How do you wrap hair in a towel?

When wrapping your hair in a towel, O’Connor recommends first beginning with freshly washed hair that’s saturated with your styler or moisturizer of choice, then laying your towel out on a chair, bed, or countertop. “Flip your head forward and lay your hair in the center of the towel,” she says. “Then place half of the towel at the nape of your neck and gather the sides, bringing them around to the front. Next, roll the fabric in the front once or twice, folding it back over the crown of your head, tucking any hanging pieces back under the nape of the neck.” If your towel has a button or fastener, you’ll simply twist the towel back over the head to fasten in place, rather than tucking,

How do you plop hair with a towel?

If you're not familiar with plopping, it’s a hair-wrapping method used for curls that helps preserve their shape and reduce frizz. O’Connor recommends plopping the hair by following the same steps as above, being sure to either use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to wrap the hair. Just be sure to slowly lower your hair into the towel or t-shirt as you begin in order to preserve your natural curl pattern.

Are microfiber towels good for the hair?

According to O’Connor, microfiber towels are the best option for hair since they don’t cause friction. “They limit frizziness and gently keep the cuticle smoothed,” she says. “They’re also wonderful at absorbing excess water without overly drying out the hair.”

The 11 Best Hair Towels of 2023

The 11 Best Hair Towels of 2022 — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

When it comes to your start-to-finish hair care routine—we’re talking from washing to drying to styling—we’re willing to bet that the towel-drying part of the process is what gets the least attention. Understandably so, as it can admittedly feel like kind of a throw-away step, something that you do quickly and without much thought. But here’s the thing: Giving your hair a little extra TLC at this point can go a long way.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our best overall pick is the Volo Hero Microfiber Hair Towel, which is made with a super absorbent microfiber, stays in place easily, and is sized large enough to accommodate long hair. For a more affordable option, consider the Turbie Twist Microfiber Towel, which has a waffle weave texture to cut dry time in half.

“When hair is wet, it’s in its most fragile state and the most prone to breakage,” notes stylist Becca Panos. Strands are less elastic when they’re wet, she explains, making them more likely to snap. Specially created to be extra absorbent and gentle enough to prevent damage, hair towels help reduce frizz and speed up dry time.

We conducted hours of research on the best hair towels and tried out some of the best models on the market, our testers evaluating each on quality, absorbency, and value. We then combined these testing insights with stylist recommendations to compile a list of the best in show.

Ahead, find our favorite hair towels to leave your hair silky smooth.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Volo Hero Microfiber Hair Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Act+Acre Intelligent Hair Towel at Urban Outfitters

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Turbie Twist Microfiber Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Microfiber:

Youlertex Microfiber Hair Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Frizz Control:

DuraComfort Essentials Anti-Frizz Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Quick-Drying:

HOPESHINE Microfiber Turban at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Curly Hair:

DevaCurl DevaTowel

Jump to Review

Best for Long Hair:

Luxe Beauty Essentials Microfiber Hair Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Short Hair:

AQUIS Microfiber Hair Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best T-Shirt Towel:

Tee-Owel T-Shirt Towel at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched & Tested
Why Trust Byrdie

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Anthropologie

What We Like

Very effective
Softer and thicker than most
Stays in place

What We Don't Like

More expensive than others

Yes, this is a dedicated hair towel, but we’d really like it if the brand made it in a full-size body version—it’s one of the loveliest, most plush towels we’ve ever used. Unlike many other hair towels that can be very thin, this one is extra thick, made of an extremely absorbent microfiber. (More specifically, it absorbs 10 times its weight in water.) The size is ideal for long hair lengths, and the built-in loop makes it easy to create a turban that stays in place.

Price at time of publish: $44.88

Material: Microfiber, polyester blend | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

View On Urban Outfitters

What We Like

Very effective
Waffle weave is pretty
Gentle on hair

What We Don't Like

Could be longer

“Light and super absorbent, this is a great option that helps reduce hair breakage,” says Panos. The waffle weave texture cuts dry time in half and helps to protect hair when it’s in its most vulnerable state. We just wish it was slightly bigger since some people point out it can be a bit small for those with thicker and/or longer hair.

Material: Microfiber, polyester blend | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On QVC

What We Like

Affordable
Has a tried-and-true history
Comes in a four-pack

What We Don't Like

Material can feel a bit thin

“Life-changing,” “simple to use,” and “effective” are just a few of the words happy reviewers use to describe this extra wallet-friendly pick. If you’re thinking that it sounds familiar, you’re right—it was a major infomercial player back in the day. It’s clearly stood the test of time, and now Amazon shoppers give it five-star ratings time and time again. Plus, you get four in one pack, so you’ll always have one on hand.

Price at time of publish: $39.99

Material: Microfiber, polyester, polyamide blend | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Affordable
Great size
Helps dry hair faster

What We Don't Like

Material can feel a bit thin

Because it’s innately quick-drying, microfiber is easily the most common material you’ll find in hair towels. This one is an especially great choice, an Amazon standout that has nearly 30,000 (yes, you read that correctly) glowing reviews. The size is great for all lengths of hair, and the price can’t be beaten even more so considering this comes in a pack of two towels—that also come in all different colors.

Price at time of publish: $17.99 for purple hair towel

Material: Microfiber, polyester | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

4.2

DuraComfort Essentials Super Absorbent Anti-Frizz Microfiber Hair Towel

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sears.com

What We Like

Good for all hair types
Affordable
Gentle on hair

What We Don't Like

Could be longer

A great option for all hair types—even super coarse and thick, which are the most prone to frizz—this both sops up tons of water and doesn’t rough up the cuticle (which, spoiler alert, can lead to frizz). Reviewers repeatedly point out that it speeds up dry time in a big way and is super effective at smoothing.

Price at time of publish: $16.99 for 41 x 19 in hair towel

Material: Microfiber, cotton | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

HOPESHINE Microfiber Hair Drying Towel Turban, 3-Pack

View On Amazon

What We Like

Very absorbent
Comes in a three-pack
Helps dry hair faster

What We Don't Like

Could be longer

To be fair, all hair towels will help dry your hair faster than a standard towel, but this one really takes the fast-drying cake. It’s 80% more absorbent than other towels, working to quickly sop up the water. Our go-to move is to wrap it into a turban and go about our makeup or skincare routine; by the time we’re done, our hair is noticeably drier.

Price at time of publish: $14.99 for blue, purple, and rose red 3-pack hair towels

Material: Microfiber, polyester, polyamide blend | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Soft and fluffy
Great size
Smooths staticky hair

What We Don't Like

More expensive than others

Curly hair types are more prone to frizz, making a dedicated hair towel even more important. Panos says this is her favorite for the curly-haired crowd. Along with helping to combat frizz, it also reduces the likelihood of static cling and cuts down on dry time, too, of course. All the while still keeping your curls intact, given that it comes from a curly-hair-specific brand.

Price at time of publish: $25

Material: Microfiber | Absorbency: Moderate | Hair Type: Curly and wavy | Machine Washable: Yes

Luxe Beauty Essentials Microfiber Hair Towel

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Great size
Machine washable
Keeps long hair in place

What We Don't Like

Reviewers say it could be more absorbent

As anyone with long hair will tell you, having wet ends stick out of a turban can be pretty annoying. Enter this oversized option, one of the biggest we’ve seen—20 inches by 40 inches, to be exact—making it a breeze to wrap up every last inch of your hair (and still have room to spare). And, of course, you still get all of those frizz-fighting and speed drying benefits.

Price at time of publish: $9.97

Material: Microfiber | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Aquis.com

What We Like

Very absorbent and effective
Non-bulky
Washes and lasts well

What We Don't Like

Could be longer

True Story: I Tested Aquis' Hair Turban and It Cut My Drying Time in Half

“This is a great towel because it really does reduce drying time,” says Panos of one of her favorites. It’s made of a proprietary material, a super-soft microfiber blend that’s also extremely lightweight and not bulky in the least. (To that point, the towel itself also dries super quickly.) Speaking of, it also dries hair five times faster than a regular towel. Just FYI, the size is best for short hair.

Price at time of publish: $20.99 for sea glass hair towel

Material: Microfiber, polyester, nylon blend | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

aquis lisse luxe hair turban — Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

View On Amazon View On Etsy

What We Like

Soft and slightly stretchy
Comes in various colors
Helps tame frizz

What We Don't Like

No button/loop to hold in place

No hair towel handy? True story, you can use a plain old cotton t-shirt and reap many of the same benefits, says Panos. Or you could try this pick, which works for all hair types but is especially great for frizz prevention in curly hair. It’s made of cotton but is just ever-so-slightly stretchy enough to give you the best wrap and hold. It comes in a variety of colors and two different sizes for different hair lengths.

Price at time of publish: $28.99 for short-to-shoulder length hair towel

Material: Cotton | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

View On Amazon View On Anthropologie View On Bluemercury.com

What We Like

Great for lots of purposes
Doesn't tug
Keeps hair in place

What We Don't Like

Doesn't dry hair like a towel

Don’t feel like rocking a towel turban? These towel-inspired scrunchies are, in our humble opinion, a brilliant invention. They’re thicker than a standard scrunchie, made of a microfiber material that’s similar to that of the brand’s towel that we love so much. You get a pack of two, and, top tip, they’re not only great for post-hair-washing but also to use during sweaty workouts or a day at the beach. They’re also extremely gentle on hair, never pulling or tugging.

Price at time of publish: $16

Material: Microfiber, polyester blend | Absorbency: Super | Hair Type: All hair types | Machine Washable: Yes

Final Verdict

Meet the Expert

Michelle O’Connor is a professional hairstylist and the Artistic Director at Matrix.
Becca Panos is a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. She’s known for outstanding long hair cuts, as well as being a bridal hair expert.

What to Look For

Material

When it comes to hair towels, hairstylist and artistic director at Matrix Michelle O’Connor says the first feature to look at is what material is made of to ensure it won’t damage the hair—and whatever you do, avoid traditional terry cloth. “Whether curly or straight, terry cloth tends to rough up the hair shaft, which causes frizziness and may even contribute to split ends,” she says. A good rule of thumb? If it feels nice and soft on your face, it’ll be nice and soft on your hair, too.

Buttons or Fasteners

Another feature O’Connor recommends looking for is a towel that has the ability to button or fasten to stay on your head. “These will allow you to twist and wrap functionally and easily,” she says. Nobody wants to have to constantly rewrap their towel, especially if you’re drying your hair while getting dressed or doing your makeup, so products that are designed to stay put will make the process much less of a hassle.

Size

O’Connor also recommends looking for a product that’s the right size for your hair length and thickness. “Larger towels are always going to have a greater function for thicker and longer lengths, as you want to have your hair fully encapsulated and covered while soaking up excess water,” she says. With that in mind, those with shorter hair won’t need all of that extra fabric and can opt for smaller designs.

FAQ

How do you wrap hair in a towel?

When wrapping your hair in a towel, O’Connor recommends first beginning with freshly washed hair that’s saturated with your styler or moisturizer of choice, then laying your towel out on a chair, bed, or countertop. “Flip your head forward and lay your hair in the center of the towel,” she says. “Then place half of the towel at the nape of your neck and gather the sides, bringing them around to the front. Next, roll the fabric in the front once or twice, folding it back over the crown of your head, tucking any hanging pieces back under the nape of the neck.” If your towel has a button or fastener, you’ll simply twist the towel back over the head to fasten in place, rather than tucking,
How do you plop hair with a towel?

If you're not familiar with plopping, it’s a hair-wrapping method used for curls that helps preserve their shape and reduce frizz. O’Connor recommends plopping the hair by following the same steps as above, being sure to either use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to wrap the hair. Just be sure to slowly lower your hair into the towel or t-shirt as you begin in order to preserve your natural curl pattern.
Are microfiber towels good for the hair?

According to O’Connor, microfiber towels are the best option for hair since they don’t cause friction. “They limit frizziness and gently keep the cuticle smoothed,” she says. “They’re also wonderful at absorbing excess water without overly drying out the hair.”

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She considered dozens of products for this roundup, evaluating each on how quickly they dried hair, quality, absorbency, and extra features. She then consulted our testing insights as well as stylist-recommended picks to put together the best in show.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough hair towels from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 14 Best Microfiber Hair Towels for Lightning-Fast Drying

Updated by Jill Di Donato

Best Overall

Volo Hero Microfiber Hair Towel

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Act+Acre Intelligent Hair Towel

Best Budget

Turbie Twist Microfiber Towel, 4-Pack

Best Microfiber

Youlertex Microfiber Hair Towel

Best for Frizz Control

DuraComfort Essentials Anti-Frizz Microfiber Hair Towel

Best Quick-Drying

HOPESHINE Microfiber Hair Drying Towel Turban, 3-Pack

Best for Curly Hair

DevaCurl DevaTowel Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel

Best for Long Hair

Luxe Beauty Essentials Microfiber Hair Towel

Best for Short Hair

AQUIS Original Microfiber Hair Towel

Best T-Shirt Towel

Tee-Owel T-Shirt Towel

Best Towel Alternative

Volo Scrunchie

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