  3. Bend forward and place your hair in the middle of the towel so that the curls gather into a pile.
  4. Fold the towel up around your hair and tie it securely with the sleeves or corners at the back of your head.
  5. Leave it in place for 15–30 minutes. Then air-dry or finish with a diffuser on low heat.

 

The Editor's Note: Never use a terry towel for plopping. Terry fabric creates friction that disrupts the curls and causes frizz. An old cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel is the only thing that works.

Plopping or diffusing?

Plopping and diffusing complement each other. Plopping first for 15–30 minutes removes excess water and sets the curl pattern; then diffuse on low heat for volume and faster drying. Read more about diffusing vs. air-drying to find the right combination for your hair.

 

Dreamy Hair Silk Bundle

Dreamy Hair Silk Bundle

999 kr
DREAMY hair conditioner bar

DREAMY hair conditioner bar

199 kr
Ocean Waves Shampoo bar

Ocean Waves Shampoo bar

179 kr
Sample shampoo bar mini x 3

Sample shampoo bar mini x 3

119 kr

Plopping: quick guide

Step What to do What to avoid
Material Microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt Terry towel
When Immediately after showering, on wet hair On partly dry hair
Time 15–30 minutes Under 10 minutes
After plopping Air-dry or diffuse on low heat Rubbing or touching the hair
Don't touch Leave the curls alone while they dry Combing or brushing dry hair

 

Read more about the complete curly-hair routine in our complete guide to curly hair.

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Vanliga frågor

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.
What is high porosity, and why does it matter? +
Porosity describes how easily hair absorbs and retains moisture. High porosity means that the cuticle is open, allowing moisture in quickly but also losing it quickly. Deep Moisture Treat Duo is particularly effective for high-porosity hair because it provides moisture and helps seal the cuticle afterward.
Is co-wash suitable for all curl types? +
Co-wash works best for very dry, tightly curled hair without many styling products. For wavy hair or hair with styling products, a sulfate-free shampoo bar is usually a better option.
Can I combine a sulfate-free shampoo bar with conditioner? +
Yes, that is actually the optimal routine. Shampoo your scalp with a sulfate-free shampoo bar and finish with conditioner on the lengths and ends. You get a clean scalp and moisturized, soft lengths.
Why can a sulfate-free shampoo bar be better than co-washing? +
A sulfate-free shampoo bar thoroughly cleanses the scalp with mild surfactants without drying out the hair. Conditioner is not formulated for cleansing and can leave residue with frequent use, especially if you use styling products.
What is co-wash? +
Co-wash, or conditioner washing, means washing your hair solely with conditioner instead of shampoo. The method is popular among people with dry, curly hair because it avoids sulfates, which can dry out the hair.
What is the difference between DREAMY and a regular liquid conditioner? +
DREAMY is water-free and concentrated, which means it doesn’t need preservatives and is more environmentally friendly. The botanical oils are activated by the warmth of your palms, providing an even result without a pump or measuring.
How long does a conditioner bar last? +
It depends on hair length and how often you wash your hair, but one bar often equals 2–3 bottles of liquid conditioner. Its concentrated formula and lack of added water make it very long-lasting.
Is DREAMY suitable for curly hair? +
Yes, but for curly hair, we recommend combining DREAMY with a shampoo bar suited to your curl type, such as the Ocean Waves Shampoo bar, for the best results.
Can I use DREAMY as a leave-in? +
Yes, a very small amount melted between your palms and distributed through the ends works excellently as a leave-in. Avoid the roots to prevent a heavy result at the scalp.
How much DREAMY should I use? +
Start with a small amount, about the size of a pea, and add more if needed. Solid conditioner is concentrated and lasts a long time. Fine hair needs less, while thick or curly hair may need a little more.
What is the difference between a shampoo bar and liquid shampoo? +
The shampoo bar is concentrated and water-free, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. It contains no preservatives needed to stabilize water, and one bar is equivalent to approximately 2–3 bottles of liquid shampoo.
Is Ocean Waves suitable for the Curly Girl Method? +
Yes, the shampoo bar is free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens and is CGM-compatible. Learn more about the method in our guide to the Curly Girl Method.
How do I use the shampoo bar correctly for wavy hair? +
Lather directly onto the scalp using gentle, circular motions. Avoid rubbing the lengths, as this creates frizz. Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and preserve the shape of the waves.
What should I choose if I have both wavy hair and a sensitive scalp? +
Ocean Waves is gentle enough for most sensitive scalps because it is free from sulfates and fragrance. If you have a particularly reactive scalp, start with a small amount and see how your scalp reacts.
Is Curl Defining Duo suitable for all hair types? +
Yes, the duo is formulated for curl types 2 to 4. If you have very fine curls (type 2a–2b), you can use the conditioner bar sparingly and focus on the lengths.
Is the Duo CGM-approved? +
Yes, both products are free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens and fully comply with the Curly Girl Method.