Scrunch & Plop: Game-Changing Techniques for Styling Curly Hair

If you're looking for bouncy, defined, and frizz-free curls, mastering scrunching and plopping can take your curly hair routine to the next level! These two styling techniques help enhance curl formation, reduce frizz, and promote long-lasting volume. Rizos Curls has everything you need no matter the technique you pick create those  frizz free, long lasting waves and curls!

What is Scrunching?

Scrunching is a technique used to enhance and define curls by pressing and lifting the hair upwards toward the scalp to encourage texture and definition. It helps shape waves and  curls naturally while reducing frizz and adding volume. Best technique is to  scrunch wet hair that has product applied but has not been diffused.

How to Scrunch Your Hair for Perfect Curls:

1️⃣ Apply Product: After washing your hair, apply a leave-in, defining styler, and a hold enhancing gel to soaking wet or generously damp hair.

2️⃣ Flip Your Hair: Tilt your head forward or to the side.

3️⃣ Scrunch Upward: Using your hands or a microfiber towel ( Rizos Curls Microfiber Towel + Wrap), gently cup sections of your hair and push them toward your scalp, squeezing lightly.

4️⃣ Repeat Until Defined: Scrunch all over your hair, ensuring even product distribution.

5️⃣ Let It Dry: Air dry or diffuse using low heat for best results.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using a hold enhancing gel, let your hair fully dry, then scrunch out the crunch (SOTC) for soft, bouncy curls without any stiffness using an oil like Rizos Curls Nourish Oil. The oil will gently break any cast and lend a brilliant finishing shine to your hair.

What is Plopping?

Plopping is a drying technique that helps set curls while reducing frizz and absorbing excess moisture. It involves wrapping your hair in a T-shirt or microfiber towel, like Rizos Curls Microfiber Towel + Wrap, to enhance curl definition and prevent water from weighing down your curls.

Plopping is a heat-free drying technique that helps:
✅ Enhance curl definition
✅ Reduce frizz & breakage
✅ Speed up drying time
✅ Maintain volume & bounce

By wrapping wet hair in a soft fabric, plopping prevents water from stretching out your curls while absorbing excess moisture—without causing frizz.

How to Plop Your Hair for Maximum Curl Definition:

1️⃣ Start with Wet Hair: After applying your curl-enhancing products, flip your head forward.

2️⃣ Lay Down a T-Shirt or Microfiber Towel: Place a long-sleeved cotton T-shirt (or microfiber towel) on a flat surface.

3️⃣ Place Your Hair in the Fabric: Lower your curls onto the center of the shirt/towel, allowing them to fold naturally.

4️⃣ Wrap & Secure: Fold the fabric over the back of your head and twist the sleeves to tie at the nape of your neck.

5️⃣ Wait It Out: Leave it on for 15-30 minutes (or overnight for more volume).

6️⃣ Unwrap & Style: Remove the towel and let your curls air-dry or diffuse for extra bounce.

💡Pro Tip: Avoid regular cotton towels! The tiny loops in cotton towels create friction, causing frizz, curl disruption and breakage. 

Why Use the Rizos Curls Microfiber Towel + Wrap for Scrunching or Plopping?

Not all towels are created equal! Traditional cotton towels can cause friction, frizz, and breakage, which is why microfiber is the best choice for curly hair.

🚫 Regular Cotton Loop Towels:
❌ Cause frizz & rough up hair cuticles
❌ Absorb too much moisture, leaving hair dry
❌ Flatten curls & disturb natural texture

✨ Rizos Curls Microfiber Towel + Wrap Benefits:

✔️ Ultra-soft & absorbent – Gently dries curls without over-stripping moisture.
✔️ Frizz-free drying – No rough fibers that disrupt curl patterns.
✔️ Lightweight & secure – Stays in place while you get ready.
✔️ Perfect for plopping & wrapping – Designed for curly, coily, and wavy hair.

It's also a generous size to cover different lengths of hair with ease and its super cute in a warm sage green color!

Scrunch vs. Plop: Which One Should You Use?

🌀Scrunching: Ideal for curl enhancement, volume, and soft definition.
💦Plopping: Great for reducing drying time, improving definition, and minimizing frizz.

For the best results, combine both! Plop first to set curls, then scrunch after drying to shape and enhance them.

If you want frizz-free, defined, and voluminous curls, scrunching and plopping are the ultimate styling hacks! The Rizos Curls Microfiber Towel + Wrap makes it effortless by gently absorbing excess water and helping you scrunch while keeping curls intact.

So why not ditch the rough towels and embrace scrunching and plopping for perfect curls? Try it today and let us know how it transforms your hair!