As a teen, I had terrible methods of drying my hair. I never applied heat protection, I always used my hair dryer on the highest heat setting and I relied on a regular towel to dry my locks. (As a beauty editor, I shudder in horror at these confessions.) One of the biggest things I realized was the importance of using a quality hair towel. Newsflash: Most regular towels are usually made of cotton, which can cause breakage, brittleness, frizz and overall damage your hair. So, if you’re looking for a gentler option, I put together a list of the 10 best hair towels to cut down on drying time and maintain the health of your strands.
The 10 Best Hair Towels of 2024, According to Editors and Reviewers
A list for all hair types and textures
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Published Jun 29, 2024
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The Best Hair Towels at a Glance
1
Best Hair Towel Overall
Crown Affair The Hair Towel
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2
Best Hair Towel for Long Hair
AQUIS Flip Hair Drying Tool
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3
Best Hair Towel for Fine Hair
Straand Hair Towel
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4
Best Hair Towel for Natural Hair
Grace & Company Hair Towel
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5
Best Hair Towel for Softness
VOLO Hero Cloud Hair Towel
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Meet the Expert
George Papanikolas is a hair colorist and a brand ambassador for Matrix, based in Los Angeles. His work has been featured in Allure, InStyle and People Magazine. His clients include Madonna, Hailey Bieber, Nicole Scherzinger and Kim Kardashian.
How I Chose the Best Hair Towels
I reached out to PureWow editors and a professional hairstylist to share their favorite hair towels. I also scoured the internet to find top sellers from retailers like Sephora, Amazon and QVC. From there, I combed through reviews to find the best hair towels that were easy to use, compatible with all hair types and did a great job at reducing frizz and drying hair quickly. Keep reading to find my tried-and-true list before your next wash day.
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Best Hair Towel Overall
1. Crown Affair The Hair Towel
What We Like
- cuts down drying time
- easy to use
- soft material
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Crown Affair
Recommended by two editors, this best overall pick is loved for its quick-drying abilities. It’s made with microfibers that absorb water and prevent frizz. Whether you have fine or thick locks, the towel promises to protect your strands as it dries, and even offers a secure strap in the back, so you can go about your errands without worrying about it toppling over. For Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen, the luxe accessory is definitely worth the investment: “It’s pretty expensive, but I really like how universal it is—large, easy to twist and secure, and good for all hair types. The material is also really soft and absorbent. I have fine, straight hair, and I’ve noticed that it dries less frizzy whenever I use this towel.”
Fast Facts
- Best for: all hair types
- Material: microfiber, polyester, nylon
- Machine Washable: yes
Best Hair Towel for Long Hair
2. AQUIS Flip Hair Drying Tool
What We Like
- comes in three colors
- has a flexible shape
- reportedly cuts down drying time after ten minutes
What We Don't Like
- not much difference with frizz
- expensive
AQUIS
This PureWow favorite cuts down on dry time, thanks to the brand’s signature water-wicking technology, which promises to dry hair quickly without adding any harsh friction to strands. The towel is also praised for its flexible shape, allowing people with all different hair types and lengths to wrap their hair up with ease. Just flip your hair over, and twist the length of it before tucking the ends in the band located at the neck. As Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth shares, “I have very long hair and it's always been a pain to wrap it up in a regular bath towel. I really love how easy the Aquis towels are to secure in place, and they easily fit all my hair without feeling super bulky on top of my head. I find they definitely speed up the air-drying process for my hair, although I don't know that I notice a major difference in frizz reduction (although that could just be due to my hair type). They're remarkably durable, too.”
Fast Facts
- Best for: all hair types
- Material: microfiber, polyester
- Machine Washable: yes
Best Hair Towel for Fine Hair
What We Like
- cuts drying time
- large design that's great for long hair
- soft material
What We Don't Like
- comes in only one color
Straand
If you have fine hair, this microfiber towel is the way to go. Made with a super soft material that’s gentle on your scalp and strands, and an elastic strap that secures your wet hair in place without placing any tension on your fragile locks, it comes highly recommended by our VP of Editorial, Candace Davison. “My hair is so baby fine I was convinced I didn't need a hair towel—and that it'd only cause more breakage. The Straand towel changed my mind. It's very lightweight and the microfiber is super absorbent,” Davison. The waffle woven fabric also ensures a faster drying time and reduces frizz and flyaways.
Fast Facts
- Best for: all hair types
- Material: microfiber
- Machine Washable: yes
Best Hair Towel for Natural Hair
What We Like
- comes in two styles
- absorbs water quickly
- great packaging
What We Don't Like
- not great for long hair
Grace & Company
Papanikolas recommends this Grace & Company hair towel, especially for natural hair. It uses a unique mix of cotton and microfiber that’s super absorbent and lightweight on your strands. He points out that the material is designed to help dry your hair and prevent harsh friction. As a result, the gentle fabric aids in maintaining softness and shine. Whether you’re rocking a short hairdo or shoulder-length locks, the hair towel allows you to wrap, twist and secure everything in place just by looping the elastic over the attached button—so you can be completely hands-free as your hair dries.
Fast Facts
- Best for: curly hair, natural hair
- Material: microfiber, cotton
- Machine Washable: no
Best Hair Towel for Softness
What We Like
- comes in five colors
- reportedly reduces drying time by 50 percent
- soft material
What We Don't Like
- expensive
VOLO
The name says it all. According to passionate fans, this hair towel is the softest on the list. The brand created a custom microfiber material, known as nanoweave fabric, that promises to absorb 10 times its own weight in water and cut down drying time by 50 percent. Shoppers also mention that the ultra soft material is gentle on strands and prevents any damage during dry time. One reviewer said it best: “This towel is the first one I've ever used that is soft AND absorbent. I'm not talking towel-soft, which we all know is secretly not even that soft. I'm talking so soft [that] if I closed my eyes, I wouldn't know if it's the softest blanket in the world or a baby's skin. As soon as I felt it, I gave up any hope for absorbency. Fast forward, I grabbed it to dry my hair just knowing I'd be disappointed... but I wasn't. I was shocked. My hair dried. And it dried NICELY. Didn't even detangle before I wrapped it up and my hair was so soft. I'm truly shocked and I feel like I found the miracle towel. It's the softest towel I've ever used and it's ACTUALLY absorbent. I love it.”
Fast Facts
- Best for: all hair types
- Material: microfiber
- Machine Washable: yes
Best Hair Towel for Curly Hair
6. DevaCurl DevaTwist Towel Wrap
What We Like
- hypoallergenic
- soft material
- unique shape for all curl types
What We Don't Like
- comes in only one color
- not great to sleep in
DevaCurl
While hair towels are great for all hair types, curly gals benefit the most from wrapping up their hair in one. DevaCurl’s was specifically designed for curly hair. The unique crescent design allows those with all curl types to twist, fasten and dry their ringlets without so much as a snag. Customers say it's super absorbent and some even noticed less frizz after removing it. “This is a super convenient head wrap towel. [It] works great for my curls and my hair is noticeably less frizzy. [I] love it because it keeps my hair out of my face, while drying it enough that I don’t have drippy hair. [It’s] super absorbent, too,” shares one shopper.
Fast Facts
- Best for: curly hair
- Material: microfiber
- Machine Washable: yes
Most Affordable Hair Towel
What We Like
- comes in 10+ colors and patterns
- travel-friendly
- minimizes split ends and frizz
What We Don't Like
Turbie Twist
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a high-quality hair towel, as evidenced by the Turbie Twist. The towel currently has 21,000 5-star reviews on Amazon alone, with customers raving about its fast-drying capabilities and easy to use loop for securing all hair types and lengths. Made of microfiber, the hair towel helps prevent frizz and damage caused by the friction of rubbing a regular towel over your wet strands. “I discovered Turbie Twist head wraps about 20 years ago. [It has] always been outstanding. [I] have tried similar products, but none can compare. I believe part of it has to do with the placement of the elastic loop—not too far back, nor too far forward. [It] fits all hair lengths I've had (short to shoulder length), too,” says one longtime fan. Plus, it comes in multiple colors (and even four-piece sets), so you can always have one at the ready.
Fast Facts
- Best for: all hair types
- Material: microfiber, polyester, polyamide
- Machine Washable: yes
Best Hair Towel for Quick Drying
What We Like
- gentle material
- cuts down drying time
- comes in a reusable waterproof travel pouch
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers say it fits a bit tight
Kitsch
Yes, all the hair towels on this list cut down on dry time, but this one from Kitsch has proven to be the clear winner when it comes to speed. The soft organic cotton and bamboo materials absorb water, tame frizz and dry hair efficiently. Shoppers found it was gentle on their hair and the elastic loop ensures everything stays in place, even as you move about your home. Bonus: It comes in a waterproof reusable pouch, so you can take it on the go. “My hair is 80 percent bleached, so it takes hours to dry. I bought this, had it on for about an hour and then blow dried my hair, it did not take long!” shares one customer.
Fast Facts
- Best for: all hair types
- Material: organic cotton, bamboo
- Machine Washable: yes
Best Hair Towel for Short Hair
9. Act + Acre Intelligent Hair Towel
What We Like
- soft material
- reportedly dries 50 percent faster
- comfortable to wear
What We Don't Like
- comes in only one color
Act + Acre
This luxe hair towel checks all my boxes. It’s made with a soft waffle knit material that’s gentle on my hair and reduces frizz. Plus, the 10 x 25 inch size is friendly to those with short haircuts, thanks to the button and loop in the back. For one Sephora reviewer, it made all the difference after adding it to their routine. “An absolute game changer!! I’ve never truly been aware of how much of a difference towels [could] make until I used this one on my hair. It dries my hair quicker than usual and also reduces the amount of frizz on my hair which is something I'm always trying to tame! I’m also such a fan of the waffle knit texture as well. I’d definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to amp up their hair routine and are in search of a high-quality hair towel.”
Fast Facts
- Best for: all hair types, curly/wavy hair
- Material: microfiber
- Machine Washable: yes
Most Stylish Hair Towel
10. Coco & Eve Hair Towel Wrap
What We Like
- chic design
- soft material
- absorbs water quickly
What We Don't Like
- not great for long hair
Coco & Eve
Like the others on this list, this towel wrap gets the job done with maintaining frizz and drying hair. However, its chic pattern makes it stand apart from the pack. The bright pink mixed with tropical leaves can turn a regular wash day into a fun one. It’s made of a microfiber and polyester blend that quickly absorbs water and reduces damage. As one Ulta shopper shares, “First time [using] a microfiber hair towel. [It’s] amazingly soft, truly dries hair much quicker than regular towels, very convenient regarding use (I wish it was a little bit longer though for my very long hair). I adore it. I must also mention the package that I received it in, all was done with care, elegance and style.”
Fast Facts
- Best for: short, thick or curly hair
- Material: microfiber, polyester
- Machine Washable: yes
What to Consider When Shopping for a Hair Towel
- Material: A microfiber towel should be high on your list. As Papanikolas explains, “Microfiber towels are highly absorbent and [put] less tension [on your hair]. Microfiber also roughs up the hair cuticle less, which reduces frizz compared to a traditional cotton towel.” Other common materials include soft cotton (usually a hybrid blend of cotton and microfiber) and silk/satin (which is more geared towards curly or wavy hair).
- Type of Fastener: Whether you prefer a button, snap or the tucking method, the type of fastener your hair towel comes with can help narrow your search. A button usually works best for those with shorter or finerlocks, while an elastic snap or the tucking method can work better for those with longer or thicker hair.
- Size: Speaking of hair types and lengths, the size of your hair towel is key. Be mindful of the dimensions and look at reviews before you accidentally purchase a hair towel that’s too tight or too loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Cotton of Microfiber Towel Better for Hair
All signs point to microfiber towels, however Papanikolas says not to disregard cotton towels completely. “It depends on your hair texture. Coarse and/or straight hair is more resilient and will be fine with a cotton towel, compared to fine or curly/wavy hair, which is more delicate and requires a softer approach,” he says.
What are the Best Ways to Dry Hair Without Causing Damage of Frizz?
Well, using a proper hair towel is a great start. Next, applying styling products to damp hair can also help reduce frizz and smooth down your strands, so you won’t have to worry about poofy hair. Also, swap out your cotton pillowcases for silk pillowcases instead. This accessory has been proven to protect strands by cutting down on the rubbing and friction you get from tossing and turning while you sleep, which can cause breakage, frizz and split ends.
How Do You Wrap Your Hair in a Towel?
The plopping method is a simple and effective way to wrap your hair in a towel. To try it, lay your towel down against a flat surface (i.e., countertop, bed, etc) before plopping your hair on top of it. Papanikolas suggests starting at the crown and twisting the towel in a clockwise position. He adds, “This twisting motion helps squeeze out excess moisture without roughing up the cuticle.” Once you twist all the way to the end, secure it in place.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.