“Hair plopping is the new term for an old technique of towel-drying wavy or curly hair,” says Annie Rush, a senior stylist at the Marie Robinson Salon in New York City. “It’s the simplest way of getting the best frizz-free and natural air-dry. The process is easy and can also be applied to straight hair if you want a more lived-in, bohemian texture.” So, what is hair plopping? As the name implies, you plop your hair into a towel or T-shirt and roll the fabric around your head like a turban. Your curls are thus “accordioned” on the top of your head, helping them keep their defined, spiral shape after they dry. And the best part? Plopping requires no heat and shortens drying time, so you’re ready in 10 to 20 minutes. If you’re ready to give your hair its best plop, here is the effortless three-step routine. Rush recommends Virtue Moisture-Defining Whip ($18; sephora.com) or Shu Uemura Kaze Wave Curl and Wave Defining Hair Mousse ($41; sephora.com). “They’re both alcohol-free oil-based foams,” she says. “This will hydrate your curls and give it lightweight bounce without leaving behind any crunch like old-school mousses.” If using a towel, lay it horizontally on a counter or bed and follow the same steps, wrapping the ends of the towel around your head and twisting excess material before tucking it under the back of the towel. But beware: “Not all towels work well for hair plopping,” warns Rush. “The best one on the market is DevaCurl’s Devatwist Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel Wrap.” ($24; ulta.com) It’s lightweight and helps draw out the moisture so the weight of the towel isn’t sitting heavy on your curls while you’re getting ready. RELATED: I Tried the Curly Girl Method on My Wavy Hair, and I’m Never Going Back
