Drying curly hair with a towel, especially for men, requires a gentle approach to prevent frizz and damage. Here's a breakdown of how to do it properly, based on expert recommendations:
Why Traditional Towel Drying Is Bad for Curls
- Friction Frizz: Rubbing your hair vigorously with a regular cotton or terrycloth towel creates friction. This rough action disrupts the curl pattern and leads to frizz.
- Damage: Aggressive drying can cause breakage and split ends, especially when hair is wet and vulnerable.
- Tightly Twisted Turban: Wrapping your hair too tightly can cause tension, pulling on your roots and contributing to hair loss and breakage.
Best Practices for Towel Drying Curly Hair
Instead of the traditional rough towel dry, opt for a gentle approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Use a Microfiber Towel or T-shirt: Avoid cotton or terrycloth towels. Opt for a microfiber towel or even an old cotton t-shirt. These materials are much smoother and gentler on curls.
- Microfiber towels are designed to absorb water quickly without creating friction.
- An old cotton t-shirt is a readily available and affordable alternative.
- Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water: Rather than rubbing, use the towel or t-shirt to gently squeeze or scrunch excess water from your hair. Start at the roots and work your way down.
- This scrunching method helps maintain the curl pattern.
- It avoids unnecessary friction that can lead to frizz.
- Plopping Method (Optional):
- Lay the microfiber towel or t-shirt on a flat surface.
- Flip your wet hair forward onto the center of the towel.
- Wrap the towel around your hair, securing it at the back of your neck.
- This method allows curls to dry in their natural pattern, minimizing frizz and maximizing definition.
- Avoid Tight Turbans: When using the plopping method, ensure the towel is wrapped gently and not pulled too tight. This will help prevent pulling on the hair follicles.
What NOT to Do:
| Action | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Rubbing vigorously | Creates frizz and damages hair |
| Twisting tightly | Causes breakage and tension |
| Using cotton towels | Creates more frizz and absorbs too much moisture |
| Tying too tightly | Can pull on roots and cause damage |
By following these guidelines, you can effectively dry your curly hair with a towel, reducing frizz and preserving your natural curl pattern. Remember, gentle is key when handling curly hair.
