You’ve just finished wash day. Your curls are freshly styled, your leave-in has worked its magic, and now comes the big question: how should you dry your hair? For many curlies, drying isn’t just a step — it’s the make-or-break moment for how your curls will look and feel until the next wash.

Two of the most popular drying methods, plopping and diffusing, have stirred up endless debates in the curly community. One involves wrapping your curls up in a cocoon; the other calls on a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. Both promise enhanced curl definition and reduced frizz — but which one actually delivers the best results for your hair?

This guide takes a deep dive into both methods. We’ll compare their benefits, how they suit different curl types, and the science behind why they work — or don’t. Whether you’re new to curly hair care or looking to switch things up, you’ll walk away knowing exactly which method deserves a spot in your routine.

What Is Plopping?

A woman in a beige shirt and blue towel wraps raises her hands in a bright pink room filled with cosmetics and a mirror.

A Low-Tech, High-Impact Curl Drying Technique

Plopping involves wrapping your wet curls in a soft fabric (usually a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel) to remove excess moisture while preserving your curl pattern and reducing frizz.

You simply flip your head forward, gently “plop” your hair into the centre of the fabric, and tie it up like a turban. This allows curls to dry upward and in shape, instead of being weighed down or stretched.

Why It Works

  • Reduces frizz by minimising friction from terrycloth towels
  • Encourages curl clumping and definition
  • Gently absorbs water without disturbing your curl formation
  • Hands-off approach — great for low-maintenance drying

Best For:

  • Curl patterns 2B to 3C
  • High-porosity or frizz-prone hair
  • Anyone who wants to air-dry with minimal manipulation

What Is Diffusing?

A woman uses a pink hair scalp massager while sitting at a table with essential oils and plants in a bright, cozy space.

The Curly Girl’s Blow-Drying Upgrade

Diffusing involves using a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to gently circulate warm air around your curls. Unlike direct heat, the diffuser disperses airflow evenly, reducing disruption to your curl pattern.

It’s ideal when you’re short on time or looking for volume, speed, and definition all at once.

Why It Works

  • Cuts drying time significantly
  • Boosts root volume when used with head upside down
  • Enhances curl shape when dried in a scrunching position
  • Customisable — you control the heat, airflow, and technique

Best For:

  • Medium to thick curls (Type 3A–4A)
  • Low-porosity hair that takes forever to dry
  • Busy schedules or cold climates

Head-to-Head: Plopping vs. Diffusing

Let’s break it down by key curly hair needs:

Category Plopping Diffusing
Drying Time Slower (air-drying reliant) Fast (10–30 mins, depending on technique)
Curl Definition Excellent for loose to medium curls Great for medium to tight curls
Frizz Control High — fabric prevents flyaways Moderate — heat can introduce some frizz
Volume Mild — can flatten roots High — especially when diffusing upside down
Ease of Use Simple, no tools needed Requires a dryer and diffuser attachment
Portability Very portable (T-shirt and go) Requires access to electricity and equipment
Damage Potential None (no heat involved) Low to moderate depending on heat setting

Which Works Best?

If you’re air-drying overnight…

Plopping is your go-to. After applying your products, wrap your curls in a microfibre towel and let the fabric soak up excess moisture while you sleep. You’ll wake up to well-shaped curls with less frizz, though you may need a little refreshing.

Want a full overnight care plan? Learn about protecting your curls overnight without frizz to maintain moisture and curl shape.

If you need to get out the door fast…

Diffusing saves the day. Use a low heat, low airflow setting, and hover diffuse or scrunch-dry until 80–90% dry. This gives you lift at the roots and bounce through the ends — in a fraction of the time.

If your curls are undefined or stretched…

Plopping helps restore natural curl clumps, especially if your hair was brushed out pre-wash. It “resets” your pattern by drying it in a scrunched, elevated position.

If your roots fall flat…

Diffusing wins here. Flipping your head upside down while drying the roots encourages volume and bounce, particularly helpful for those with heavy or dense hair.

How Long Should You Plop or Diffuse?

Plopping

  • 10–20 minutes is ideal if you’re going to air-dry afterwards
  • 30–45 minutes if your hair holds a lot of water or you want a no-heat dry
  • Avoid plopping for too long — it can lead to scalp odour or over-compression of roots

Diffusing

  • 10 minutes for a quick set and go
  • 20–30 minutes for full drying
  • Use the cool shot button at the end to seal the cuticle and reduce frizz

Some curlies use both — a 20-minute plop followed by 10 minutes of diffusing for the best of both worlds.

Choosing Based on Curl Type and Porosity

A person with curly hair receives a hairstyle treatment from another, surrounded by greenery in a bright indoor space.

Type 2 (Wavy)

  • Best method: Plopping
  • Why: Lightweight waves don’t need much drying help; plopping helps keep definition without weighing hair down

Type 3 (Curly)

  • Best method: Either, or both
  • Why: Plopping maintains definition, while diffusing builds volume and helps finish drying

Type 4 (Coily)

  • Best method: Diffusing
  • Why: Coils benefit from structured drying to reduce shrinkage and maintain styling shape (twist-outs, etc.)

Looking to layer your drying method into a full care system? Explore how to build a simple curly hair regimen for consistency and healthy results.

Pros and Cons Summary

Plopping Pros:

  • Zero heat damage
  • Simple, travel-friendly
  • Great for beginners and sensitive curls
  • Encourages natural curl clumping

Plopping Cons:

  • Can flatten roots if overdone
  • Slower drying time
  • Doesn’t add volume on its own

Diffusing Pros:

  • Faster drying
  • Boosts volume and lift
  • Customisable temperature settings
  • Sets curl shape more firmly

Diffusing Cons:

  • Requires tools
  • Potential for heat damage if not used carefully
  • Can create frizz if the airflow is too strong

Conclusion: Which One Wins?

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Plopping and diffusing are both effective, but how well they work depends on your curl type, your lifestyle, and your desired outcome.

  • If you’re after ease, gentleness, and defined curl clumps, start with plopping.
  • If you’re rushing out the door or want volume and a quicker dry, go for diffusing.
  • And if you’re somewhere in the middle? Combine both and customise based on the day.

What matters most is finding what your curls respond to best. If you want to go a step further, detangling curly hair without damage before drying ensures your curls form clean, defined clumps without frizz.

So test both, tweak your approach, and embrace the beauty of discovering what works for your curls.