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This guide will show you how to use a towel to wrap your hair at the top of your head, suitable for all hair types. If you have long or thick hair, you can wrap it to one side. This way, your clothes won’t get wet from water dripping from your hair, and you’ll be free to get other tasks done while waiting for your hair to dry. Wrapping your hair in a towel is an excellent way to absorb moisture and prevent your hair from hanging loose and getting in the way. During winter, you can also wrap your hair in a towel to keep your head warm after a shower.
Steps
Wrap Hair on Top of Your Head
Choose a Towel of the Right Size. The towel should be long enough to cover both shoulders when draped over the top of your head. Its width should also be sufficient to cover from the nape of your neck to the hairline. If the towel is too wide for your head, you can fold it in half to fit snugly around your head. It’s also a great idea to use towels specifically designed for drying hair. You can use a soft microfiber towel or an old, clean t-shirt to dry your hair, as these materials help make your hair softer and shinier.
- If you have short hair, you should use a smaller towel.
- Many people prefer velvet towels for wrapping hair due to their softness and comfort. However, those with curly hair might prefer microfiber towels, as they cause less friction on the hair shaft.
- You can also use a soft t-shirt to wrap your hair. Just like microfiber towels, these gentle fabrics create less friction on the hair cuticle compared to cotton towels and can help your hair stay smoother.
- You can also purchase specialized hair towels from larger stores. These microfiber towels are highly absorbent, lighter, and easier to wrap around your head compared to regular bath towels.
Blot Your Hair with a Soft Towel to Prevent Dripping. You don’t want water to drip from the towel, so gently squeeze the hair with the towel to let the water drip out. For thick hair, lean forward and gently press sections of hair; for shorter or thinner hair, you can tilt your head to each side and softly press the towel against half of your hair to absorb excess moisture.
- Some stores offer microfiber gloves designed for drying hair, similar to towels. You can wear these gloves and squeeze your hair to dry it faster.
Detangle Your Hair. If you have straight hair, you can use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair before wrapping. For curly hair, avoid combing too much to preserve your curls. If you want soft waves, you can skip this step or gently press sections of hair with your hands to avoid disrupting the curls.
- Your hair is most fragile when wet, so it’s best to avoid detangling it when it’s still wet. To prevent breakage, comb your hair before washing. This will make it easier to detangle before wrapping.
Flip Your Hair Forward. Bend down and gather all your hair, flipping it over your head so that the entire length of your hair falls in front of your face.
- Make sure you have enough space to flip your hair forward.
Wrap the Towel Tightly Around Your Head. Place the center of the towel at the nape of your neck, right at the hairline. Adjust the towel so that both sides are of equal length, then pull the edges of the towel to meet at the front hairline, keeping them tight together. Secure the towel around your hairline so it’s snug but not too tight. If wrapped too tightly, it could cause a headache.
- Pull the towel behind your ears. Many people prefer to cover their ears with the towel, but doing so can make it harder to hear.
Twist the Towel Around Your Hair. Twist the towel in one direction, starting from close to the scalp. Use one hand to hold the towel in place while the other hand wraps the hair. Continue twisting the towel down towards the ends of your hair. Make sure the towel is secure but not too tight, as excessive tightness can damage your hair.
Secure the Hair Bun on Your Head. Stand up straight and flip the wrapped bun of hair to the back of your head. Tuck or clip the twisted towel into the gap at the nape of your neck to secure it in place.
Leave Your Hair in the Towel for 30-60 Minutes. This duration allows the towel to absorb all the moisture from your hair. If your hair is still wet after an hour, replace the towel with a dry one and continue until your hair is only slightly damp.
Bend Forward and Carefully Remove the Towel. Lean forward and gently remove the towel to let your hair dry completely. Keep your hair wrapped loosely in the towel, so when you lift your head, you won’t need to flick your hair back to prevent it from getting in your face. Keep your hair in the towel as you straighten up.
- If you have exceptionally thick hair, you can use two towels to dry your hair.
Wrap Hair to One Side of Your Head
Blot Your Hair with a Towel Until Water Stops Dripping. Use a soft towel, microfiber towel, or a clean t-shirt to gently blot the moisture from your hair. These soft materials will make your hair smoother and less frizzy compared to cotton towels. It's best to dedicate towels solely for drying hair.
Detangle Your Hair. For straight hair, you can use a wide-tooth comb to gently remove any tangles. If you have curly hair, be careful and avoid combing too much to preserve the curl pattern. If you're aiming for waves, you can skip this step or use your fingers to gently separate your hair into sections or curls.
Gather All Your Hair to the Back of Your Head. Use your hands to gather your hair towards the back. This method is a great alternative if wrapping your hair on top causes discomfort or a headache.
Place the Towel on Your Head. Drape the towel over your head so that the edge of the towel touches your hairline at the front. The towel should be long enough to cover both shoulders. Ensure that both sides of the towel are even before you start wrapping your hair. If the towel isn’t balanced, it will be difficult to wrap your hair properly.
Wrap the Towel Around Your Head. Hold both ends of the towel and wrap it around your neck, securing it snugly around your head. Pull the towel behind your ears to keep them outside the towel. Hold the ends of the towel in place at the nape of your neck. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, as this can damage your hair.
Twist the Towel Around Your Hair. Hold the two ends of the towel tightly together at the back of your neck. Pull your hair to one side and start twisting the towel in one direction. Continue twisting until you reach the end of the towel. Be cautious and avoid twisting the towel too tightly around your hair to prevent damage.
To create a side bun. Carefully take the bun of hair wrapped in a towel from behind your back and drape it over your shoulder. Let the bun rest on your collarbone in the front. You can use a clip to secure the towel's end or hold it in place with one hand.
Leave the towel in your hair for about 30-60 minutes or until the hair is just damp. If your hair is thick and requires more than 60 minutes to wrap, use another towel to replace the damp one. Keep the second towel in place until the hair is damp enough to air dry or blow dry.
