5 Best Hair Towels for Curly Hair [In 2025]

If you have curly hair, you know the struggle of keeping those beautiful locks defined, bouncy, and frizz-free. One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of curly hair care is how you dry your hair after washing. Regular cotton towels can be rough on curly hair, causing frizz, breakage, and disrupting your natural curl pattern. This is where specialized hair towels designed specifically for curly hair come in to save the day.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the five best hair towels for curly hair currently available on the market. I’ve thoroughly researched and analyzed each product to help you make an informed decision about which one might work best for your unique curl pattern and hair needs. Let’s dive in and discover how the right hair towel can transform your curly hair routine!

What Makes a Great Hair Towel for Curly Hair?

Before we jump into the specific products, it’s important to understand what features make a hair towel particularly effective for curly hair. Unlike straight hair, curly locks require special care to maintain their natural shape and bounce while avoiding the dreaded frizz.

Absorption Capabilities

The primary function of any hair towel is to absorb excess water from your hair after washing. However, for curly hair, you need a towel that can efficiently remove moisture without roughing up the hair cuticle. Microfiber materials tend to excel in this area, as they can absorb significantly more water than standard cotton towels – some brands boast absorption rates of up to 10-15 times their weight in water!

Material Considerations

The material of your hair towel directly impacts how your curls will look once dry. The best towels for curly hair are made from gentle, smooth fabrics that don’t create friction against the hair shaft. Microfiber is the gold standard here, as it’s incredibly soft and gentle on delicate curl patterns. Some newer towels even feature proprietary fabric technologies specifically designed to enhance curl definition while reducing drying time.

Design Features

Look for towels with thoughtful design elements that make them easier to use. Features like elastic bands, buttons, or loops help keep the towel securely in place while you go about your post-shower routine. This hands-free functionality is invaluable when you want to apply skincare products or get dressed while your hair dries.

Size and Fit Factors

Hair length and volume play significant roles in determining the ideal towel size for your needs. Those with particularly long or thick curly hair should opt for larger towels that can comfortably accommodate all of their hair without compression, which can disrupt curl patterns.

Now that we understand what makes a great hair towel for curly hair, let’s examine our top five picks in detail.

Top 5 Hair Towels for Curly Hair

After extensive research and user feedback analysis, I’ve identified these five outstanding hair towels that deliver exceptional results for curly hair:

1. Hicober Microfiber Hair Towel
2. DevaCurl Microfiber Anti-Frizz Hair Towel
3. VOLO Hero Cloud Pink Hair Towel
4. YFONG Large Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap
5. GOSHI Exfoliating Shower Towel

Each of these products brings unique benefits to the table. Let’s explore them one by one to help you determine which might be the perfect match for your curly hair needs.

Hicober Microfiber Hair Towel Detailed Review

Product Specifications

• Size: Large
• Colors Available: Blue, Grey, Pink
• Material: Microfiber
• Package: 3-pack hair turbans
• Age Range: Adult

Key Features

The Hicober Microfiber Hair Towel stands out with its super absorbent microfiber material that efficiently wicks moisture away from your curly locks. These towels are specifically designed to dry your hair quickly while minimizing heat damage that often comes from excessive blow-drying. Their lightweight design makes them comfortable to wear, and they’re suitable for all hair types, including curly, straight, dry, oily, or color-treated hair.

What truly sets these towels apart is their durability – according to the manufacturer, they won’t deform or shrink even after 10,000 washes, making them a long-lasting addition to your hair care arsenal.

Pros

• Comes in a cost-effective 3-pack with different color options
• Super absorbent microfiber material reduces drying time
• Extremely soft texture that’s gentle on curly hair
• Lightweight design doesn’t strain your neck
• Durable construction that maintains quality after multiple washes
• Odorless material, perfect for those sensitive to smells
• Helps reduce frizz in damaged or color-treated hair

Cons

• May work better after washing before first use
• Some users might find them slightly small for very thick, long hair
• Best results require washing between uses, which means more laundry

User Experiences

Users with bleached and dyed hair report significant improvements in frizz reduction after switching to these towels. Many appreciate that the fabric doesn’t have the unpleasant smell often associated with shipped textile products. The softness is frequently mentioned as a standout quality – users describe them as being substantially softer than regular towels without having the strange texture sometimes found in microfiber cleaning cloths.

One user who stumbled upon these towels without specifically looking for them was impressed by how well they stay on the head and their exceptional absorption capabilities. Another highlighted that unlike some other microfiber towels that merely shed water rather than absorbing it, the Hicober towels truly pull moisture from the hair, making the drying process significantly more efficient.

DevaCurl Microfiber Anti-Frizz Hair Towel Detailed Review

Product Specifications

• Dimensions: 39″L x 20″W
• Color: Gray
• Material: Microfiber
• Towel Form Type: Bath Towel
• Age Range: All Ages

Key Features

The DevaCurl Microfiber Anti-Frizz Hair Towel is created by a brand well-known in the curly hair community. This particular towel is specifically engineered to reduce frizz in curly hair types. Its generous dimensions (39″ x 20″) provide ample coverage for various hair lengths and thicknesses. The microfiber material is designed to be gentle on your curls while effectively absorbing excess moisture.

What makes the DevaCurl towel unique is that it’s designed to work especially well with the “plopping” method – a technique many curly-haired individuals use to enhance their natural curl pattern while drying.

Pros

• Designed specifically for curly hair by a trusted curly hair brand
• Significantly reduces frizziness compared to regular towels
• Works exceptionally well with the plopping technique
• Good absorption capabilities
• Generous size accommodates longer or thicker hair
• Sturdy construction for longevity

Cons

• Higher price point than some competitors
• Some users report issues with the durability of the loop
• Not the fastest drying towel on the market (takes about an hour)

User Experiences

Users who received proper instruction on how to use this towel report excellent results. Several mentioned seeking guidance from their hairdressers or watching tutorial videos to maximize the benefits of this product. The primary praise centers around the towel’s ability to significantly reduce frizz – a crucial benefit for those with curly hair.

One user specifically mentioned loving the towel for daily use, highlighting that it doesn’t cause their hair to become frizzy, which had been a problem with other products they’d tried previously. Another user praised the towel’s performance with the plopping method but noted that the loop broke and unraveled quickly, forcing them to create a replacement loop using the ribbon that came with the packaging. Despite this minor issue, they still felt the towel performed well overall.

VOLO Hero Cloud Pink Hair Towel Detailed Review

Product Specifications

• Color: Available in Cloud Pink, Luna Gray, Salt White, and Capri Blue
• Material: Proprietary Nanoweave microfiber
• Towel Form Type: Hair Towel
• Age Range: Adult
• Special Feature: Snug Strap to secure placement

Key Features

The VOLO Hero Cloud Pink Hair Towel stands out as a premium option, having won Allure’s Best of Beauty Award for two consecutive years (2021 & 2022). This isn’t your typical microfiber towel – it’s crafted from VOLO Beauty’s proprietary Nanoweave fabric, which claims to absorb 10 times its weight in water and cut drying time by an impressive 50%.

One of the most innovative features is the “Snug Strap” design that prevents the towel from falling off your head during use. This thoughtful addition addresses a common complaint about traditional hair wraps that tend to unravel with movement. The VOLO Hero also comes in a luxury tube package, making it an excellent gift option.

Pros

• Award-winning design recognized by beauty experts
• Proprietary Nanoweave fabric absorbs 10x its weight in water
• Cuts drying time by up to 50%
• Innovative Snug Strap keeps towel securely in place
• Available in multiple attractive colors
• Reduces frizz and prevents damage to hair
• Comes in elegant packaging suitable for gifting
• Designed in California by a USA-based company

Cons

• Premium price point compared to competitors
• May be considered a luxury purchase rather than a necessity
• Some users might find the specialized material requires specific care

User Experiences

Users consistently rave about this towel’s exceptional softness and absorption capabilities. One user with long, frizzy, wavy hair was initially attracted by the appealing blush pink color and soft appearance, but was truly won over by its performance. They specifically mention how it helps manage their challenging hair texture while fitting into their busy schedule that doesn’t allow for lengthy styling routines.

Another long-time hair towel user with hip-length bleached blonde hair expressed shock at finding a towel that is both incredibly soft and highly absorbent. They described the softness as comparable to “the softest blanket in the world or a baby’s skin” – high praise indeed! Despite initially doubting its absorption capabilities due to its extreme softness, they were pleasantly surprised when it not only dried their hair effectively but left it softer and more manageable than other towels they’d used.

YFONG Large Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap Detailed Review

Product Specifications

• Dimensions: 40″ x 26.3″ (larger than standard)
• Color: Gray
• Material: Microfiber
• Towel Form Type: Hair Towel
• Age Range: Adult
• Special Feature: Elastic band for secure fit

Key Features

The YFONG Large Microfiber Hair Towel distinguishes itself with its generous dimensions (40″ x 26.3″), making it especially suitable for those with long, thick, or voluminous curly hair. This towel boasts impressive absorption capabilities, claiming to soak up 15 times its weight in water and reduce drying time by 50%.

The standout design feature is its firmly stitched elastic band that keeps the towel securely in place while you go about your post-shower activities. This hands-free functionality allows you to multitask – whether that’s applying skincare products, watching TV, or preparing for your day – without worrying about your hair towel slipping off.

Pros

• Extra-large size accommodates all hair types and lengths
• Superior absorption (15x its weight in water)
• Cuts drying time in half
• Secure elastic band prevents slipping
• Reduces frizz through frictionless drying
• Extremely lightweight design doesn’t strain neck
• Maintains quality after thousands of washes
• Cost-effective compared to premium brands

Cons

• Requires washing before first use
• Specific care instructions (no fabric softener, bleach, ironing, or dry cleaning)
• May be bulkier than some competitors due to larger size

User Experiences

Users consistently praise this towel’s performance, particularly highlighting its impressive size and absorption capabilities. One user with long hair specifically mentioned how perfectly the towel accommodates their hair length while significantly reducing drying time and minimizing frizz. They also appreciated the helpful elastic strap that keeps the towel securely in place.

Another user who was seeking a more affordable alternative to the DevaCurl towel was delighted with their purchase, noting that the YFONG towel actually absorbs more water, has a softer texture, and features a wider, thicker elastic strap. They also mentioned that it substantially reduced their blow-drying time.

Some users were initially confused by the shape, expecting a rounded design typical of traditional hair towels, but ultimately found the rectangular format perfect for wrapping their voluminous hair. The softness and effective drying capabilities earned high marks across the board.

GOSHI Exfoliating Shower Towel Detailed Review

Product Specifications

• Dimensions: 46″L x 11″W
• Color: Indigo Blue
• Brand: GOSHI
• Towel Form Type: Washcloth
• Material: Nylon
• Origin: Made in Japan

Key Features

The GOSHI Exfoliating Shower Towel takes a different approach to hair and body care. While not exclusively designed for hair drying like the other towels on our list, this Japanese-made washcloth offers unique benefits for those who want a comprehensive shower solution.

What makes this product special is its signature rip-resistant fabric composed of two uniquely developed threads: a thin lathering thread that creates rich soap suds and a textured exfoliating thread that effectively removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. The GOSHI towel balances effective exfoliation with gentle cleansing, making it suitable for all skin types.

Pros

• Dual-purpose product for body exfoliation and cleansing
• Unique rip-resistant fabric technology
• Substantial surface area coverage reaches difficult areas
• Creates rich lather with any soap or body wash
• Balances exfoliation power with gentle cleansing
• Made in Japan with traditional textile expertise
• Dries well between uses, resistant to mold or mildew
• May help with skin conditions like back acne or keratosis pilaris

Cons

• Not specifically designed for hair drying like other products on this list
• Focuses more on body cleansing than hair care
• Texture may be too rough for very sensitive skin
• Not ideal for the “plopping” or wrapping techniques preferred for curly hair

User Experiences

Users who have tried various exfoliating products in the past express particular satisfaction with the GOSHI towel. Many appreciate its ability to absorb soap and water effectively while being easy to grip and use. The quick-drying properties receive consistent praise, with users noting that it squeezes almost dry after use and doesn’t develop the unpleasant odor typical of washcloths in humid environments.

One user specifically mentioned loving how the size makes it easier to reach difficult-to-wash areas compared to normal washcloths or loofahs. The exfoliating texture is frequently described as “rough but not too rough” – striking the perfect balance for effective exfoliation without irritation.

Several users mentioned wishing they had discovered this product sooner, as it significantly improved their shower experience. While not primarily marketed for curly hair drying, its quality construction and effectiveness in its intended purpose earn it a place on our list for those seeking multi-functional bath products.

How to Choose the Best Hair Towel for Your Curly Hair Type

Selecting the perfect hair towel for your curly locks depends on several factors unique to your hair type and personal preferences. Here’s what to consider when making your decision:

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Considerations for Different Curl Patterns

Not all curly hair is created equal. Those with loose waves (Type 2 curls) might prioritize different features than those with tight coils (Type 4 curls). For looser curl patterns, absorption capabilities might be the top priority to prevent weighing down delicate waves. For tighter curl patterns, the friction-reducing qualities of the towel become particularly important to prevent frizz and maintain definition.

Size Considerations for Hair Length

Your hair length plays a crucial role in determining the right towel size. If you have:

• Short curly hair: Most standard-sized hair towels will work well, though you might prefer ones with secure fastening methods since you have less hair weight to help keep the towel in place.
• Medium-length curly hair: Standard hair towels (around 20-30 inches) should accommodate your needs comfortably.
• Long curly hair: Consider larger options like the YFONG towel (40″ x 26.3″) to ensure all your hair fits without compression.
• Thick, voluminous curly hair: Regardless of length, thickness matters! If you have particularly dense curls, opt for larger towels that can handle the volume without squishing your curl pattern.

Budget Considerations

Hair towels for curly hair range from affordable multi-packs (like the Hicober 3-pack) to premium options (like the award-winning VOLO Hero). While investing in a quality towel is worthwhile for long-term curl health, your budget will naturally influence your choice. Remember that more expensive doesn’t always mean better results for your specific hair type.

Additional Features Worth Paying For

Some features justify a higher price tag, depending on your needs:

• Secure fastening mechanisms: If you like to multitask while your hair dries, look for towels with elastic bands, buttons, or loops.
• Proprietary fabric technologies: Specialized fabrics like VOLO’s Nanoweave might deliver superior results for particularly challenging hair types.
• Size upgrades: If you have very long or thick hair, paying more for extra fabric can be worthwhile.
• Durability guarantees: Some premium brands offer better construction that withstands hundreds more washes.

How to Properly Use a Hair Towel for Curly Hair

Even the best hair towel won’t deliver optimal results if used incorrectly. Here’s how to maximize the benefits of your microfiber hair towel:

Proper Wrapping Techniques

The most effective way to use a hair towel depends on your curl type and the specific towel design:

1. Traditional turban wrap: After washing, bend forward so your hair hangs down. Place the towel at the nape of your neck with the long side horizontal. Pull the sides forward and twist together at your forehead. Flip the twisted section back over your head and secure with a loop, button, or tuck.
2. Plopping method: Lay your towel flat on a surface. Bend forward so your hair hangs down and lower your hair onto the center of the towel. Fold the bottom edge up over your hair to the nape of your neck, then bring the top portion down to meet it. Secure the sides either by tying, tucking, or using any fasteners provided.

How Long to Leave Hair Wrapped

For best results:

• Fine curly hair: 10-15 minutes is usually sufficient
• Medium curly hair: 15-20 minutes works well
• Thick curly hair: 20-30 minutes might be necessary

Leaving your hair wrapped for too long can actually cause excess moisture retention in some hair types, potentially leading to scalp issues or elongated drying time. The goal is to remove excess moisture, not completely dry your hair in the towel.

Post-Towel Care Routine

After removing your microfiber towel:

1. Apply your leave-in conditioner and styling products while hair is still damp
2. Avoid touching or disrupting your curl pattern
3. Either air dry completely or use a diffuser attachment on low heat
4. Once fully dry, scrunch out any crunch from styling products

Following this sequence helps lock in the benefits of using your specialized hair towel and maximizes curl definition.

Benefits of Using Microfiber Hair Towels for Curly Hair

The advantages of switching from regular cotton towels to microfiber hair towels specifically designed for curly hair are numerous and significant:

Reduced Frizz

The smooth, fine fibers in microfiber towels create minimal friction against your hair shaft. This reduced friction means less disruption to your hair cuticle, which is the primary cause of frizz in curly hair. The result is smoother, more defined curls with visibly less frizz.

Faster Drying Time

Microfiber’s superior absorption capabilities mean it can remove more water from your hair in less time. Most specialized hair towels reduce drying time by at least 30-50% compared to regular towels. This not only saves you time but also minimizes the need for heat styling, which can damage curly hair.

Less Breakage and Damage

The gentle nature of microfiber means less tugging and pulling on your delicate curl structure. Cotton towels, particularly those with a rough texture, can catch on curls and cause breakage. Microfiber towels minimize this risk, leading to healthier hair over time.

Enhanced Curl Definition

By removing excess water without disrupting your natural curl pattern, microfiber towels help maintain and even enhance your curl definition. Many users report better curl formation and more consistent results when using proper hair towels instead of regular bath towels.

Caring for Your Microfiber Hair Towel

To ensure your hair towel continues performing at its best, proper care is essential:

Washing Instructions

Most microfiber hair towels should be washed before their first use to maximize absorption. For ongoing care:

• Wash after every 2-3 uses to prevent product buildup
• Use mild detergent without fabric softeners (which can coat fibers and reduce absorption)
• Wash with similar synthetic materials rather than cotton (which can shed lint onto the microfiber)
• Follow temperature guidelines specific to your towel (usually cold or lukewarm water)

Drying Recommendations

To preserve the integrity of the microfiber material:

• Air drying is ideal but takes longer
• If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting
• Avoid high heat, which can damage the synthetic fibers
• Never iron microfiber towels, as this can melt the fibers

How Often to Replace

With proper care, a quality microfiber hair towel should last 1-2 years with regular use. Signs it’s time for replacement include:

• Decreased absorption capabilities
• Visible wear, thinning, or holes
• Persistent odor that doesn’t wash out
• Stiffening of the fabric
• Loss of softness against your hair

Comparing Hair Towels vs. Regular Towels vs. T-shirts

In the curly hair community, there’s often debate about the best drying method. Let’s compare three popular options:

Absorption Differences

• Microfiber hair towels: Absorb 7-15 times their weight in water
• Regular cotton towels: Absorb 3-5 times their weight in water
• Cotton t-shirts: Absorb 4-6 times their weight in water but with gentler contact

Impact on Curl Pattern

• Microfiber hair towels: Minimal disruption to curl pattern, preserves definition
• Regular cotton towels: Rough texture can separate curls and create frizz
• Cotton t-shirts: Smoother than towels but less effective than microfiber at maintaining definition

Convenience Factors

• Microfiber hair towels: Designed specifically for hair with secure fastening options
• Regular cotton towels: Bulky, heavy, and tend to fall off
• Cotton t-shirts: Require more complex wrapping techniques, less secure

Cost Comparison

• Microfiber hair towels: $10-$40 depending on brand and features
• Regular cotton towels: $5-$20 but not specialized for hair
• Cotton t-shirts: Essentially free if using old shirts, but less effective

While both t-shirts and microfiber towels are vastly superior to regular bath towels for curly hair, specialized microfiber hair towels offer the best combination of performance, convenience, and curl preservation.

Expert Tips for Drying Curly Hair

Beyond simply using the right towel, how you use it matters. Here are some expert techniques for drying curly hair:

Plopping Technique

Plopping is a method that sets your curls in their natural pattern while drying:

1. Apply your styling products to soaking wet hair
2. Lay your microfiber towel flat on a surface
3. Bend forward and lower your hair onto the center of the towel
4. Fold the bottom of the towel up to your nape
5. Bring the top portion down to meet it
6. Secure the sides by tying or tucking
7. Leave for 15-30 minutes depending on hair thickness

This technique helps enhance curl definition by allowing curls to dry in a coiled position rather than being weighed down.

Microplopping Method

Microplopping is gentler and more controlled:

1. Apply styling products to soaking wet hair
2. Take your microfiber towel and gently press (don’t rub) sections of your hair upward toward your scalp
3. Squeeze lightly to remove excess water and product
4. Continue around your entire head
5. Follow with your usual air drying or diffusing routine

This method gives you more control over how much moisture you remove and works well for very fragile curl patterns.

Air Drying Strategies

After using your microfiber towel:

1. Avoid touching your hair as it dries
2. Consider using hair clips at the roots for volume
3. Gently flip your hair from side to side occasionally to prevent flat areas
4. Stay in humidity-controlled environments when possible

Combining Methods for Best Results

Many curly-haired individuals find that a combined approach works best:

1. Begin with a microfiber towel to remove initial excess water
2. Follow with a brief plopping session (10-15 minutes)
3. Finish with air drying or gentle diffusing

This multi-step approach maximizes curl definition while minimizing drying time.

FAQs About Hair Towels for Curly Hair

1. How often should I wash my microfiber hair towel?

For optimal performance and hygiene, wash your microfiber hair towel after every 2-3 uses. Product buildup from styling products can reduce absorption capabilities over time. Use a mild detergent without fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and make them less effective. Most microfiber towels can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, but always check the specific care instructions for your particular brand.

2. Can I use a diffuser after using a microfiber hair towel?

Absolutely! In fact, using a microfiber hair towel before diffusing is highly recommended. The towel removes excess moisture first, significantly reducing the amount of time you need to expose your hair to heat. After removing your hair towel, apply any heat protectant products, then use your diffuser on a low heat setting. This combination gives you the best of both worlds – reduced drying time with minimal heat exposure.

3. Why does my curly hair still frizz even when using a microfiber towel?

While microfiber towels significantly reduce frizz, they’re just one part of a comprehensive curly hair routine. If you’re still experiencing frizz, consider these factors: how you’re handling your hair when wet (avoid rubbing or rough handling), the products you’re using (you might need more moisturizing formulas), environmental humidity (which can affect even perfectly dried hair), and how you’re sleeping on your curls (consider a silk pillowcase). Sometimes combining your microfiber towel with a proper curly hair product routine makes all the difference.

4. Are more expensive hair towels really worth the higher price?

Not necessarily – it depends entirely on your specific hair needs. Premium towels like the VOLO Hero do offer proprietary technologies and additional features that can provide superior results for some hair types. However, many users with typical curly hair find that mid-range options like the Hicober or YFONG towels perform excellently for their needs. Consider your hair’s specific challenges (excessive frizz, very long length, etc.) when deciding whether premium features justify the additional cost.

5. How long should I keep my hair wrapped in a microfiber towel?

The ideal time varies based on your hair thickness and porosity, but generally 15-30 minutes is optimal. For fine hair, 10-15 minutes is usually sufficient, while thick, dense curls might benefit from 20-30 minutes of towel time. Leaving your hair wrapped for too long can actually cause excess moisture retention in some hair types, potentially leading to scalp issues or prolonged drying time. The goal is to remove excess water, not completely dry your hair in the towel.

Conclusion

After thorough examination of the five best hair towels for curly hair, it’s clear that each offers unique benefits depending on your specific needs and hair type.

For those seeking the best overall value, the Hicober Microfiber Hair Towel 3-Pack provides excellent performance at an attractive price point, giving you multiple towels to rotate between washes.

If frizz reduction is your primary concern, the DevaCurl Microfiber Anti-Frizz Hair Towel lives up to its name with specialized design elements from a brand dedicated to curly hair care.

For those willing to invest in premium quality, the award-winning VOLO Hero Cloud Pink Hair Towel with its proprietary Nanoweave technology delivers exceptional absorption and softness that justifies its higher price tag.

Those with particularly long or thick curly hair should consider the YFONG Large Microfiber Hair Towel with its generous dimensions and secure elastic band.

Finally, if you’re looking for a multi-purpose solution that addresses both body and hair care, the GOSHI Exfoliating Shower Towel offers innovative Japanese textile technology that excels at cleansing while also being useful for hair care.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific curl pattern, hair length, and personal preferences. Whichever towel you choose, making the switch from regular cotton towels to a specialized microfiber option will undoubtedly lead to healthier, more defined curls with significantly less frizz.