What we’re looking for
Material
According to hairstylist Patricia Morales, you want your hair towel to be made from microfiber, satin, or soft cotton. “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. And soft cotton — like one would find in a T-shirt — is best for damaged hair types who need something extremely gentle.
Type of fastener
You’ll want to pay attention to the type of fastener a hair towel uses to ensure it will stay in place as you wait for your hair to dry.
Crown Affair The Hair Towel
Material: Waffle microfiber | Type of fastener: Strap
GiftSafari editor has been using hair towels for about ten years and says, ”They made an instant difference in the way my very fine, curly hair air-dried — softer, less frizz, more defined curls.” She has tried a few different options including Aquis (our original best overall) but says when she tried the Crown Affair towel about two years ago, she “never looked back.” She especially likes the towel’s waffle texture, which she says both “looks and feels nicer” than other hair towels she has tried. And its “slightly larger, unique shape” is great for containing all of your hair — no matter the length. Just slip the ends of your hair through the elastic band in the back and everything stays put, she promises. Kitchens keeps a stack of three on hand in her bathroom. And after testing, I second Kitchens assessment: While I initially liked the Aquis when I first purchased it, I found that the Crown Affair towel is much more absorbent and comfortable to wear around the house.
Best (less-expensive) hair towel
Aquis Original Hair Turban
4.5 stars, 1,176 reviews
Material: Microfiber | Type of fastener: Button
The Aquis hair towel has gained acclaim from various experts in the hair industry for its effectiveness in addressing frizz and reducing drying time. These endorsements have come from individuals such as Rio Viera-Newton, a strategist contributor who personally attests to the transformative effect the Aquis towel had on her hair, describing it as a life-changing product for those struggling with frizz or the inconvenience of waiting for hair to dry. Upon trying the Aquis towel, the user found their hair looking considerably healthier after several months of regular use, a noticeable improvement over their prior hair condition. While the user personally prefers another towel brand, the Crown Affair towel, they acknowledge that Aquis offers a more budget-friendly option, as it is priced at almost half the cost. The unique feature of Aquis towels lies in their microfiber material, specifically the “Aquiflex fiber,” which is a blend of polyester and nylon. This specialized fabric exhibits exceptional water-wicking properties, enabling it to dry hair twice as fast as standard bath towels. Jenna Perry, founder of Jenna Perry Hair Studio, and Patricia Morales, a hairstylist, both recommend the Aquis towel for fine or brittle hair types due to its lightweight and gentle nature. Additionally, Beth Weber, a hairstylist and the founder of Refuge Hair, suggests the Aquis towel for clients with curly and delicate hair. The choice of a suitable towel plays a crucial role in achieving great curl definition, as the hair is most vulnerable when wet. Aquis’ fabric is designed to be gentle and promote curl definition, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to enhance their curls.
Best hair towel for fine hair
Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel
Material: Microfiber | Type of fastener: Button
Since fine hair is more fragile, hairstylist Marie Elizabeth of Salon deZEN recommends Kitsch hair towels, which have a soft, microfiber material that will reduce hair breakage. She loves that the stretch elastic trim can accommodate all hair lengths. “Pro tip: If you have thick hair, snag two wraps and switch out after five minutes for an even quicker drying time.”
Best hair towel for thick hair
Volo Beauty Hero Microfiber Hair Towel
Material: Microfiber | Type of fastener: Strap
For thick, frizz-prone hair, Weber suggests Volo Beauty’s Hero towel, which she describes, in one word, as “amazing.” This towel is made with “the softest, gentlest” microfiber fabric that is designed to absorb ten times its weight in water, which will halve your drying time and free you from post-shower frizz, she promises. Size-wise, the Volo towel is one of the largest on this list, which makes it great for those with longer hair lengths, and features a strap at the back to keep it in place.
