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The 16 Best Hair Towels for Damage-Free Drying

 

After showering, you might toss your soggy bath towel around your head—an afterthought to kickstart the hair-drying process. But a wet, heavy, terrycloth towel might not be your best bet to avoid damage, static, or limp curls. "When hair is wet, it's in its most fragile state and the most prone to breakage," explains hairstylist Becca Panos. With that in mind, a good hair towel can safeguard your strands and prevent them from snapping—potentially speeding up the drying process.

We found the best hair towels made of highly absorbent materials (think microfiber, cotton, and bamboo) that'll delicately dry your hair and leave it silky-smooth.

Best Overall

Volo Hero Microfiber Hair Towel

What We Like

• Thick, plush, luxurious feel
• Notably absorbent
• Loop helps it stay in place on head

What to Consider

• Sheds a little before first wash

Material: Polyester, chinlon | Size: 39.4 x 23.5 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

This is among the loveliest, plushest towels we've ever used. We love it as a dedicated hair towel, but we'd really like it if the brand made a full-size body version. Unlike many other hair towels that can be thin and flimsy, this one is extra-thick. It's made of extremely absorbent microfiber—according to the brand, it absorbs 10 times its weight in water.

The size is ideal for long hair lengths, and the built-in loop easily creates a turban that stays in place. Plus, you can hang it by the loop to let it air-dry. This towel might shed a little before the first wash, but otherwise, we have no complaints.

Best Overall, Runner-up

Act+Acre Microfiber Hair Towel

What We Like

• Waffle weave minimizes drying time
• Helps reduce breakage
• Hairstylist-recommended

What to Consider

• Narrower than most

Material: Microfiber | Size: 25 x 10 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

"Light and super absorbent, this is a great option that helps reduce hair breakage," says Panos. Act+Acre claims the towel's waffle-weave texture cuts drying time in half and helps protect hair in its most vulnerable state (when it's wet). We just wish it was slightly bigger—some people point out it can be a bit small for those with longer or thicker hair.

Best Budget

Youlertex Microfiber Hair Towel

What We Like

• Affordable set of two
• Highly absorbent microfiber
• Works for all hair lengths

What to Consider

• Somewhat thin material
• Relatively narrow

Material: Microfiber | Size: 26 x 10 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

Since it's innately quick-drying1, microfiber is easily the most common hair towel material. This one is an Amazon standout with over 44,000 (yes, you read that correctly) glowing five-star ratings. Though it's on the narrower side, the size works well for all lengths of hair, and the price can't be beaten. For under $10, you'll get a pack of two towels, with over 15 colors to choose from.

Best Quality

Crown Affair The Hair Towel

What We Like

• Dries hair quickly
• Gentle material prevents damage
• Leaves hair smooth and soft

What to Consider

• Elastic band stretches if hung incorrectly
• Pricier than most

Material: Polyester, polyamide | Size: 38 x 32 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

Crown Affair's Hair Towel is a bit of a splurge, but this elegant, premium-quality option has garnered loyalty from users who say it's a game-changer for preventing damage and keeping hair smooth and soft. It dries hair quickly while being extra-gentle on damaged strands, thanks to the pretty waffle-weave construction and microfiber material.

Just a heads up, the elastic band can stretch out if hung incorrectly. Other than that, you really can't go wrong with this hair towel.

Best Quick-Drying

HOPESHINE Microfiber Turban

What We Like

• Absorbent microfiber dries hair faster
• Shape and button help it stay in place
• Affordable pack of three

What to Consider

• Could be wider

Material: Polyester, polyamide | Size: 24.75 x 9.5 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

To be fair, all hair towels will help dry your hair faster than a standard towel, but this one excels. It's made of soft, extra-absorbent microfiber. Even though it's not the widest option, the unique kite shape and button fastener make wrapping it around your head easy and comfortable.

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. It comes in a pack of three, so you don't need to worry about constantly washing or reusing one towel.

Best for Curly Hair

DevaCurl DevaTowel

What We Like

• Smooths and keeps curls intact
• Reduces friction and static
• Hairstylist-approved

What to Consider

• Not as absorbent as others

Material: Microfiber | Size: 39 x 20 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

Curly hair types are more prone to friction, making a dedicated hair towel even more crucial. Panos says this is her favorite for the curly-haired crowd. Along with helping smooth your strands, it also reduces static cling and, of course, cuts down on drying time. DevaCurl is a brand dedicated to all things curly hair, so you can trust that this hair towel will keep your curls intact and looking their best.

Best for Long Hair

Luxe Beauty Essentials Microfiber Hair Towel

What We Like

• Oversized design covers full length of hair
• Combats static
• Helps hair dry faster

What to Consider

• Large; takes up substantial hanging space

Material: Microfiber | Size: 24 x 42 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

As anyone with long locks will tell you, having your wet ends sticking out of a turban can leave you with annoyingly soggy tips. Enter this oversized option, one of the biggest we've seen—24 by 42 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 those static-fighting and speed-drying benefits.

Best for Short Hair

Popmask Microfibre Hair Turban

What We Like

• Smaller size won't slip off head
• Button secures it in place
• Gently dries fragile wet hair

What to Consider

• May not be big enough for long hair

Material: Polyester, nylon | Size: 26 x 10 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

If you have short hair, you've probably experienced the frustration of a big towel falling off your head. This compact option is here to save your neck from the weight and your hair from the slippage. We like that it has a button to keep it securely in place. The towel is made of absorbent, fast-drying microfiber that promises to be gentle on your fragile wet strands while helping them dry quicker without heat.

Best for Damaged Hair

Aquis Flip Pearl

What We Like

• Absorbs water without friction
• Stays secure around hairline without tugging
• Leaves hair stronger than heat drying

What to Consider

• May not speed up drying much

Material: Recycled polyester, nylon, copper | Size: 29 x 12 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

Dry, damaged hair can use all the help it can get—including a drying routine that preserves hydration as much as possible. Enter the Aquis Flip, a unique towel that absorbs water without friction, with antimicrobial copper woven in to keep the damp fabric free of bacteria and mildew2.

In the brand's clinical trials, participants who regularly bleached their hair found that using the Flip left their strands five times stronger than heat drying. The clever design stays secure around the hairline without tugging and can be left open for faster air-drying.

Best Pre-Blow-dry

Drybar Dry Martini Microfiber Hair Wrap

What We Like

• Very absorbent yet lightweight
• Soaks up excess moisture
• Prevents breakage when hair is wet

What to Consider

• Larger than most

Material: Microfiber | Machine Washable: Yes

If you want to pre-dry your hair a bit before reaching for the blow dryer, this hair towel is up for the task. The Dry Martini Wrap is crafted from an ultra-absorbent yet lightweight microfiber that promises to absorb excess moisture and speed up drying while preventing breakage. It's bigger than most, but the generous size works for all hair lengths

Best Overnight

Coco & Eve Microfibre Hair Towel Wrap

What We Like

• Works well with hair mask
• Stays in place while sleeping
• Can also be used for faster drying

What to Consider

• No instructions for fastening
• Hand-wash only

Material: Polyester, polyamide | Machine Washable: No

When your hair needs some TLC, Coco & Eve's Hair Towel Wrap is there for you. The beloved haircare brand suggests slathering on a nourishing hair mask, securing the towel, and letting the product do its thing overnight before washing your hair in the morning. Your strands will be softer, and your bedsheets will remain clean.

Of course, you can use this turban any time to aid the drying process while reducing static. Some reviewers have complained that the towel doesn't come with instructions. But as long as you keep the button at the nape of your neck, twist the towel around your hair, and fasten it with the loop, you'll be good to go.

Best Cotton

​​Hårklinikken The Hair Towel

 

What We Like

• Naturally absorbent and moisture-wicking
• Lightweight flat waffle weave
• Elastic band keeps it secure on head

What to Consider

• May shrink slightly in wash

Material: Cotton | Machine Washable: Yes

Cotton is a naturally absorbent, moisture-wicking fabric, so it's ideal for wrapping around damp hair3. This hair towel from ​​Hårklinikken is made of 100% cotton and boasts a lightweight, flat-woven waffle weave. We like that the elastic band helps hold it in place around your head and can be used to hang it up for air-drying. Cotton is prone to shrinkage in the wash4, but this shouldn't affect the size too much.

Best Smoothing

Ceremonia Hair Towel

What We Like

• Remarkably soft fabric
• Gentle on delicate strands
• Leaves hair shiny and soft

What to Consider

• Fastener may break easily

Material: Microfiber | Machine Washable: Yes

This remarkably soft, finely woven microfiber towel is designed to absorb excess water after showering to prevent breakage and flyaways. It's super gentle on strands, leaving your hair smooth, shiny, and oh-so-soft. The fastener might fall off easily, so be careful when attaching it to your head.

Best T-Shirt Towel

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Towel

What We Like

• "Plopping" design prevents damage and static
• Very absorbent natural materials
• Dries and defines curls

What to Consider

• Thinner material than most hair towels

Material: Cotton, bamboo | Size: 51.2 x 27.2 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

No hair towel? Panos says you can use a plain-old cotton T-shirt. Or get this hair towel, which is modeled after the thin, absorbent fabric of a lightweight tee. It's woven from not only cotton but also bamboo, another inherently absorbent fiber5, to soak up moisture while drying and defining curls. Designed to "plop" curls, it also prevents damage and static.

Best Waffle Weave

Cozy Earth Waffle Hair Towel

What We Like

• Flatter and lighter than terrycloth
• Absorbent, quick-drying material
• Low-maintenance design

What to Consider

• Gets more absorbent over time

Material: Cotton, bamboo | Machine Washable: Yes

Waffle-weave towels are usually a little flatter and lighter-weight than traditional terrycloth, and many believe they're more absorbent and quick-drying6. We're fond of this waffle hair towel from Cozy Earth. The brand says it gets softer and more absorbent over time—you can toss it in your washer and let it tumble dry as many times as you want and enjoy an improved fabric with each wash.

Best Wrap

Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel

What We Like

• Curved shape gently cradles hair
• Elastic edge and faster keep it in place
• Leaves hair hydrated and healthy-looking

What to Consider

• Only one size available

Material: Microfiber | Machine Washable: Yes

You'd think wrapping your hair in a towel would be foolproof, but there's a knack to it (scroll down for expert tips). This turban-style wrap from Kitsch makes the process seamless, thanks to its curved shape, which gently cradles wet strands.

Not only that, but the elasticated edge keeps hair from falling loose, while the loop-to-button fastening helps the whole thing stay in place. The microfiber material efficiently wicks moisture without robbing your hair of its natural oils, drying strands while leaving them hydrated and healthy-looking.

What to Look for in a Hair Towel

• Material: Hairstylist Michelle O'Connor recommends getting a hair towel made of an absorbent, non-damaging material—and whatever you do, avoid traditional terrycloth. "Whether you have curly or straight hair, terrycloth tends to rough up the hair shaft, which causes static and may even contribute to split ends," she says. The most gentle, moisture-wicking options are typically microfiber, cotton, or bamboo.
• Buttons or Fasteners: O'Connor suggests looking for a hair towel with a button, elastic band, or another type of fastener to help it 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 when drying your hair while getting dressed or doing your makeup.
• Size: Look for a hair towel in a size that fits your hair length and thickness. "Larger towels are always going to have a greater function for thicker and longer lengths," says O'Connor. "You want to have your hair fully encapsulated and covered while soaking up excess water." Those with shorter hair won't need all that extra fabric and can opt for smaller designs or even a turban or wrap.

FAQ

Do hair towels really work?

Since hair towels are created from highly absorbent, incredibly moisture-wicking materials, they draw water from wet hair quickly. This can limit the amount of time your hair stays sopping wet and speed up the drying process, whether you finish with a blow-dryer or allow your hair to air-dry the rest of the way. Minimizing moisture may also help "hygral fatigue" (hair damage as a result of too much moisture)7.

How do you wrap your hair in a towel?

O'Connor recommends starting with freshly washed hair saturated with your leave-in product of choice, then laying your towel out on a bed or countertop. "Flip your head forward and lay your hair in the center of the towel," she says. "Then place half 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 and tucking any hanging pieces back under the nape of your neck.

How do you plop hair with a towel?

Plopping is a hair-wrapping method that helps preserve the shape of curls and reduce static. O'Connor says you can do this by flipping your hair upside down to lay it in the center of a spread-out hair towel or T-shirt, then gently wrapping the sides around to cradle your hair so your curls don't separate. Just be sure to slowly lower your hair into the fabric to preserve your natural curl pattern.

Meet Our Experts

Becca Panos is a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago known for outstanding long haircuts and bridal hair expertise.
Michelle O'Connor is an award-winning professional hairstylist and the Artistic Director at Matrix.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. Theresa Holland is a contributing writer, editor, and product tester specializing in haircare and wellness.