After a warm, soothing shower, many of us instinctively reach for a towel and begin vigorously rubbing our hair dry. While this may seem harmless or even helpful at first, it’s one of the most damaging habits for your hair. This rough drying method not only leads to breakage but is also a leading cause of frustrating, untamable frizz. Understanding why this happens—and how to fix it—can dramatically improve the health and appearance of your hair.
Hair is most vulnerable when it’s wet. Its cuticle, the protective outer layer, becomes slightly raised and delicate, making it highly susceptible to friction and mechanical stress. When you aggressively rub your hair, especially with a rough cotton towel, you risk snapping strands, damaging hair follicles, and creating long-term issues like split ends and dryness. Fortunately, there’s a simple, gentler alternative that’s gaining support among haircare experts: the blotting technique.
Key things to know about avoiding frizz after showering
| Topic | Description |
| Why rubbing hair with a towel is harmful | Causes frizz, breakage, split ends, and rough texture |
| Blotting technique | Gentle pressure using a soft towel to absorb water without friction |
| Best materials for drying hair | Microfiber towels or soft cotton T-shirts are gentler on strands |
| Additional tips | Detangle with fingers or wide-tooth comb, apply leave-in conditioner |
Why rubbing your hair causes long-term damage
Hair cuticles lie like shingles on a roof, protecting the inner cortex. When hair is wet, these cuticles lift slightly, making strands susceptible to physical stress. Rubbing your head with a coarse towel can tear through these cuticles, roughing up the surface and causing individual strands to look and feel frizzy and dry. This friction also pulls and stretches wet hair, which can lead to mid-shaft breakage and weakened elasticity over time.
Moreover, rough towel drying often disrupts the natural curl patter of wavy and curly hair types, resulting in a look that lacks definition and softness. This disruption often forces individuals into using excessive styling tools or products to compensate—perpetuating a cycle of damage and dependency.
What the blotting technique is and why it works
Instead of rubbing, switch to gently blotting your hair with a soft towel. This involves wrapping strands gently and pressing them lightly to absorb excess water. The trick is to work with your hair, not against it. By eliminating friction, you preserve the hair’s cuticle, reduce flyaways, and help your natural texture settle smoothly as it dries.
Hair experts recommend using either a microfiber towel or a soft, used cotton T-shirt. These materials are far less abrasive than the fluffy bath towels sitting in many of our linen closets. Their finer weave and soft surface prevent tugging and allow for a more even, gentle drying experience.
The benefits of switching to microfiber towels or T-shirts
Unlike standard towels, microfiber towels are designed to be highly absorbent and less damaging. They’re made from ultra-fine fibers that won’t scrape at your hair’s surface. Similarly, an old cotton T-shirt—thanks to its softer fabric and smoother finish—won’t ruffle cuticles the way terry cloth can.
These fabrics do more than just prevent breakage. They also reduce the probability that your hair will frizz as it air-dries. People with textured or curly hair, in particular, often experience smoother, more defined results after just a few drying sessions using the blotting technique and gentler fabric.
How to practice the blotting technique step-by-step
- After your shower, gently squeeze excess water from your hair with your hands.
- Grab a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt. Avoid towels with loops or coarse fibers.
- Wrap the material around a small section of your hair and press gently. Do not scrub or twist.
- Continue blotting section by section until most of the moisture is removed.
- Let your hair air dry, or use a diffuser if styling.
This technique may feel more time-consuming at first, but you’ll quickly see improvements in how your hair looks and feels.
Other haircare tips to maintain healthy post-shower strands
Drying habits are just one part of the post-shower equation. For healthier, shinier hair long-term, consider incorporating the following practices:
- Use a leave-in conditioner to detangle and smooth hair while it’s still damp.
- Comb hair with fingers or a wide-tooth comb—never with a brush on wet strands.
- Limit use of hot tools and apply heat protection sprays when styling.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction overnight.
These techniques support the protective efforts of blotting and prevent cumulative damage to the hair shaft.
Who benefits most from blotting their hair
While all hair types benefit from gentler drying, curly, wavy, and color-treated hair types gain the most. These textures are more sensitive to frizz and breakage, and often rely on a defined pattern for their final look. Maintaining the natural alignment of hair strands with minimal disruption ensures better styling results and overall moisture retention.
Even those with straight, fine hair may notice an improvement in volume and less static when towel friction is minimized. The key is to handle your damp hair as though it were delicate silk—because in many ways, it is.
Expert insights on friction and hair health
Friction is one of the primary culprits for hair damage. When clients switch to blotting and microfiber towels, we often see a 60–70% improvement in texture and frizz levels.
— Julia Norton, Professional Hair Stylist
Hair is at its weakest when wet. Treating it gently with a blotting technique is a small habit change that can make a massive difference.
— Dr. Elise Powell, Dermatologist (Hair and Scalp Specialist)
Short FAQs about post-shower haircare
Is it bad to rub my hair with a towel?
Yes. Rubbing your hair can cause breakage, frizz, and long-term damage by roughing up the hair cuticle.
What is the best material to dry hair with?
Use a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt. They create less friction and are gentler on wet strands.
Can blotting really reduce frizz?
Absolutely. Blotting helps maintain the cuticle structure and prevents flyaways and puffiness in all hair types.
How long should I blot my hair for?
It depends on your hair’s thickness, but typically a few minutes is enough to remove surface water before air-drying.
Should I avoid brushing wet hair too?
Yes. Wet hair is fragile. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle gently.
How else can I avoid frizz after a shower?
Use anti-frizz serums, avoid heat styling too often, and always sleep on a smooth surface like a silk pillowcase.
Is air-drying better than blow-drying?
In most cases, air-drying is less damaging—especially when combined with the blotting technique and proper haircare products.
Can using the wrong towel cause hair thinning?
Repeated friction and tugging can stress the scalp over time and contribute to hair loss, so it’s best to avoid rough towels.