Plop Method: Curly Hair Care At Home For Sewn-In Weft Extensions
Curly hair can be a beautiful cascade of twirls and spirals, but it often requires a keen approach to maintenance, especially when you’re rocking sewn-in weft extensions. The “plop” method is a tried and true technique for enhancing the natural beauty of your curls without being too harsh on your extensions. Here’s how you can nail down a routine that keeps both your curls and extensions in glamorous form!
Understanding the Plop Method
The “plop” method is a gentle drying technique designed to minimize frizz while maximizing curl definition. It involves wrapping wet hair in a soft, absorbent cloth to help set the curls without disrupting their pattern. For those with extensions, this method is a divine match as it avoids tugging and pulling that can come from more traditional drying methods.
Step-by-Step Guide to Plopping with Extensions
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing
Maintaining hair extensions involves a specific hair care routine to ensure their longevity and your scalp’s health. Here’s a step-by-step guide to shampooing your extensions effectively.
- Brush Before Washing: Always brush your hair thoroughly before getting it wet. This helps to remove any tangles and distribute natural oils from your scalp. Brushing before washing your hair, it’s essential to detangle it to prevent breakage and damage. Start by brushing your hair from the ends upwards, using gentle strokes to avoid pulling on the strands. Always brush away from the scalp to avoid causing any damage or discomfort. Be sure to use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles to avoid snagging your hair.
- Wet Your Hair: Start by thoroughly wetting your hair with warm water. This will help the shampoo to spread more evenly across your scalp and extensions.
- Apply Shampoo: Use the recommended Cuticle Lisse shampoo. Apply it to your scalp, between the tracks, and through the extensions.
Helpful Tip: Fill a squeezable applicator bottle with water and add approximately 2 tablespoons of shampoo. Shake it well, then squeeze the mixture between tracks and all over your hair and extensions for even distribution. - Create Lather: Add more water to create a larger lather to help distribute the shampoo evenly.
- Scrub Your Scalp: Thoroughly scrub your scalp. Squeeze the shampoo into your extensions instead of rubbing it, to prevent tangling.
- Track Cleaning: Ensure you are thoroughly scrubbing shampoo in between your tracks. Once your extensions loosen up, you can use the base of the track by moving it up and down to scrub your scalp.
- Rinse and Repeat: Rinse out the shampoo completely. Repeat the shampooing process up to two times depending on how often you wash your hair. Proper scrubbing and rinsing are crucial to avoid build-up, which can lead to itching.
- Use Clarifying Shampoo: Every third wash, use a clarifying shampoo to cleanse your scalp more deeply.
Step 2: Conditioning Your Hair Extensions
Conditioning is a crucial step for maintaining your extensions as they do not receive the natural nutrients produced by your scalp.
- Apply Conditioner: Use the recommended Cuticle Lisse conditioner. Apply it to the mid-section of your hair and to the ends.
- Distribute Evenly: Graze the left-over conditioner from your hand to the top of your head if needed, while avoiding the scalp and extension tracks. Applying conditioner at the base of the track can loosen your extensions faster, requiring more frequent maintenance.
- Deep Conditioning Masque: To prolong the longevity of your hair extensions, use a deep conditioning masque like the recommended Argan Oil Deep Conditioning Masque every two to three washes depending on your hair type.
Recommended Products
For optimal results and hair health, consider using:
- Cuticle Lisse Shampoo & Conditioner: Choose the one based on your hair type.
- Argan Oil Deep Conditioning Masque: Perfect for deep conditioning and maintaining healthy, shiny hair.
- Detox Shampoo: An excellent clarifying option for thorough scalp cleaning.
Click here to view products for curly hair.
By following these steps and using the right products, you can keep your hair extensions looking their best while maintaining a healthy scalp. Happy washing!
Brushing After Washing:
After washing your hair, use a brush to distribute the conditioner evenly and remove any tangles. Again, start at the ends and work your way upwards, using gentle strokes to avoid causing any damage. If you have long hair, you can use a detangler spray to help make the process easier.
Step 3: Prepare to “Plop”
Lay a soft, long-sleeve cotton t-shirt or a microfiber hair wrap flat on a counter or bed. Bend forward and lower your curls onto the center of the shirt or wrap, ensuring your hair is splayed out evenly.
Step 4: Wrap Your Hair
Take the bottom of the shirt or wrap and bring it to the nape of your neck. Then, take the sleeves or sides and twist them away from your face, bringing them to the back of your head and securing them securely, but without causing tension on the roots or extensions.
Step 5: Let Your Hair Set
Allow your hair to rest in the “plop” for 20 to 30 minutes. This should be enough time for your curls to set without your extensions becoming too damp.
Step 6: Air-Dry or Diffuse
After plopping, remove the shirt or wrap gently, and allow your hair to air-dry completely. If you’re short on time, using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer can speed up the process. Keep the heat setting on low and the dryer at a distance to protect your extensions.
IMPORTANT: To effectively avoid knots. Brush and remove knots from your hair in the shower while using conditioner. It is crucial to brush one section at a time, beginning from the top row and working your way down. Remember to securely clip each section out of the way before moving on to the next row. Failure to brush your hair properly in this manner may result in an abundance of tangles.
At-Home Maintenance Tips
Using the right products is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. When choosing a shampoo and conditioner, look for products that are specifically designed for your hair type and concerns. For example, if you have dry hair, look for products that are moisturizing and nourishing. If you have oily hair, choose products that are clarifying and balancing.
Techniques for Optimal Results:
To achieve the best results, follow these techniques:
1. Start at the ends and work your way upwards when brushing your hair before and after washing.
2. Use a wide-tooth comb or brush with soft bristles to avoid snagging your hair.
3. Use a detangler spray if you have long hair to make the process easier.
4. Choose the right products for your hair type and concerns.
5. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product buildup.
6. Use a silk pillowcase to prevent tangles and damage to your hair while sleeping.
Hydration is Key: Keep your curls and extensions moisturized. Spritz with water or a leave-in mixture, and seal with a light oil or serum every few days.
- Do not wear your hair in any tight hair styles for the first one to two weeks (machine wefts) of installation or maintenance appointments. This includes high ponytails and tight braids. Wearing your hair up too soon can result in pain and pulling leading to bald spots. If you purchased handtied or mini weft extensions, you are able to wear tight style much sooner.Helpful tip: Once the track loosens up and there is no tugging, you will be able to wear your hair up. It is never advised to wear your hair up if you feel pulling near your temples regardless of weft type.
- Professional Check-Ins: Schedule regular visits with your stylist to ensure your sewn-in wefts are holding up and to treat any potential issues before they become problematic. We recommend booking your retie maintenance appointment every six to eight weeks. Please keep in mind, many factors can determine how long you can go between retie maintenance appointments. Improper at home care is one of the main reasons for more frequent visits!
By incorporating the “plop” method into your at-home care routine, you’ll find managing your curly hair even with sewn-in weft extensions is a breeze. It’s all about being gentle and allowing your hair to thrive naturally. Embrace those curls and let your glamorous locks shine!
If you’re on the hunt for products tailored to enhance and nurture your unique locks, we warmly invite you to explore CuticleLisse.com. Our selection is crafted with your specific hair needs in mind, ensuring that you’ll find just the right concoction for your curls and extensions. Take a moment to discover the perfect products designed to elevate your hair care routine.
Watch our video on how to brush hair with extensions before & after washing.
