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I have been using the method plunking or plopping for curly hair to take care of my curls naturally and have healthier hair in general. Keep reading to learn more about how to plunk for curly hair.
What is Plunking for Curly Hair?
“Plunking” is a technique used by people with curly hair to help enhance their natural curl pattern and reduce frizz. It involves gently placing wet or damp hair onto a cloth or t-shirt and wrapping it around the head to encourage the curls to form and set in place as the hair dries.
Here’s how to plunk curly hair:
- Start with freshly washed hair. Apply your preferred leave-in conditioner or styling product to wet or damp hair to help define and hydrate the curls.
- Lay a soft, absorbent cloth or a cotton t-shirt on a flat surface. The cloth should be large enough to wrap around your head comfortably.
- Lean forward and lower your hair onto the cloth, allowing your curls to naturally fall onto the fabric.
- Use the cloth to gently scrunch and gather your hair towards the scalp, encouraging the curls to form and clump together.
- Once all the hair is gathered onto the cloth, wrap the cloth around your head, securing it in place with the ends tied or tucked.
- Allow your hair to air dry while it’s wrapped in the cloth. You can leave it wrapped for as long as needed, depending on how long it takes for your hair to dry completely.
- Once your hair is dry, gently unwrap the cloth and release your curls. You should notice more defined, bouncy curls with reduced frizz.
Plunking is particularly popular among those with curly or wavy hair who follow the Curly Girl Method, a hair care approach that emphasizes using sulfate-free, silicone-free products and techniques to enhance natural curls and minimize damage. I have been using this method to take care of my curly hair for years now.
Watch the video to learn how to plunk for curly hair.
@grassfedmama How to PLUNK for curly hair ?? ##curlyhairroutine ##tiktokpartner ##learnontiktok ##naturalcurlschallenge ##curlyhairchallenge
♬ BATHTIME MAMBO – Dug
I get asked a lot about my curls… Believe it or not my hair used to be curlier before I became a mom (dang those pregnancy hormones!)
But, I still want to show off the natural curls and waves I still have. Over the past few years, I have learned a few tips for having the best frizz free curls!
How to Plunk for Curly Hair
One of my best tips is to Plunk (or Plop) Your Hair. Watch How you can start doing this today too for better curls:
Tips for Naturally Beautiful Curls
Here are some additional tips for caring for naturally curly hair:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates can strip the natural oils from curly hair, leading to dryness and frizz. Opt for sulfate-free or gentle cleansers that won’t overly dry out your curls.
- Condition regularly: Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the natural oils have a harder time traveling down the length of the hair shaft. Use a moisturizing conditioner regularly to keep your curls hydrated and soft.
- Deep condition: Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine to provide extra hydration and nourishment to your curls. Look for deep conditioners that are specifically formulated for curly hair and contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
- Detangle gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your curls while your hair is wet and coated with conditioner. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to minimize breakage and damage.
- Avoid heat styling: Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can cause damage to curly hair, leading to frizz and breakage. Embrace your natural texture and try to minimize the use of heat styling tools as much as possible.
- Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to dry your hair: Regular towels can cause friction and frizz when drying curly hair. Instead, use a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to gently blot excess water from your curls without disrupting their natural pattern.
- Apply styling products while hair is wet: To enhance and define your curls, apply styling products like curl creams, gels, or mousses while your hair is still wet. This will help lock in moisture and encourage your curls to form more defined ringlets. This is the brand of curling cream I use.
- Avoid brushing dry curls: Brushing curly hair when it’s dry can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently style and shape your curls while they’re dry.
- Protect your hair while sleeping: To prevent friction and frizz while you sleep, consider using a satin or silk pillowcase or wrapping your hair in a satin or silk scarf or bonnet.
- Regular trims: Keep your curls looking their best by getting regular trims to remove split ends and prevent breakage. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks, or as needed, to maintain healthy-looking curls.
By following these tips and embracing your natural curls, you can keep your hair looking healthy, hydrated, and beautiful.
Do you have curly hair? What are your best tips for having beautiful curls?
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