My Curly Hair Journey
I started embracing my natural curls back in 2015 and, to this day, I still haven’t found a hair towel I truly love.
I ditched regular towels early on because they were rough and caused frizz. The looped texture of traditional bath towels can disrupt curl patterns and create unnecessary friction.
Then I tried microfibre towels. They’re often recommended for curly hair because they absorb water quickly, but I found they actually absorbed too much moisture, which left my curls frizzy and undefined.
After reading about a curly hair hack - drying your hair with a t-shirt - I thought I’d give it a try.
It was an instant game changer.
Using a soft cotton t-shirt was much gentler on my curls. It didn’t ruin my curl definition or create frizz. Instead, it left me with soft, defined curls, and over time I noticed the overall health of my hair improving with every wash.
But while the t-shirt trick worked, it wasn’t a perfect solution.
That’s what inspired me to create a better hair towel for curly hair.
Why T-Shirt Fabric Is Better for Curly Hair
Curly hair is naturally more fragile than straight hair, especially when wet.
When hair is wet:
- The cuticle is more open
- Strands stretch more easily
- Friction can cause breakage and frizz
Traditional bath towels are made from terry cloth, which has loops that catch on hair strands.
In contrast, cotton jersey fabric (the same fabric used in t-shirts) has a much smoother surface.
This helps:
- Reduce friction
- Prevent frizz
- Protect curl definition
- Minimise breakage
That’s why many curly hair experts recommend plopping curls with a t-shirt instead of a regular towel.
Why I Didn’t Want to Use Microfibre
Microfibre towels are commonly recommended in curly hair routines, and while they do have some benefits, they also come with downsides many people aren’t aware of.
Microfibre is a synthetic material made from polyester and nylon fibres — both forms of plastic.
This means:
- Microfibre sheds microplastics when washed
- These particles can enter waterways and oceans
- Synthetic fibres don’t biodegrade easily
For people trying to create a low-tox lifestyle or reduce plastic exposure, microfibre isn’t always the ideal option.
That’s why I started looking for a natural alternative.
Why I Chose Organic Jersey Cotton
When designing my ideal hair towel, I wanted something that felt like a t-shirt but worked like a proper hair towel.
Organic jersey cotton was the perfect solution.
It combines the curl-friendly texture of a t-shirt with the functionality of a towel designed for hair.
Here are some of the key benefits.
Gentle on Hair & Scalp
Organic cotton jersey fabric is smooth and lightweight, which helps reduce friction on delicate curls.
Benefits include:
Less frizz
Reduced breakage
Better curl definition
Gentler care for fragile or damaged hair
Because hair is most vulnerable when wet, using a gentler towel can make a noticeable difference to curl health over time.
Non-Toxic & Skin Friendly
Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and processed using fewer chemicals compared to conventional cotton.
This means:
- No pesticide residues
- No synthetic fibre chemicals
- Fewer potential skin irritants
It’s a great option for people with sensitive scalps or eczema-prone skin.
Plastic-Free & Microplastic-Free
Unlike microfibre towels, organic cotton contains no synthetic fibres.
This means it:
- Doesn’t shed microplastics when washed
- Is biodegradable
- Comes from a renewable natural fibre
Making it a better option for both your hair routine and the environment.
Why Not Just Use a T-Shirt?
Using a t-shirt to dry curly hair works incredibly well, but I found a few downsides.
The shape was awkward to wrap around my head, the size was often too small, and honestly, I didn’t love the look of an old t-shirt hanging in my bathroom.
I invest a lot into caring for my curls, and I wanted a proper towel designed specifically for curly hair.
Something that keeps all the benefits of the t-shirt method, but works better in everyday routines.
Why the Right Hair Towel Matters for Curly Hair
When caring for curly hair, we often focus on finding the right shampoo, conditioner, or styling products.
But we often overlook how important the tools are.
A good hair towel plays a big role in your curly hair routine.
It’s used to:
- Wrap hair after washing
- Plop or micro-plop curls
- Absorb excess water
- Speed up drying time
Because hair is most fragile when wet, the towel you use can make a big difference to the health, definition, and frizz level of your curls.
Help Me Create the Perfect Curly Hair Towel
If you’ve been searching for the perfect hair towel too, I’d love for you to be part of the journey.
Follow us on social media and help shape the details - from colours to packaging - as we create our ideal curly hair towel together.
Not on social media?
Join the waitlist for our launch and be the first to know when it’s ready.
FAQs About Hair Towels for Curly Hair
Is a t-shirt better than a regular towel for curly hair?
Yes, many people with curly hair find that a cotton t-shirt works better than a regular towel. Traditional bath towels are made from terry cloth, which has loops that can catch on hair strands and create friction. This friction can disrupt curl patterns and cause frizz. T-shirt fabric (cotton jersey) is smoother and gentler, helping curls stay defined.
Is microfibre good for curly hair?
Microfibre towels can help absorb water quickly and reduce drying time, which is why they are often recommended for curly hair. However, microfibre is made from synthetic plastic fibres like polyester and nylon. Some people find that microfibre can absorb too much moisture or create static, which may affect curl definition.
What fabric is best for a curly hair towel?
The best fabrics for curly hair towels are smooth, low-friction materials that protect delicate curls. Cotton jersey (t-shirt fabric) is a popular choice because it helps reduce frizz, maintain curl definition, and minimise breakage when hair is wet.
Why do curly hair routines recommend plopping?
Plopping is a method of wrapping wet curls in soft fabric to help them dry while maintaining their natural shape. Using a soft cotton t-shirt or jersey cotton towel can help curls form better clumps and reduce frizz during drying