How to Wrap Hair in a Towel

By The Real Towel Editorial Team · 3 min read

Quick answer

Flip your head forward, lay a towel over your hair, gather the length into the towel, twist the hanging fabric into a rope, then tuck the twisted end at the nape or secure it. Use a soft microfibre or fine-cotton towel and avoid rough rubbing to prevent breakage and frizz.

Key takeaways

  • The classic turban wrap keeps hair off your face and absorbs water without rough rubbing.
  • Plopping uses a soft towel to cradle wet curls and encourage definition with less frizz.
  • Microfibre and fine cotton are gentler than standard terry, which roughs up the hair cuticle.
  • Blot and squeeze rather than rub, and don't leave a heavy towel wrapped for hours.

To wrap hair in a towel, flip your head forward, drape the towel over your hair, gather the length into it, twist the hanging fabric into a rope and tuck or secure the end. The two most useful methods are the turban wrap, which keeps hair off your face while it dries, and plopping, which protects curls. Both work best with a soft, absorbent towel and a gentle touch.

How do I do the classic turban wrap?

The turban wrap is the everyday method for getting excess water out and keeping hair out of the way.

  1. Blot first. Gently squeeze the worst of the water from your hair with your hands or a quick press of the towel. Don't rub.
  2. Flip your head forward. Bend at the waist or tip your head down so all your hair hangs toward the floor.
  3. Drape the towel. Lay the towel over the back of your head with the short edge at your nape and the bulk of the fabric hanging down past your hair.
  4. Gather the length. Collect all your hair inside the towel so it sits against the fabric.
  5. Twist into a rope. Hold the hanging fabric near your hairline and twist it firmly down its length until it forms a snug rope.
  6. Flip up and tuck. Lift your head upright, bring the twisted rope to the back of your head and tuck the end under the band at your nape, or secure it with a clip.

Leave it for a few minutes to absorb moisture, then take it down. Avoid leaving a heavy towel on for a long stretch, as the weight pulls on the roots.

How do I plop curly hair?

Plopping suits wavy and curly hair because it cradles the curls rather than stretching them out, helping them keep their shape with less frizz.

  1. Apply product to soaking hair. Work in your usual leave-in or styling product while hair is still very wet.
  2. Lay the towel flat. Spread a soft, flat towel on a bed or chair in front of you.
  3. Drop your curls in. Flip your head forward and lower your hair straight down into the centre of the towel so the curls pile up gently.
  4. Fold the front edge. Bring the near edge of the towel up over the nape of your neck.
  5. Twist and secure the sides. Take the two side ends, twist them into ropes and tie or tuck them at the back of your head.
  6. Wait, then release. Leave for around 10 to 20 minutes, then unwrap and let your curls finish air drying.

Why does the towel fabric matter?

The fabric you use has a direct effect on breakage and frizz. Wet hair is at its most fragile, and a coarse, looped surface catches on the cuticle.

  • Microfibre is fine, smooth and very absorbent, so it wicks water quickly with little friction. See our microfibre towels guide.
  • Fine, soft cotton is a good gentle alternative if you prefer natural fibres.
  • Standard bath terry is thicker and rougher; the large loops can snag and rough up the hair surface, leaving it frizzy.

Dedicated hair towels are designed to be lighter and gentler than a full bath towel, and our best towels for hair guide compares the options.

Tips to avoid breakage and frizz

  • Squeeze, don't rub. Friction is what causes most towel-related damage. Blotting and gentle squeezing lift water without roughing up the cuticle.
  • Keep wraps short. A few minutes is enough; long, heavy wraps strain the hairline.
  • Detangle gently. Comb with a wide-tooth comb after wrapping, never while scrubbing.
  • Choose a lightweight towel. Less weight means less pull on wet, vulnerable strands.

For more on the damage rough drying can cause, see does towel drying damage hair.

The bottom line

Wrapping hair in a towel is simple: gather, twist, tuck. The turban wrap keeps hair out of the way as it dries, while plopping protects curls and definition. The real difference comes from being gentle and using a soft microfibre or fine-cotton towel rather than scrubbing with rough terry.

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