If you have curly hair, chances are you've heard the advice: ditch your regular towel. But once you start looking for alternatives, another question quickly comes up: should you use a T-shirt towel or a microfibre towel for curly hair?
Both are popular choices in the curly hair community because they create less friction than traditional bath towels. They can help reduce frizz, encourage curl definition and improve your overall drying routine.
But they aren't exactly the same.
If you're wondering which option is best for your curls, this guide compares jersey cotton and microfibre towels side by side, so you can choose the one that suits your routine best.
Why Regular Towels Can Damage Curly Hair
Traditional bath towels are made from terry cloth, a fabric with rough loops designed to absorb large amounts of water quickly. While that's ideal for drying your body, it's much less gentle on curly hair.
The rough texture creates friction against the hair cuticle, which can separate curl clumps and leave curls looking frizzy, puffy or undefined. Over time, using a regular towel can also contribute to tangles and unnecessary breakage.
If you'd like to understand why towel choice makes such a difference, read The Curl Wrap Difference, where we compare organic jersey cotton, microfibre and traditional terry cloth in more detail.
What Is a T-Shirt Towel?
A T-shirt towel is made from soft jersey cotton, similar to the fabric used in your favourite cotton T-shirt. Instead of rough towel loops, the smooth fabric glides over curls, helping to absorb excess moisture while minimising friction.
Our Practicurl Curl Wrap is made from organic jersey cotton and designed specifically for curly and wavy hair. It's ideal for plopping, microplopping and damp styling, helping support curl clumping while reducing frizz.
If you're new to these techniques, our How to Use the Curl Wrap guide shows you exactly how to wrap, plop and microplop your curls step by step.
What Is a Microfibre Towel?
Microfibre (or microfiber) towels are made from ultra-fine synthetic fibres that absorb water quickly and efficiently.
They're a popular choice for curly hair because they create less friction than traditional bath towels and can help reduce drying time. However, because they're highly absorbent, some people find they remove more moisture than their curls need.
As with many curly hair techniques, the best choice often comes down to your hair type and personal preference.
T-Shirt Towel vs Microfibre Towel: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both jersey cotton and microfibre are much gentler on curls than traditional towels, but they each have their own advantages.
Which Is Better for Micro-plopping?
Micro-plopping works best when a fabric absorbs excess water without disturbing curl clumps.
Because jersey cotton has a soft, smooth texture, many people find it easier to gently scrunch out moisture without creating extra frizz.
After applying your leave-in conditioner or curl cream, use your Practicurl Curl Wrap to lightly scrunch upward and remove excess water before applying gel.
Micro-plopping before gel application can help:
- Prevent products becoming diluted
- Reduce dripping
- Improve curl formation
- Create better hold
Applying gel to damp hair can also create a stronger cast. Once your hair is completely dry, gently scrunch out the cast to reveal soft, defined and frizz-free curls.
If you'd like to master the technique, follow our How to Use the Curl Wrap guide for a step-by-step tutorial.
Styling on Damp Hair vs Soaking Wet Hair
Some people get their best results applying products to soaking wet hair, while others prefer styling on damp hair.
If damp styling works best for you, wrap your hair in your Practicurl Curl Wrap immediately after washing and leave it on for a few minutes to absorb excess water.
Once your hair reaches a damp stage, apply your styling products and finish with gel.
Many curl routines work better when products aren't competing with excess water, making this a simple way to improve curl definition and reduce drying time.
So Which One Should You Choose?
Both jersey cotton and microfibre are excellent alternatives to traditional bath towels, so there isn't a single right answer.
If you prefer a towel that absorbs water quickly and don't mind synthetic fabrics, a microfibre towel may suit your routine.
If you prefer natural fibres, a breathable feel and a towel designed specifically for plopping, microplopping and damp styling, a jersey cotton towel could be the better choice.
Our Practicurl Curl Wrap is made from organic jersey cotton to gently remove excess moisture while helping reduce friction and support healthier, more defined curls.
If you're still weighing up your options, you may also enjoy reading Why Your Towel Is Ruining Your Curls (And What to Use Instead), where we explore how towel choice can affect your curl health.
Ready to Upgrade Your Wash Day Routine?
Still drying your curls with a regular towel?
Practicurl's organic jersey cotton Curl Wrap was designed specifically for curly and wavy hair to make plopping, microplopping and damp styling simpler and gentler.
Shop the Curl Wrap T-Shirt Towel today!
Have a question before joining? Visit our Curl Wrap FAQs to learn more about the materials, care instructions and how to get the best results from your Practicurl Curl Wrap.