Towel to Dry Hair

Woman with her hair wrapped in a towel
Photo: StoryTime Studio/Shutterstock
Q: Can I use any towel to dry my hair without damaging it? Any tips you can give on how to towel dry hair?
 
A: While proper technique is the most important part of drying your hair, the type of towel you use does make a difference. Standard bath towels have raised fabric loops that can snag fragile hair cuticles and create friction, making smoother options (like microfiber towels or soft cotton T-shirts) a better choice. However, even with a standard towel, using the right technique will minimize damage.
 
The key is to understand how hair is constructed. Each strand of hair is covered with overlapping scales, much like roof tiles, called the cuticle layer. When hair gets wet, it swells and absorbs water, making it significantly weaker and more vulnerable to damage. When the cuticle lies flat, the hair looks shinier and is less likely to tangle or break. When the cuticle is roughed up by excessive rubbing or rough handling, the hair becomes more prone to damage.
 

Remove Excess Water First and Blot

After you've rinsed your hair or stepped out of the shower, start by gently running your fingers through your hair from the scalp to the ends. This helps remove tangles while allowing excess water to drain away naturally. Then, gently squeeze sections of your hair with your hands to remove as much water as possible before reaching for a towel.
 
Next, use a clean, dry towel (ideally microfiber or smooth cotton) to blot the hair rather than rubbing it. Pat the scalp and roots first, where moisture tends to collect. Avoid vigorously scrubbing the hair back and forth, as this can lift the cuticle and create unnecessary friction.
 
Continue by pressing the lengths of your hair between folds of the towel to absorb additional moisture. If you have long, thick, or very dense hair, you may find it helpful to use two towels, replacing the first once it becomes saturated. If your hair is short, simply grasp small sections with the towel and gently squeeze to soak up the remaining water.
 
How to dry your hair with your fingers and a towel
 

Wrap Your Hair Loosely and Handle It Gently

Once you've removed most of the excess moisture, you can wrap your hair loosely in the towel for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the fabric to continue wicking away water without exposing the hair to unnecessary friction. Avoid twisting the towel tightly around your head so that it pulls on the hair, especially if your hair is long or fragile.
 
Remember that wet hair is at its weakest. Handle it as gently as possible. The less pulling, stretching, and rubbing you do while it's wet, the healthier your hair is likely to remain.
 
If you plan to blow-dry your hair afterward, removing as much moisture as possible with the towel first will reduce drying time. This means your hair spends less time exposed to direct heat, which also helps minimize long-term damage.
 

Do You Need a Special Hair Towel?

Products designed specifically to help dry hair safely - including microfiber towels and specialty hair wraps - are genuinely beneficial. Their smooth weave absorbs water efficiently while creating far less friction than traditional bath towels. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone, particularly those with fine, curly, or fragile hair.
 
However, if you only have a standard bath towel, you can still dry your hair safely by being extra careful with your method. Gentleness and proper technique will go a long way in keeping your hair healthy.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
How to wrap a towel in a turban-fashion
 
Fragile wet hair
 
Should you not brush hair when wet?