Turkish Towels for Hair: A Lighter, Gentler Hair Wrap

A Turkish towel makes a great hair towel. Its smooth, flat weave has no terry loops to rough up your hair, it soaks up water without the weight of a heavy towel, and it dries quickly between uses. Here's how to wrap it, which size to use, and why so many people with curly or fine hair switch.

01 / Why a flat weave is kinder to hair.

A terry towel is covered in loops. Rub wet hair with it and those loops catch and tug at every strand. A Turkish towel is flat-woven, so its surface is smooth. You can press and squeeze water out instead of rubbing, with far less friction. That's why many people with curly, wavy or fine hair prefer one.

02 / Light on your head, quick to dry.

A heavy terry towel piled on top of your head is a neck workout. A Turkish towel absorbs plenty of water but stays light, so it sits comfortably while you do your makeup or make coffee. Afterward, it dries quickly on a hook, so it doesn't sit damp and turn musty.

03 / Which size to use.

• Short or fine hair: a Turkish hand towel is plenty.
• Long or thick hair: a full-size Turkish towel, about 40 x 70 inches, folded in half lengthwise.
• Curly hair: either size works. Skip the twist and just scrunch and blot.

04 / How to wrap your hair in a Turkish towel.

1. Gently squeeze excess water out of your hair with your hands.
2. Fold the towel in half lengthwise to make a long, narrow strip.
3. Bend forward and lay the middle of the strip across the nape of your neck.
4. Gather your hair into the towel and wrap both ends around your head toward your forehead.
5. Twist the ends loosely and tuck them in at the back or the side.
6. After 10 to 20 minutes, unwrap and blot. No rubbing.

Tassels can get in the way, so tuck them inside the wrap, or leave them out for a little poolside style.

05 / Our picks for hair.

• Essential towel: light, soft and made in about 40 colors, so everyone in the house can have their own.
• Waffle towel: a honeycomb Turkish cotton weave that feels great on wet hair.
• Hand and tea towels: the right size for short hair and a quick wrap.

Every Riviera towel is 100% Turkish cotton, pre-washed for softness from day one, and certified to OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 (certificate no. 309234), which means it's been tested for harmful substances. Keep it soft with our care guide, and skip fabric softener, which coats the fibers.

FAQ

Is a Turkish towel good for drying hair?

Yes. A Turkish towel is flat-woven, so it has no terry loops to catch and tug at hair. It absorbs water well, stays light on your head and dries quickly between uses.

Are Turkish towels good for curly hair?

Many people with curly hair prefer them. The smooth flat weave creates less friction than terry, so you can scrunch and blot water out of curls instead of rubbing.

What size Turkish towel should I use for my hair?

A Turkish hand towel works for short or fine hair. For long or thick hair, use a full-size Turkish towel of about 40 x 70 inches folded in half lengthwise.

How do I wrap my hair in a Turkish towel?

Fold the towel lengthwise, lay it across the nape of your neck while bending forward, wrap both ends toward your forehead, twist loosely and tuck the ends in.

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