Plopping Hair Guide

Okay, let’s talk about plopping. If you have curly or wavy hair and you’re still twisting it up in a rough, heavy bath towel, we need to have a chat. Like, right now. Plopping is the secret to getting those perfectly defined, frizz-free curls you see all over your feed, and it’s ridiculously easy.

The whole idea behind the plopping hair technique is to gently “accordion” your wet, product-coated curls on top of your head in a soft T-shirt or microfiber towel. This lets them dry in their natural shape without gravity stretching them out or a terrycloth towel roughing them up. The result? Insane volume at the root and curls that are actually clumped and defined.

I’ve tested dozens of towels and stylers to perfect my plopping routine. So, if you’re ready to learn how to plop curly hair and get the bounciest curls of your life, keep scrolling. I’ve got the exact products and steps you need.

 

 

The Best Towels for Plopping Hair

DevaCurl DevaTowel

The DevaCurl DevaTowel will set you back $25. This thing is an absolute classic for a reason. My friends with curly and wavy hair swear by it, and after using it for a month, I totally get the hype. It’s made of a super soft microfiber that feels like a cloud and is way more gentle than a standard towel.

The texture is perfect for soaking up excess water without causing frizz or messing with your curl pattern. I noticed my hair dried way faster and my curls looked so much more defined after plopping with this. It’s also huge, so it can handle even my longest, thickest hair days.

The Downside: It only comes in a single pack, which is kind of a bummer. I wish I could buy a two-pack so I always have a clean one ready to go.

 

 

Volo Hero Microfiber Hair Towel

This luxe towel is a bit of a splurge at $48. But OMG, it is worth it. The Volo Hero is so plush and thick, it literally cuts my air-dry time in half. This is the towel I reach for when I’m in a hurry but still want my curls to look amazing.

What I really love is the little elastic strap that keeps it perfectly secure on my head. I can do my makeup, make coffee, and chase my dog around without it budging an inch. It’s incredibly soft and I’ve noticed way less breakage since I started using it for my plopping routine.

The Downside: I noticed a tiny bit of shedding before its first wash, so definitely give it a spin in the machine before you use it.

 

 

Aquis Microfiber Hair Towel

At just $20, the Aquis towel is a total steal. This is my go-to for travel because it’s so incredibly lightweight and compact. It dries super fast and doesn’t take up a ton of space in my suitcase, which is a major win.

Don’t let its thin feel fool you—this towel is an absorbent powerhouse. It smooths my curls and helps my products sink in without leaving my hair soaking wet. It’s perfect for plopping short to medium-length hair without feeling bulky or heavy.

The Downside: If you have super long or thick hair, you might find this one a little too small to get a secure wrap.

 

 

Crown Affair The Hair Towel

Okay, at $59, this is pure luxury. The Crown Affair towel feels like something you’d find at a five-star spa. The waffle-knit microfiber is beyond soft and it looks so chic hanging in my bathroom. This is the one I use when I’m having a full-on self-care Sunday.

Beyond its looks, it actually performs. It seriously cuts down on frizz and static, leaving my curls looking so shiny and feeling incredibly soft. The little loop is also great for keeping it fastened while my hair sets.

The Downside: The elastic band used to secure it can stretch out a bit over time if you’re not careful with it.

 

 

Bouclème Curl Towel

For $36, you can get this dreamy cotton-bamboo blend towel. If you’re into the T-shirt plopping method, this is basically the upgraded version of that. It’s made from a mix of cotton, bamboo, and elastane that feels just like your softest, most loved tee.

I found this towel left my curls with the perfect amount of moisture—not too dry, not too wet. It seriously enhanced my curl definition to the point where I didn’t even need to diffuse afterward. It just creates these perfect, juicy curl clumps every single time.

The Downside: It’s definitely pricier than just using an old T-shirt, but the results are so much better.

 

 

The Best Products to Use Before You Plop

OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother

A bottle of this magic costs $30. I rake a pea-sized amount of this styling cream through my soaking wet hair before I even think about plopping. It’s my secret weapon against humidity and frizz, especially during gross, sticky summer days.

It’s a leave-in cream that not only smooths and moisturizes but also helps repair broken bonds in your hair. My curls feel stronger and look so much healthier when I use this consistently. It adds the perfect amount of slip and control without ever weighing my hair down.

The Downside: It contains some ingredients that aren’t strictly Curly Girl Method-approved, so if you’re a purist, you might want to skip this one.

 

 

Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam

You can grab this for $28. If your fine or wavy hair falls flat easily, you need this foam in your life. It’s an Allure Best of Beauty winner for a reason! It gives me so much lift at the root without any of that stiff, crunchy feeling.

I apply a few pumps to my wet hair, scrunch it in, and then plop for about 20 minutes. When I take the towel off, my roots are already lifted and my waves have so much more body and texture. Plus, it’s packed with organic ingredients like aloe and honey, which my hair loves.

The Downside: You really need to emulsify it in your hands with a little water before applying to make sure it spreads evenly through your hair.

 

 

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

This anti-frizz hero is priced at $28. I was skeptical about using this for plopping at first, but wow. I completely saturate my wet hair with this spray, scrunch, and then plop as usual. It creates this invisible shield that locks out humidity for days.

My curls are so defined, bouncy, and completely frizz-free when I use this as my base. It doesn’t feel like there’s anything in my hair at all—it’s totally weightless. It makes my curls look like glass.

The Downside: The brand says you get the best results when you activate it with a little bit of heat, so I usually hover my diffuser for a few minutes after I un-plop my hair.

 

 

The Bottom Line on Plopping

So, is the plopping method for curly hair actually worth the extra step? One hundred percent, yes. It has totally changed my hair routine for the better. It takes maybe 30 seconds to wrap your hair up, and you can leave it for 10 minutes or an hour while you go about your morning.

It’s the easiest way to get more definition, less frizz, and a faster drying time. All you need is the right towel and a good styling product to lock it all in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to that old, heavy bath towel again.