Say it, “plopping.” Sounds weird, I know, but plopping is a technique that will save a curly girl’s life. For reals, this no-heat technique will decrease your drying time while boosting curl definition and banishing frizz, what’s not to love? Heat can be damaging to dry and fragile curls, so give ‘em a break! If you want the best curls of your life, it’s time to put away the blow-fryer and start plopping— we promise, once you plop, you won’t stop! Down below you’ll find my personal, plopping routine broken down, step-by- step. Give it a try and see if plopping works for you.
STEP 1
Cleanse and Condition: Begin with freshly cleansed or co-washed, soaking wet hair. I cleanse my scalp every two to three days with DevaCurl Low Poo Delight ($22) and condition with the DevaCurl One Condition Delight ($22). These sulfate, paraben and silicone free products are specifically formulated for wavy hair like mine.
Before I rinse the conditioner from my hair, I finger detangle from my tips to my roots in order to remove any tangles or knots.
STEP 2
Apply Your Styling Products: After you get out of the shower, scrunch out excess water and apply your leave-in conditioner and stylers. My hair is too fine for a leave-in because it weighs down my delicate 2b waves. Instead, I apply an overnight, deep conditioning treatment every month with the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque ($13)
For styling, I first use the DevaCurl Styling Cream ($25)
and then the DevaCurl Light Defining Gel ($20).
Sometimes I switch things up by using the Kinky Curly Curling Custard ($17) as a stand-alone styler.
STEP 3
The Tools: Lay a cotton T-shirt (the older the better) out on a flat surface in front of you, like the bathroom counter, with the sleeves facing furthest from you.
STEP 4
Flip and Accordion: Flip your head forward and let your curls accordion their way onto the center of the shirt. This is what helps keep your curls’ defined, spiraled shape.
STEP 5
Wrap It: Grab the bottom edge of the shirt and wrap it around toward the base of your neck and hold with one hand.
STEP 6
Tuck It: Grab the top of the shirt with your other hand and pull the neckline down towards the base of your neck.
STEP 7
Secure It: Flip your head back up and keep everything held in place by pulling the sleeves toward the side of your head.
STEP 8
Tie It In A Bow: Then, tie the sleeves in a bow and tuck in any loose ends, creating a T-shirt turban.
STEP 9
Plop It: Plop for 20-30 minutes while you’re getting ready or overnight while you sleep. Take down your plop for defined, frizz-free curls.
It may take a few tries to perfect the plop, but I promise, it sounds way more complicated than it actually is! Have you tried plopping? Did it work for you? Share in the comments down below.