How to Plop Hair: The Secret to Juicy, Frizz-Free Curls with Curl Wow

Want bigger, bouncier, more defined curls—without heat, frizz, or crunch? Enter hair plopping, the ultimate curl-enhancing hack for waves, curls, and coils that pop.

By gently wrapping your curls in a fabric that absorbs excess moisture without stripping hydration, plopping locks in definition, boosts curl formation, and minimizes frizz—all while cutting down drying time.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about plopping: the must-have tools, how to prep your curls, step-by-step techniques, and pro tips to maximize hydration and long-lasting bounce (hint: pairing plopping with Curl Wow products takes results to the next level).

What Is Hair Plopping?

Hair plopping is a game-changing drying technique that helps curls stay intact, frizz-free, and ultra-defined while drying. 

Instead of rough towel-drying or letting gravity pull curls down, plopping gently gathers your hair on top of your head and secures it in a soft fabric—allowing curls to dry in their natural, bouncy shape without disruption. 

This method enhances curl formation, boosts volume, and minimizes frizz, making it a must-try for anyone looking to level up their curl definition effortlessly.

What Does Plopping Your Hair Do?

Plopping isn’t just a viral trend—it’s a curl-care essential that transforms the way your waves and curls dry.

Here’s why this frizz-fighting, curl-boosting technique deserves a spot in your routine:

1. Maximize Curl Definition:

Achieve perfectly defined curls by keeping your natural curl pattern intact while drying.

2. Frizz Fighter:

Minimize frizz by gently drying your hair without disrupting the curl structure.

3. Moisture Retention:

Lock in moisture, leaving your hair hydrated and looking healthy.

4. Time Saver:

Multitask effortlessly as your hair air dries while you go about your day.

5. Volume Booster:

Enhance your hair’s volume, giving your curls a bouncy, full-bodied look.

6. Gentle Care:

Protect your hair from heat damage by eliminating the need for heat styling tools.

Your Pre-Hair Plopping Prep Routine

Washing Your Hair Correctly

1. Detangle: 

Start with a pre-shampoo detangling product like Snag-Free for faster, easier, tangle-free wash-days. It’s infused with Coconut Oil to maximize slip and minimize breakage.

2. Cleanse:

Follow with a sulfate-free shampoo that preserves moisture. Our go-to? Hooked 100% Clean Curl Shampoo. Hooked features our proprietary Procapil® blend to help “anchor” strands at the root, preventing excessive shedding or hair loss from styling stressors.

3. Condition:

Apply a nourishing conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends. Coco-Motion Lubricating Conditioner leaves curls’ surface film-free and optimally receptive to leave-in hydrators + moisturizing stylers!

Visit our full guide on how to wash curly hair properly for more wash-day tips. 

Post-Washing Care

1. Apply the Right Curl Stylers:

While your hair is still wet, apply your chosen products evenly for maximum hydration, definition, and frizz control. We recommend:

Flo-etry Vital Natural Serum

A lightweight, moisture-boosting serum that keeps curls plush, bouncy, and frizz-free without heaviness.

Shook Mix + Fix Bundling Spray

A bi-phase curl-enhancer that locks in definition and structure while keeping curls soft, flexible, and free of crunch.

2. Balance Product Use:

Start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends for hydration.

3. Scrunch:

Use an upward motion to scrunch your hair, encouraging curl formation and enhancing definition. Avoid raking your fingers through your hair to prevent disrupting the curl pattern and causing frizz.

How to Plop Your Hair Like a Pro

1. Choose Your Plopping Technique

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to plopping—different techniques deliver different results, and the best method depends on your hair type and styling goals.

Professional Stylist Felicia shares some of her go-to plopping methods and how they work:

Wet Plopping:

Soaking wet hair is placed into a shower cap, either before or after applying stylers. 

Net Plopping:

Hair is placed inside a fishnet or hair net while drying. 

@itshif3licia Net plopping 101 not to be confused with t-shirt plopping or wet plopping #ploppingtutorial #DidYouYawn #fishnetstockings #hairhacks #curlystyling #curlstylingroutine #amazinghair #frizzyhair #wetstyling #wetvsdryhair ♬ BILLIE EILISH. - Armani White

2. Position Your Hair for Maximum Definition

• Lay your T-shirt, towel, net, or cap on a flat surface or hold it open in your hands.

• Lower your curls into the center of the fabric, letting them naturally fall into place.

• Use your hands to gently guide hair into a loose “plop”, keeping your curl pattern intact.

3. Secure Your Plop for Frizz-Free Drying

• Gather the edges of your fabric, net, or cap around your head.

• Secure with a loose knot, hair tie, or by tucking in the ends—just tight enough to hold but not so tight it flattens curls.

• If net plopping, ensure the net is snug but breathable for volume and definition.

4. Unwrap & Reveal Your Perfect Curls

• After 30 minutes (for damp styling) or once fully dry, gently remove the plop.

• Undo the knot or untie the hair tie and carefully lift away the fabric—letting curls fall naturally.

• Avoid brushing or running fingers through immediately to maintain maximum definition and frizz control.

💡 Pro Tip: If curls need extra bounce, scrunch in a curl-refreshing mist like Shook Mix + Fix Bundling Spray to reactivate curl formation without buildup.

Read more about curl care on the Color Wow Blog:

• How to Care for Fine, Curly Hair
• How to Sleep with Curly Hair
• How to Straighten Curly Hair