How to Towel Dry Hair Without Damage

Press, don't rub, and use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to absorb water without creating friction.

Most hair damage happens in the thirty seconds after you step out of the shower, not from heat tools or chemicals.

1. Start with gentle squeezing. Before any towel touches your hair, gently squeeze out excess water with your hands from mid-length to ends. This removes the bulk of water so your towel won't have to work as hard.
2. Use the right fabric. Swap your regular terry cloth towel for a microfiber towel or clean cotton t-shirt. These materials have smoother surfaces that won't catch and tear at your hair cuticles like traditional towels do.
3. Press and squeeze, never rub. Section your hair and gently press the towel against each section, then squeeze the towel around the hair to absorb water. Rubbing creates friction that leads to frizz and breakage, especially when hair is wet and vulnerable.
4. Work from roots to ends. Start at your scalp where hair is strongest and work down to the ends where it's most fragile. Spend more time pressing water out of the roots since they can handle more manipulation than your ends.