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.
“Microfiber towels, by design, reduce the amount of friction your hair is subjected to when towel drying,” she explains, and are the best at wicking away moisture. While satin won't dry as quickly, it can be a good option for those with curly or wavy hair types who want to maintain their curl patterns.
Having hair wrapped up in a towel allows the towel to gradually absorb the moisture without the rough-housing of rubbing it dry. Less friction on hair (which remember is weaker when it's wet) means less breakage and split ends. Less friction also means less frizz.
“Twist your hair in a top knot and wrap it into a bun while going to bed. Use a silk scarf or cloth and tie it like a hairband to make sure your hair does not touch the pillowcase. Once you wake up, flip your hair upside down, gently separate the hair and flip it back up.
Wrapping Up
The absolute best way to dry your hair without damaging it is to use a combination of towel drying and air drying. Using the right hair products, such as a nourishing leave-in conditioner or serum, can also help maintain your hair's health.
Microfiber is a material made up of superfine synthetic threads. These threads are thinner than a strand of silk. The fine and tight-woven fibers make a super-absorbent fabric. Even though microfiber is super-absorbent, it does its job without damaging your hair.
Using satin is important, as other types of fabric (like cotton) absorb moisture from your hair and can cause dryness or even breakage. Plus, it preserves natural curls and looks elegant in the process.
Unlike microfiber towels, which can snag and pull on your strands, bamboo towels are incredibly soft and gentle. They won't cause breakage or damage, making them the ideal choice for those with delicate or damaged hair.
Separate hair into two sections, then twist in opposing directions and fold into a bun, suggests beauty expert Christina Marrale. Secure loosely with ponytail holders and release both buns in the morning.
The towel absorbs moisture from your hair and cuts the time it takes to air-dry your hair. This is important because wet hair is extremely fragile, meaning it's a good idea to remove extra water from your hair quickly—but gently. There are a few things to consider when towel-drying hair.
The best way to dry your hair is to let it air dry under the fan as much as possible. However, some experts believe combining air and blow-drying is healthier than just air drying. It is good to let your hair air-dry seventy percent of the way and then blow-dry till they become dry ultimately.
The friction from a cotton towel can rough up the cuticle for less-than-smooth results. A microfibre towel, on the other hand, will treat your hair with care to help prevent frizz from ruining your 'do – and your day. Plus, you'll spend less much less dough on frizz-fighting hair prods.
Keep your hair in the towel wrap for 30-60 minutes.
This should be enough time for your towel to wick away all of the excess moisture that it can absorb from your hair. If after an hour your hair is still wet, use another hair towel that is dry to replace the hair wrap until your hair is damp dry.
"Silk is a higher quality fabric and is the best option when it comes to hair care," says Eaddy. And not only does this fabric go a long way in terms of pretending your strands from the damage that causes split-ends and frizz, but it's also gorgeous and luxurious to the touch.
All hair (especially curls) would do well with a satin, silk, or microfiber hair wrap. Satin- and silk-lined hair wraps help keep strands at their healthiest by locking in moisture, preventing friction against harsh fabrics, and protecting any style you want to keep nice for a while.
On top of breakage, air-drying can also increase frizz, build-up, and mildew, especially for afro-textured and curly hair. "Hair that stays wet or damp for a long period can attract bacteria and fungus, especially if you have very dense hair," explains Jennie Roberts, a celebrity hairstylist and texture hair educator.