Finding the perfect towel for curly hair can feel like a tough task. If you use the wrong one, it can mess up your curls. But don’t worry! There are towels designed just for curly hair that can help you keep your curls looking fabulous.
In this article, we’re going to talk about the best towels for curly hair. We’ll explain why regular cotton towels aren’t great for curls, what to look for in a good towel, and give you some recommendations for the top towel choices.
Why Regular Towels are Bad for Curly Hair
Traditional cotton bath towels may work well for straighter hair types, but curly hair requires more care when drying. Here’s why regular towels are not ideal for curly hair:
- Rough and scratchy texture – Traditional towels made of terry cloth can be rough on delicate curly hair. The loops in the material can snag and pull at curls, causing breakage and frizz.
- Absorbs too much moisture – Cotton is very good at soaking up water quickly. For curly hair that needs extra moisture, this can be harmful and make your hair dry and brittle.
- Causes friction and frizz – Rubbing wet curls vigorously with a towel creates friction, separating curl clumps and causing frizz. This disrupts the natural curl pattern.
If regular towels aren’t suitable, what should you use to dry curly hair? Let’s discuss the key features to look for in a towel that is friendly to curly hair.
Key Features to Look for in a Towel
When choosing the towel for your curly hair, consider the following:
- Absorbent material – Pick a towel made of materials like microfiber, bamboo, or silk. These materials quickly absorb extra moisture without taking away too much hydration from your hair.
- Soft and gentle – The fabric should be smooth and gentle to prevent frizz, friction, and damage to hair cuticles. Avoid terry cloth cotton.
- Large size – Look for an oversized towel that is long and wide enough to comfortably wrap all your hair.
- Lightweight – Choose a lightweight, quick-drying material so the towel is easy to wrap and doesn’t weigh down wet hair.
The Best Hair Towels for Curly Hair
Now that you know what to consider, here are three highly recommended towels for curly hair:
Microfiber Hair Towel
Features
- Made from ultra-fine microfiber that is super absorbent.
- Smooth and gentle on hair.
- Long tail design to easily wrap all hair.
- Lightweight and quick-drying.
- Suitable for All Hair Types
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very absorbent | May take longer to dry than a regular towel |
| Soft and Durable | |
| Suitable for Curly Hair | |
| Lightweight and comfortable to wear |
Popular Picks:
- Microfiber Hair Towel by Luxe Beauty Essentials Store (For Long Hair)
- Microfiber Hair Towel by Hicober Store (For Short and Long Hair)
- Microfiber Hair Towel by Curly Girl Store (For Long Hair)
Bamboo Hair Towel
Features
- Made from Premium Bamboo Fiber.
- Highly absorbent and fast-drying.
- Naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant
- Durable and maintains softness after washes
- Ideal for all hair types including color-treated
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super smooth and gentle on curls | Can feel slightly heavy when wet |
| Absorbs moisture well without drying out hair | Price may be higher compared to microfiber towels |
| Protects hair from heat damage | |
| Durable and long-lasting | |
| Suitable for long, thick, curly hair |
Popular Picks:
- Bamboo Hair Towel by ELLEWIN Store (For Short and Long Hair)
- Bamboo Hair Towel by M-bestl Store (For Short Hair)
- Handmade Bamboo Hair Towel by Cool Mom’s Closet Store (For Long Hair)
Silk Hair Towel
Features
- Made with 100% pure silk
- Super absorbent for quick hair-drying
- Reduces friction and damage
- Suitable for both curly and straight hair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very soft and gentle on hair | Expensive compared to both other towels |
| Absorbs water quickly | Some users find it bulky |
| Stays in place well | |
| Luxurious feel | |
| Long-lasting and durable silk |
Popular Pick:
- Pure Silk Hair Towel by Cool Mom’s Closet Store (Best for Short Hair)
Which Towel is best?
- If you’re on a budget and prefer a balance of quality and affordability, the Microfiber Hair Towel is a good choice.
- If you are willing to invest a bit more for additional benefits and have long, thick, curly hair, the Bamboo Hair Towel could be suitable.
- If you have a higher budget and prioritize a luxurious feel with added benefits, the Silk Hair Towel might be worth considering.
Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on your personal preferences and budget.
How to Use a Curly Hair Towel
Follow these steps to properly use your curly hair towel:
- After washing and conditioning your hair in the shower, softly pat your hair with the towel to soak up extra water. Avoid rubbing vigorously.
- Wrap your hair in the towel, securing it in place. Make sure all your hair is covered.
- Keep the towel on for at least 20 minutes to allow hair to partially air dry.
- Unwrap the towel and gently scrunch hair, encouraging the curl formation.
- Style your hair as you like and either let it air dry or use a hair dryer. The towel will make the drying process quicker.
Caring for Your Towel
To keep your hair towel in great condition, follow these care instructions:
- Always follow the recommended laundry instructions provided on the label.
- Wash the towel gently without harsh detergents. Avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets because they can reduce the towel’s absorbency.
- Make sure to completely air dry the towel before using it again to prevent any mildew risks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right towel for your curly hair is essential for maintaining its health and enhancing its natural beauty. Traditional cotton towels may cause damage and frizz, but towels specifically designed for curly hair offer a solution. By prioritizing features like absorbency, softness, size, and weight, you can find the perfect towel to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best towel material for curly hair?
The best towel material for curly hair is microfiber. Microfiber towels are gentle on delicate curls, reducing frizz and breakage compared to traditional towels. They absorb excess water without causing roughness, helping to maintain the natural texture of curly hair.
Is microfiber or cotton better for hair?
Microfiber is generally better for hair than cotton. Microfiber towels have finer fibers that are smoother than cotton, which reduces friction and minimizes damage to hair strands. They also absorb water more efficiently, cutting down on drying time and decreasing the risk of frizz and breakage.
Is Silk or microfiber better for hair?
Silk is often considered better for hair than microfiber. Silk hair wraps are gentle on hair, reducing friction and preventing breakage. However, microfiber towels are also beneficial as they absorb water quickly and help to minimize frizz. Ultimately, the choice between silk and microfiber depends on personal preference and hair type.