When it comes time to wring out your wet hair after washing it, not all towels are created equal. In fact, for certain hair textures (natural, coily, and curly hair types, we're looking at you in particular), traditional terrycloth towels can disrupt the hair's natural curl pattern and remove too much moisture. Even if you have straight or wavy hair, the rough texture and high absorbency of a classic bath towel can create frizz and even worsen split ends by creating breakage along the hair shaft.
Instead, try using a towel made from microfiber material the next time you're looking to dry off your hair. "Microfiber hair towels are much more gentle on the hair, preventing frizz and maintaining the hair's hydration," says hairstylist Nubia Rëzo, the founder of rëzo Haircare and the NYC-based rëzo Salon.
Meet the Expert
Nubia Rëzo is the founder of rëzo Haircare and rëzo Salon, an NYC-based salon specializing in luxury textured hair care.
How to Use a Microfiber Towel
Exactly how you use a microfiber hair towel will depend on the style of the towel and your hair type. In general, though, Rëzo notes that "microfiber material is good for all hair textures." So don't feel like you need textured hair to reap the benefits of this hair essential.
If you're using a rectangular-shaped microfiber hair towel, you'll simply flip your wet hair over and wrap it into the towel just like you would with a classic cotton towel. You can also use a microfiber hair turban or hair wrap, which typically comes with an elastic loop that secures the twisted end to a button on the back of the head, making it super easy to do other things (like your makeup) while the hair dries in the towel.
If you're using a microfiber hair towel to plop your hair, Rëzo has a special word of advice for coily hair types: "Coily hair types you should not plop too long with microfiber towels since it will take away too much hydration—you need to maintain definition."
Ready to find the best microfiber hair towel to cut down on drying time and unlock your best hair yet? Below are 10 microfiber hair towels we recommend.
The 10 Best Microfiber Hair Towels
1. Best Overall: KITSCH Microfiber Hair Towel
If you're planning to leave your towel on for a while after you step out of the shower, you might as well find one that has a cute pattern. Not only does KITSCH's microfiber hair wrap come in a variety of fun prints, but it's also ultra-soft, gentle on the hair, and features a stretch elastic trim that can accommodate all hair lengths.
2. Best for Curly Hair: DEVACURL DevaTowel®
Looking for a hair towel that's designed specifically for curly hair types? This bestseller from DEVACURL, the curly hair experts, is a great go-to. While it's more absorbent than a t-shirt (a popular DIY method), it's less drying than a regular towel, creating the perfect happy medium for delicate curls. It's also machine washable and includes a loop to hang it up for easy drying.
3. Best for Plopping Overnight: COCO & EVE Microfibre Hair Towel Wrap
If you tend to plop your hair and leave it wrapped overnight to dry, you can count on this hair wrap towel to feel comfortable while you sleep while also protecting your pillowcase from being stained by any hair products (like leave-in conditioner) that you applied before wrapping up the hair. Take off this microfiber fabric wrap in the morning to reveal hair that's free of frizz, friction, and fly-aways.
4. Best Fast-Drying Microfiber Hair Towel: AQUIS Rapid Dry Lisse Hair Wrap
Here's the perfect hair towel for when you need dry hair in rapid time—without causing friction or damage. The quick-dry magic of this towel is all thanks to AQUIS' proprietary AQUITEX™ fabric, a special material that's woven into channels that move water away from your hair quickly and evenly, all without any friction or heat. If you're doing your best to steer clear of your hair dryer, this towel is the move.
5. Best for Long Hair: TURBIE TWIST Microfiber Hair Towel
If you're rocking long hair, some microfiber hair wraps may not be quite long enough to hold all your hair without having to fold it back in on itself (which could result in a longer drying time and wacky curl patterns). However, the XL version of this classic hair towel is designed just for you. With nearly 5 extra inches, the towel makes it easy to wrap up your long locks so that they dry in no time.
6. Best for Thick Hair: VOLO The Volo Hero Towel
When it comes to microfiber towels for thick hair, it's a delicate balance: you want something that's absorbent enough to actually remove all the excess water from your wet hair, but not something that's going to remove too much. Enter, this hair essential. While it's super absorbent for a microfiber towel, it'll remove just the right amount of moisture so that the hair can air-dry quickly without creating frizz.
7. Best for Frizz Hair: ACT AND ACRE Intelligent Hair Towel
So, frizzy hair tends to be your number one beauty woe, huh? You might want to consider a waffle knit hair towel. This microfiber hair essential is particularly low friction, meaning it'll go the extra mile to keep frizz to a minimum. Try adding a frizz-fighting hair serum to the hair before wrapping it up in the towel and you may never see a flyaway again.
8. Best Towel + Shower Cap Set: KITSCH Shower Cap & Hair Towel Bundle
Two essentials for the days when you don't need to wash your hair and for the days when you do. Plus, who doesn't love a matching set? Grab this set for yourself or it'd be the perfect gift for your favorite hair-obsessed friend.
9. Best for Damaged Hair: AQUIS Rapid Dry Double Layer Hair Wrap
If using a microfiber towel is part of your haircare plan to restore the health of your strands, you're gonna want to check out this multitasking, double-layered towel. One side is made of the brand's AQUITEX™ fabric, which is proven to strengthen while it dries hair in half the time. The other side features a charmeuse material. Wear this side against your hair if you're going to sleep in the hair wrap to avoid bedhead and wake up to healthy, shiny, frizz-free hair.
10. Best Microfiber Alternative: ETTITUDE Waffle Hair Towel
If you're going to veer away from microfiber material, try this towel made from 100% bamboo fiber. ETTITUDE's CleanBamboo™ waffle weave fabric is hypoallergenic, earth-friendly, and great at removing excess moisture while keeping frizz and friction under control. Plus, it's just stretchy enough to work for all different hair types and hair lengths.
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