As summer approaches in May 2025, those with curly hair face the eternal challenge: how to dry those gorgeous locks while preserving their natural bounce and definition. Two techniques stand at the forefront of curly hair care: plopping and diffusing. Which method will serve your curls best during these warmer months? Let’s dive into these popular drying techniques and find the perfect solution for your summer hair routine.
What exactly is plopping and why does it work?
Plopping is a heat-free drying technique that involves wrapping wet curly hair in a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel. Instead of traditional towel-drying that creates friction and frizz, plopping allows curls to dry in their natural coiled position. This gentle method has become increasingly popular among those seeking to add volume to aging hair without heat damage.
“Plopping works because it lets your curls dry in their most compact, springy form,” explains Dr. Natalie Richardson, trichologist at Curl Research Institute. “It’s like giving your curls a cozy nest to form their shape without gravity pulling them down.”
The art of diffusing: Speed with a touch of volume
Diffusing involves using a specialized attachment on your hair dryer that disperses air flow, allowing curls to dry with minimal disruption. This technique is particularly effective for those looking to add volume to fine hair while maintaining definition.
The diffuser acts like a gentle breeze rather than a hurricane on your delicate curl structure. By supporting the curls in the diffuser cup and drying them in their natural position, you can achieve bounce and volume that air-drying alone might not provide.
Plopping benefits for summer hair care
- Zero heat damage – perfect for sun-exposed summer hair
- Reduced frizz in humid conditions
- Enhanced natural curl pattern without manipulation
- Convenient for beach days or pool time
One patient with severe heat damage once told me she saw remarkable improvement after switching to plopping exclusively for six weeks. “My curls seemed to remember their natural pattern,” she noted. This healing quality makes plopping ideal for summer recovery routines when hair faces increased environmental stress.
Diffusing advantages that might surprise you
- Quicker drying time – essential for busy summer mornings
- Better root volume – creates airy, lifted styles
- More styling control and definition
- Versatility for different curl types
Women who’ve tried techniques to restore volume to aging hair often find diffusing provides immediate results, especially when targeting the crown area.
The perfect hybrid approach for summer 2025
Many curl specialists now recommend a combination approach: start with 10-15 minutes of plopping to remove excess moisture and set your curl pattern, then finish with gentle diffusing on a low heat setting for volume and faster drying.
“Think of it as a tag-team approach,” suggests celebrity stylist Marcus Chen. “Plopping lays the foundation like a gardener planting seeds, while diffusing helps those curls bloom and flourish with just the right amount of encouragement.”
Transitioning styles and seasonal adaptation
Those growing out short hair or transitioning between lengths will find different benefits from each method. Shorter styles often benefit from the volumizing effects of diffusing, while those with growing out hair after 60 might appreciate the gentle nature of plopping.
Your perfect summer curl formula
The ideal drying technique ultimately depends on your unique curl pattern, hair density, and lifestyle needs. Fine, looser curls often benefit from the volume-boosting properties of diffusing, while tight coils and very fragile hair might prefer the no-heat approach of plopping.
As summer temperatures rise, consider which method best addresses your primary hair concerns. Is it frizz control? Volume? Definition? Or perhaps the convenience of a faster drying time? Your answer will guide you to your perfect curl drying technique for the sunny days ahead.