Yes, towel wrapping your hair can be bad for it, especially when done aggressively or frequently.
The referenced video highlights that wet hair is more vulnerable to damage. The friction caused by a towel, particularly when rubbing or twisting the hair, can disrupt the cuticle and keratin scales.
This disruption leads to:
- Increased breakage: The hair shaft becomes weakened and more prone to snapping.
- Frizz: Damaged cuticles create a rough surface, causing frizz and difficulty in smoothing the hair.
- Damage over time: While the immediate effects may be subtle, repeated towel drying can accumulate damage, resulting in overall weaker and less healthy hair.
Why Towels Cause Damage:
- Rough texture: Most traditional towels have a coarse texture that increases friction.
- Absorbent nature: Towels quickly absorb moisture, potentially over-drying the hair and making it brittle.
- Aggressive drying: Many people rub their hair vigorously with a towel to speed up the drying process, exacerbating the damage.
Alternatives to Traditional Towel Drying:
- Microfiber Towels: These towels are much softer and more gentle on the hair, reducing friction.
- T-Shirt Drying: An old cotton T-shirt provides an even gentler alternative.
- Plopping: This technique involves wrapping the hair in a microfiber towel or T-shirt and allowing it to dry in a coiled position, enhancing curl definition and reducing frizz.
- Air Drying: Allowing hair to air dry completely eliminates the risk of towel-related damage.
- Gentle Blotting: If you must use a towel, gently blot the hair to remove excess moisture instead of rubbing.
In conclusion, while towel drying is a common practice, the friction it creates can harm the hair. Choosing gentler alternatives and using proper techniques can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
