Drying your hair with a regular bath or beach towel can cause breakage and frizz.
Microfiber hair towels are gentler on wet hair and can cut drying time in half.
But to get the most out of a microfiber hair towel, it’s important to tie it correctly.
Why Use a Microfiber Hair Towel
Microfiber is made from ultra-fine fibers that are split into even finer strands. This gives microfiber towels:
- A soft, smooth texture that is gentle on wet hair.
- Increased surface area to quickly wick away and absorb water.
Regular cotton towels can snag and pull on wet hair. The roughness can cause breakage, frizz and split ends over time.
Microfiber glides over hair smoothly without tugging or friction. The soft texture helps maintain the hair cuticle and preserve moisture and shine.
Benefits of Microfiber Hair Towels
- Less hair breakage – Microfiber is gentle and doesn’t tug on wet hair.
- Faster drying – Microfiber absorbs over 10 times its weight in water.
- Less frizz – The smooth texture doesn’t ruffle up hair cuticles.
- Softness and shine – Microfiber doesn’t strip away moisture and oils.
- Lightweight – Microfiber towels are thinner and lighter than cotton.
- Quick-dry design – Microfiber towels dry out faster than regular towels.
- Hygienic – Microfiber inhibits bacterial growth more than cotton.
Key Takeaway: Microfiber hair towels are more gentle on hair and absorb water faster than regular cotton towels.
How to Tie a Microfiber Hair Towel
Tying your microfiber hair towel correctly ensures it stays securely in place while you go about your routine. Follow these simple steps:
1. Blot Excess Water
After washing your hair, gently blot out excess moisture with a towel before tying up your microfiber hair towel. This prevents drips and leaks.
- Tilt your head sideways and gather your hair over one shoulder.
- Take a regular cotton towel and gently press sections of hair to absorb dripping water.
- Scrunch hair upwards from the ends to remove moisture without roughing up the cuticle.
2. Position the Microfiber Towel
- Bend forward and flip your head over so hair falls loosely in front of your face.
- Take the microfiber towel and center it at the nape of your neck, with the loop facing up.
- Make sure the towel is oriented evenly, not lopsided.
3. Pull Hair Through the Loop
- Gather all your hair and pull it through the loop opening in the towel.
- Smooth hair out so it lays evenly against your head, instead of bunched on one side.
- The towel should be secure but not painfully tight. Adjust the loop as needed.
4. Twist the Towel
- With one hand holding the towel in place, use your other hand to tightly twist strands of hair into the towel.
- Start twisting from the ends upwards to absorb maximum water.
- Twist all the way to your scalp, capturing all strands of hair.
5. Thread the Twisted End Through the Loop
- With hair fully twisted into the towel, stand upright with the twist on top of your head.
- Take the loose twisted end and thread it through the loop opening.
- Pull the end all the way through the loop and adjust it to feel secure but not too tight.
6. Let Hair Dry
- Keep the microfiber towel wrapped around your head for at least 20-30 minutes.
- For very thick or long hair, leave the towel on for up to an hour.
- When ready, bend forward, undo the loop and gently unwrap.
Tips for Safely Drying Hair Fast
- Wash and condition hair as normal before using a microfiber towel.
- Apply any leave-in treatments or products before wrapping hair in the towel.
- For curly hair, scrunch in your favorite styling product before twisting up the towel.
- Only use heat tools like blowdryers or irons on fully dry hair to avoid damage.
- Pat dry with a towel before applying any other heated tools for styling.
- Let hair air dry as much as possible – heat tools should only be used for finishing styling.
Caring for Your Microfiber Hair Towel
With proper care, a high-quality microfiber hair towel can last for years. Follow these tips:
- Wash after every 3-5 uses – This prevents odor and bacterial buildup.
- Use gentle detergent – Skip fabric softeners or hair products that leave residue.
- Wash towels alone – Don’t mix microfiber towels with cotton laundry.
- Air dry towels – Put towels in the dryer on a no- or low-heat setting only.
- Avoid bleach or fabric softener – These can coat fibers and reduce absorption.
- Check loops and seams – Make sure to retire towels with loose threads or damage.
Key Takeaway: Wash microfiber hair towels separately from regular laundry to preserve effectiveness.
Choosing the Best Microfiber Hair Towel
When shopping for a microfiber hair towel, look for:
- Pure microfiber – Avoid blends with cotton that are less gentle.
- Dense stitching – This prevents snagging on delicate wet hair.
- Tightly woven – Higher densities absorb more water.
- Lightweight – Heavier towels stress the neck and cause headaches.
- Loop closure – A secure loop keeps the towel wrapped in place.
- Quick-dry design – Look for thin, breathable microfiber.
- Sewn edges – these prevent the towel from unraveling.
- Multiple sizes – Get the right fit for your hair length.
Towel Size | Best For |
---|---|
20 x 40 inches | Chin to shoulder length hair |
26 x 40 inches | Shoulder to mid-back length hair |
32 x 40 inches | Mid-back to waist length hair |
FAQs
Should I use conditioner before putting my hair in a microfiber towel?
Yes, it’s best to apply any conditioners or treatments before wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel. This allows the products to penetrate while your hair dries.
How long should I leave the microfiber towel on?
For most hair types and lengths, aim for 20-30 minutes. Very thick or long hair may need up to an hour wrapped to fully dry with a microfiber towel.
Can I use a microfiber towel on wet extensions or wigs?
Yes, a microfiber towel is safe to use on wet extensions and wigs. Gently pat dry before twisting hair up into the towel. This will help absorb moisture without tugging.
What if my hair doesn’t stay twisted in the towel?
Make sure hair is blotted dry before twisting to reduce drips. Tightly twist strands starting from the ends upwards. Pull the loop tight enough to feel secure but not painfully tight. For very thick hair, use two towels wrapped together.
Should I wash my microfiber towel after every use?
It’s best to wash microfiber hair towels after every 3-5 uses. Washing regularly prevents buildup of residues, odors and bacteria. Use a gentle detergent and wash towels separately from regular laundry.
Conclusion
Tying a microfiber hair towel correctly is key to drying your hair fast without damage.
Start by blotting excess moisture before flipping hair forward and positioning the towel.
Pull hair through the loop, then twist strands upward from tip to root. Thread the twisted end through the loop to secure. Leave towels on for 20-60 minutes depending on thickness and texture.
Wash microfiber towels regularly and let air dry to extend their life. With the right technique, a microfiber hair towel can cut your drying time in half while being gentle on your hair.