Skip to Content

Is Using Hair Towel After Swimming Good? Best Hair Towels 2024

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

is using hair towel after swimming goodDo you enjoy swimming? With over 10.4 million residential and 309,000 public pools in the US alone, it’s no wonder why swimming is the fourth-most popular activity in America. Unfortunately, after a dip in the pool, our hair can suffer from damage and dryness due to chlorine exposure.

To keep your locks healthy and happy while still enjoying a swim this summer season, consider using a hair towel after taking your dive! Read on for eight of our favorite picks that will provide optimal protection against water exposure without sacrificing style or comfort when drying off afterwards.

Here are our top recommendations:

  • AQUIS Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap
  • Volo Hero Cloud Towel
  • Olaplex Hair Perfector Repair
  • ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
  • Women Silk Scrunchies (Pink, Black, Tan)
  • Shark Steam Pocket Mop Cleaner
  • TempurPedic Ergo Neck Pillow (Medium)
  • Kindle Scribe Paperwhite Pen

These products are designed to help protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine and water exposure. Whether you’re looking for a towel wrap, a pillowcase, or even a steam mop cleaner, there’s something on this list for everyone.

So, next time you go for a swim, don’t forget to grab your hair towel and give your locks the protection they deserve!

Key Takeaways

  • Using a hair towel after swimming is essential for hair protection.
  • Microfiber towels like AQUIS, Volo Hero, and Kitsch are recommended for gentle drying and less breakage.
  • Wetting hair with clean water before swimming minimizes chlorine damage.
  • Rinse hair immediately after swimming to minimize chlorine absorption.

Is Using Hair Towel After Swimming Good?

Using a hair towel after swimming is important to help protect your hair from damage due to chlorine, salt water, or sun exposure. To get the most out of your swim session with minimal damage and maximum hydration, consider products like the AQUIS Microfiber Hair Towel, Fromm Softees Hair Towels Lilac, Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap, Volo Hero Cloud Towel, Olaplex Hair Perfector Repair, ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, Women Silk Scrunchies in Pink, Black, and Tan, Shark Steam Pocket Mop Cleaner, TempurPedic Ergo Neck Pillow in Medium, Kindle Scribe Paperwhite Pen.

These high-quality towels and accessories will ensure that you look great as soon as you step out of the pool!

AQUIS Microfiber Hair Towel

View On Amazon
Using the AQUIS Microfiber Hair Towel after swimming can help strengthen your hair and reduce drying time, while also protecting it from potential damage. The revolutionary product is designed with proprietary AQUITEX fabric that quickly wicks away water without heat or friction.

With a fabric weight of 8 grams per square meter, it’s lightweight and flexible design makes it suitable for long hair types, providing excellent absorbency. Not only does this towel cut down on blow dry time but also reduces frizz and helps to minimize heat damage caused by traditional drying methods such as flat irons or blow dryers.

Customers have praised the Aquis towels for their strong yet gentle material which doesn’t accumulate fuzz like regular microfiber towels do – making them perfect for people who struggle with PCOS-related hair issues too! Plus, they’re travel-friendly due to their portability (without compromising quality).

Pros
  • Strengthens hair while reducing drying time
  • Reduces frizz & minimizes heat damage
  • Lightweight & portable ideal for traveling
  • Gentle material won’t accumulate fuzz/hair
Cons
  • May feel different compared to typical microfiber towels
  • Price may be an issue

Fromm Softees Hair Towels Lilac

View On Amazon
Make waves with Fromm Softees Hair Towels Lilac — they’re the perfect accessory for reducing drying time and maintaining your hair’s health. Made from high-performance microfiber material, these ultra-durable towels are great for salons, spas, and barber shops.

They can reduce blow dry time by half while protecting against heat damage to prevent breakage.

With a lint-free fabric that absorbs water five times faster than regular cotton towels, you’re guaranteed fast results without any snagging or tangling of your locks.

Not only is this comfortable on wet hair but also on skin due to its softness and lightweight design, making it ideal for travel needs too – just toss one into your bag before heading out! And don’t worry about caring as they are machine washable, meaning you get long-lasting use out of them no matter how many washes needed over their lifetime guarantee period from the manufacturer – definitely something worth investing in if seeking an efficient way to quickly dry off after swimming or showering!

Pros
  • Absorbs water quickly to cut down drying time
  • Reduces frizziness & protects against heat damage
  • Soft & gentle on wet hair & skin
  • Ultra durable – lasts up 6x longer than cotton towel
  • Machine washable
  • Lightweight design
  • Available in various colors including lilac
Cons
  • Color may bleed when washed with white towels
  • Slightly small size may not fit all types of long hairs

Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap

View On Amazon
Transform your hair care routine with the Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap – perfect for quickly drying and styling all types of hair! Made from ultra-soft, lint-free microfiber material, this towel absorbs water five times faster than a regular towel.

With its quick twist design and easy-to-use twist and button loop closure, you’ll be able to dry your locks in no time without damaging them. The elastic is strong enough to hold the wrap securely in place while allowing for maximum absorbency.

It’s lightweight yet durable enough to last through multiple washes while remaining soft on wet strands as it soaks up excess moisture with ease.

Pros
  • Stretchable terry cloth material accommodates long/thick hair
  • Soft microfiber interior with stylish polka dot exterior
  • Quick drying & easy to use with clear instructions
Cons
  • Not ideal for plopping technique
  • Tag on rim can cause breakage
  • May be slightly short if very long

Volo Hero Cloud Towel

View On Amazon
For a luxurious and speedy hair drying experience, the Volo Hero Cloud Towel is a must-have; like they say, time is of the essence! This award-winning towel features proprietary Nanoweave technology, which absorbs 10x its weight in water to reduce dry time by 50%, while preventing hair damage.

The XL size is perfect for long and thick tresses, with an adjustable snug strap that keeps it securely in place. It’s available in four beautiful colors, so you can find one that suits your style best: Cloud Pink, Luna Gray, Salt White, or Capri Blue.

Pros
  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear
  • Speeds up the hair drying process significantly
  • Excellent absorbency
  • High-quality and worth the price
  • Thicker than regular store-bought towels
  • Works well for long straight hairs
  • Secure fit allows multitasking while wet strands air dry
Cons
  • Soft but may be too small for very long tresses
  • Pricey compared to other options

Olaplex Hair Perfector Repair

Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3View On Amazon
Revitalize your damaged hair with Olaplex Hair Perfector Repair and experience remarkable results! This liquid formula repairs broken bonds and strengthens hair structure from root to tip, restoring a healthy appearance and texture.

With regular use, you’ll notice a notable improvement in the health of your locks while avoiding further damage or breakage from harsh treatments like heat styling or bleaching. Plus, it has a thick consistency that not only ensures every drop is used but also makes it last longer than other products on the market.

Some users have even noted an unexpected change in their color after using this product!

Pros
  • Repairs damaged/compromised hair
  • Strengthens and protects structure
  • Restores healthy appearance and texture
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Notable improvement in strength
Cons
  • Not an instant result
  • Clarification needed (not a conditioner)

ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

View On Amazon
Experience the luxurious comfort and optimal support of ZIMASILK’s 100% Grade 6A organic silk pillowcase with a 600 thread count that will reduce morning hair issues, wrinkles, and hair breakage. This high-quality fabric is machine washable for easy care and features superior color retention with neat stitches along with 35+ color options to choose from.

The 19 momme thick material provides temperature control benefits as well as hypoallergenic properties so you can sleep soundly all night long without itchiness or discomfort in any season.

The ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase offers many amazing advantages when used after swimming such as reducing friction on wet hair strands while drying them out which helps prevent split ends from forming due to rough towel rubbing against delicate strands of newly washed locks! Additionally, using a silk pillowcase allows for air flow through the fibers, allowing heat build-up underneath your head, keeping it cooler during those hot summer months spent poolside, helping keep sweat away too! Lastly, because these are made from natural materials, they won’t cause an allergic reaction like synthetic fabrics may, making them the ideal post-dip choice every time!

Pros
  • Reduces friction on wet hair strands
  • Prevents split ends due to rough towel rubbing
  • Air flow through fibers keeps head cool during hot summer months
  • Won’t cause an allergic reaction like synthetic fabrics may
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other types of pillows
  • Handwashing required

Women Silk Scrunchies Pink Black Tan

View On Amazon
Slip into a luxe look with Slipsilk’s silk scrunchies, designed to hold thick and long hair without sagging or tugging. Crafted from mulberry silk for gentle styling, these scrunchies are made to be non-slip and strong enough to stay in place without damaging your hair.

They come in various styles such as large, midi, and skinny sizes depending on the desired up-do you’re going for. Their specially commissioned slipsilk fabric offers shine, thickness, softness, and durability that won’t rip out strands when removed.

Perfectly portable too – they come packaged conveniently so no more bulky ties taking up space!

Pros
  • Highly praised for holding thick and long hair without sagging
  • Does not rip out hair or leave kinks
  • Eliminates broken hairs from ponytails
  • No bumps after removing the ponytail
Cons
  • Pricey compared to regular elastic ties
  • Not suitable if looking for something sparkly/glittery
  • May not keep finer thinning type of hairstyles secure

Shark Steam Pocket Mop Cleaner

Shark S3501 Steam Pocket MopView On Amazon
Clean your sealed hard floors with ease using the Shark Steam Pocket Mop Cleaner! This revolutionary cleaning tool offers chemical-free dirt and grime removal in just 30 seconds, plus two machine washable microfiber pads for trapping all that mess.

The 18-foot quick release power cord makes it easy to store away, and its soft grip handle is comfortable while maneuvering around those tough spots. It’s also safe to use around pets, making it a great option for households of any size.

Pros
  • Fast delivery
  • Easy to use
  • Effective cleaning
  • Affordable compared to other steamers
  • Quick heat up & continuous steam while in use
  • Leaves no streaks on laminate or hardwood floors
  • Machine washable pads are a plus
Cons
  • Need to pump handle for steam emission, tiring
  • Distilled water recommended
  • Microfiber pads may wear out after several uses

TempurPedic Ergo Neck Pillow Medium

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Neck Pillow, MediumView On Amazon
Are you looking for a luxurious neck pillow to provide optimal support and comfort while sleeping? Try the TempurPedic Ergo Neck Pillow Medium. It is made with firm memory foam and features a hypoallergenic cover that’s machine washable.

The shape of this medium profile rectangular pillow provides ergonomic support for side and back sleepers, as well as pressure-relieving comfort. Its TEMPUR material retains its shape while offering superior adaptation that molds to your body’s contours.

This item comes in white color with one piece measuring 20×12.8×4 inches (LWH), making it travel-friendly yet lightweight enough to fit in any backpack or carry-on luggage – perfect for home use or an overnight trip away from home! Plus, the 100% polyester knit cover is machine washable at cold temperatures, allowing for easy care without having to worry about maintaining its quality over time!

Pros
  • Firm memory foam neck pillow offers luxurious comfort and optimal support
  • Pressure-relieving customized support and ergonomic design suited towards side/back sleepers
  • Retains shape with ultra-adaptive TEMPUR material
  • Machine washable hypoallergenic cover
  • Travel-friendly – fits into backpacks/carry-ons easily
Cons
  • Rock hard surface not suitable for all users
  • Some users may find it too narrow and uncomfortable
  • Higher price point than standard pillows

Kindle Scribe Paperwhite Pen

Kindle Scribe (16 GB) theView On Amazon
You can enjoy a personalized and convenient reading experience with the Kindle Scribe Paperwhite Pen. It features a 10.2” 300 ppi glare-free display and adjustable warm light for comfortable day or night use.

This powerful digital notebook comes with the Basic Pen for natural writing and note-taking. It allows you to create Kindle notebooks of various purposes like journaling, sketching, calendar planning, or taking notes within millions of titles in the Kindle Store.

It also includes a hypoallergenic 100% polyester knit cover, which is machine washable for easy care. Additionally, it has super long battery life, making it the perfect companion when traveling! The device has been praised by multiple users.

Scientists enjoy the versatility of PDF document handling, while travelers commend the backlit display. Long-time readers value access to library books along with highlighting capabilities.

However, some minor bugs related to PDF documents have been reported, and usage may require certain technical aptitude at times.

Pros
  • Features a 10.2” 300 ppi glare-free paperwhite display
  • Includes basic pen & hypoallergenic 100% polyester knit cover
  • Capability to handwrite thoughts on sticky notes within books
  • Adjustable warm light & auto-adjusting frontlight
  • Longest battery life among all Kindle devices
  • Offers access to a vast library of books
Cons
  • Minor bugs related to PDF documents
  • Usage requires certain technical aptitude

Avoid Hot Tools

Avoid Hot Tools
To protect your locks from damage, minimize hot tool usage and opt for natural, heatless hairstyles. Consider using protective hairstyles like flat twists, bantu knots, buns, or braids to keep hair in place without the need for heated tools.

Additionally, you can use a strong heat protectant when choosing to go with hot tools for special occasions. Products such as leave-in treatments will help shield hair from UV rays and moisture loss while also providing chlorine protection during swimming sessions.

Afterward, wet your strands with clean water before hitting the pool to minimize absorption of chlorine levels. This would otherwise lead to further damage and dryness over time if not properly dealt with.

Rinse away any residue that may have been left behind immediately after leaving the pool area.

A microfiber hair towel is ideal when it comes time to gently pat down strands post-swim session. This helps reduce breakage caused by vigorous rubbing motions often done on wet tresses.

Lastly, don’t forget about clarifying shampoo and vinegar-water mix-ups. Both come in handy for removing excess buildup due to either sweat or chlorine, allowing you to maintain a healthy-looking mane even after spending most days underwater!

Protect Your Locks From Chlorine

Protect Your Locks From Chlorine
Before jumping into the pool, it’s important to protect your hair from chlorine damage and keep its moisture intact. To do so, wetting your hair with clean water before swimming minimizes absorption of chlorine and helps prevent further damage.

Wetting Hair With Clean Water Before Swimming

Before diving in, wet your locks with clean water to minimize chlorine absorption. This will help protect against dryness and damage from salt or chlorinated pools.

A swim cap can also be used to further reduce exposure of the hair follicles and scalp to chemicals found in swimming pools. It’s important to choose one that fits snugly but isn’t too tight as it could cause breakage or irritation.

After finishing up, rinse off any excess chlorine from the scalp immediately before applying conditioner or other products.

Finally, pat your hair gently with a microfiber towel after drying off with a regular towel. These towels are great at absorbing moisture without causing friction, which can lead to breakage down the line.

Get Wet

Get Wet
Dive in and get your hair wet before hitting the pool! Wetting your hair first is one of the best ways to protect it from chlorine damage. When you wear a swim cap, it creates an additional barrier between your locks and the chlorinated water.

Swim caps also work great for keeping long or thick hair out of your face while swimming.

To further shield against moisture loss and UV rays, use protective hairstyles such as flat twists, bantu knots, braids, or buns when taking a dip in the pool. Before drying off with an absorbent towel after swimming, make sure to rinse away any excess chlorine left on strands with clean water.

Then, pat dry gently using a microfiber towel specifically designed for delicate tresses like Crown Affair Waffle Microfiber Towel with Strap Fastener. This towel provides superior absorption without causing breakage compared to cotton towels that can be too rough on fragile strands.

Cover or Style Your Hair

Cover or Style Your Hair
Cover your hair with protective styles like flat twists, bantu knots, buns, or braids before swimming to help reduce damage from UV rays and moisture loss.

To further protect against chlorine absorption, wet your hair with clean water before entering the pool.

Consider investing in a swim cap that fits comfortably without being too tight. Tight caps can cause breakage due to friction between the cap and scalp.

After swimming, make sure to rinse out all of the chlorine using a clarifying shampoo.

Use a microfiber towel to pat dry gently instead of rubbing, which can lead to broken strands.

Furthermore, try applying natural oils such as jojoba oil or coconut oil as leave-in treatments for extra hydration.

If needed, trim any damaged ends caused by chemical exposure during swimming season.

Rinse Immediately

Rinse Immediately
Rinse off quickly after swimming to protect your hair from chlorine damage. The longer it remains wet, the more prone it is to absorbing this chemical and sustaining moisture loss. Immediately rinse with clean water to help minimize chlorine absorption in your strands and prevent excessive drying, breakage, or discoloration.

Afterward, use a microfiber towel specifically designed for hair care. These towels are gentle on locks while removing excess water without friction or heat that can cause further harm.

A leave-in treatment, such as jojoba oil, provides added protection against environmental elements like UV rays before immersing again in the pool or ocean.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure maximum hair health even if you’re an avid swimmer!

Use the Right Towel

Use the Right Towel
After swimming, it’s important to use the right hair towel. Microfiber towels are ideal because they reduce friction and quickly wick away moisture. Satin or soft cotton towels can also be used to preserve curl patterns and protect hair from breakage.

Look for a size that fits your length of hair. XL sizes work great for long, thick locks, while smaller ones may suit short or fine strands better. When drying off wet tresses, gently pat them with the towel before using a low-heat setting on your blow dryer if needed.

This will help reduce damage caused by heat exposure while still effectively getting rid of excess water.

To further protect against chlorine absorption when swimming, consider wearing a swim cap that isn’t too tight to avoid breakage!

Avoid Brushing

Avoid Brushing
Gently pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel and avoid brushing wet strands to reduce breakage. Brushing is an integral part of styling, but when it comes to swimming-damaged hair, combing through can be dangerous.

Wet strands are more susceptible to breakage due to their increased elasticity, so gently dabbing them dry is the best way forward for prevention against further damage from brushing.

Depending on your hair texture and length, there are some suitable techniques that can help you work around this issue while still looking stylish. Braids or flat twists provide plenty of styling options without needing any heat or products.

If you choose to use heated tools to protect your locks, consider using leave-in treatments and heat protectants before blow-drying.

Choose the Right Products

Choose the Right Products
When it comes to protecting your hair from swimming damage, choosing the right products is key. Consider using microfiber or satin towels for drying and look into expert recommendations such as Crown Affair’s waffle microfiber towel with strap fastener for fine hair.

Aquis offers a button-fastened towel for frizz-prone hair, while Fromm provides a no-fastener option for faster drying and reduced frizz. If you want to reduce blow dry time and heat damage, try the Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap.

For those with thick or curly locks, Volo Beauty’s Hero Cloud Towel is a great choice. If you want to enhance curl shape, try the DevaCurl Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel. Act+Acre offers a plushier microfiber towel for those with thicker tresses, and Bathen provides 100% cotton towels ideal for curly and frizzy locks.

Lastly, if you have extensions, the Hair wrap with satin wrapped microfiber is the perfect choice. Additionally, remember preventive measures like using ear plugs or swim molds while swimming and keeping your ears dry by tilting your head to avoid swimmer’s ear infection.

Microfiber vs. satin towels

Drape your tresses in the soft embrace of microfiber or satin like a silky blanket, for long-lasting protection. Compare absorption and drying time; protect from frizz; preserve texture: Microfiber towels offer higher moisture absorption than satin, faster drying times, and greater hair protection.

Best hair towel recommendations

For optimal protection and faster drying, consider a microfiber or satin towel with button fasteners for fine hair, strap fasteners for thick hair, or no fastener at all for textured locks. The best overall is Crown Affair’s waffle microfiber. Aquis’ towel is ideal for frizz-prone tresses.

Fromm’s works on thinner strands quickly. DevaCurl has an Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel to enhance curls. Volo Beauty’s Hero towel helps tame thicker manes, and the hair wrap with satin-wrapped microfiber keeps extensions safe.

Preventing swimmer’s ear

To prevent swimmer’s ear, use ear-drying drops and take protective measures such as keeping your ears dry, wearing bathing caps or earplugs while swimming. Tilt your head to help water drain out of your ears after swimming and use a hair towel to gently pat them dry.

Avoid using hot tools on wet hair as it can cause dandruff and breakage; instead, opt for shampoo specifically formulated for swimmers’ delicate hair.

Conclusion

All in all, using a hair towel after swimming is definitely a wise move. Using one of the best hair towels for 2023, like the AQUIS Microfiber Hair Towel, Fromm Softees Hair Towels Lilac, Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap, Volo Hero Cloud Towel, Olaplex Hair Perfector Repair, ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, Women Silk Scrunchies Pink Black Tan, Shark Steam Pocket Mop Cleaner, TempurPedic Ergo Neck Pillow Medium, and Kindle Scribe Paperwhite Pen, can help protect your hair from damage caused by chlorine and other pool chemicals.

Taking the necessary steps to keep your hair healthy while swimming can help you achieve your desired look and feel. So, if you’re a swimmer, it’s time to take the plunge and get the best hair towel for 2023.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.