Quick answer: The Turbie Twist ($7-12 for a 2-pack) is a lightweight microfiber or cotton blend towel designed to wrap wet hair in a turban style after showering. It reduces drying time by 30-50% compared to air-drying and causes less friction than a regular bath towel. The microfiber version is better for frizz reduction. The cotton version is softer but absorbs less. For curly or frizz-prone hair, a dedicated microfiber hair towel (even a generic one) makes a noticeable difference versus a standard terry cloth bath towel.
What a Turbie Twist Actually Is
Last updated: July 23, 2026
A Turbie Twist is a specifically shaped towel with a loop at the back. You flip your head upside down, lay the towel against your head, twist the hair inside the towel, then flip the twist up and secure it with the elastic loop. The shape holds the towel in place without clips, pins, or tucking, which is the main advantage over using a regular towel.
The brand makes two versions:
- Microfiber Turbie Twist ($8-12 / 2-pack). Thinner, lighter, absorbs water faster, less friction
- Cotton Turbie Twist ($7-10 / 2-pack) — Thicker, softer feel, absorbs less, heavier when wet
Both are available at most drugstores (CVS, Walgreens), Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
Turbie Twist vs Regular Towel vs Microfiber Towel
| Factor | Regular Bath Towel | Turbie Twist (Microfiber) | Generic Microfiber Hair Towel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy (soaks up water, pulls on hair) | Light | Light |
| Friction | High (terry loops catch and rough up the cuticle) | Low | Low |
| Stays in place | Requires tucking, falls off easily | Elastic loop holds well | Button closure holds well |
| Drying time | 10-15 min to absorb, then slow air-dry | 5-10 min absorption, faster air-dry | 5-10 min absorption, faster air-dry |
| Frizz impact | Makes frizz worse (friction) | Reduces frizz (smooth fiber) | Reduces frizz (smooth fiber) |
| Curl preservation | Disrupts curl clumps | Gentle on curl clumps | Gentle on curl clumps |
| Price | Already own one | $8-12 / 2-pack | $6-14 / 1-2 pack |
The difference between a terry cloth bath towel and any microfiber hair towel is real and noticeable, especially on curly, wavy, or frizz-prone hair. The difference between a Turbie Twist and a generic microfiber hair towel is mostly in the securing mechanism (elastic loop vs button). Performance is nearly identical.
Why Microfiber Reduces Frizz
Terry cloth towels are made of tiny loops. Each loop catches on the hair cuticle as you rub or wrap, lifting the cuticle scales and creating friction points. Lifted cuticle scales = frizz, because the rough surface scatters light instead of reflecting it smoothly.
Microfiber has a flat, smooth surface at the fiber level. No loops to catch on the cuticle. The fabric absorbs water through capillary action (pulling water into the spaces between microfibers) rather than through abrasion. Less physical disruption of the cuticle = less frizz.
This matters most for:
- Curly and wavy hair (Types 2-4) where the cuticle is naturally more prone to frizz
- Color-treated or bleached hair where the cuticle is already compromised
- Fine hair that’s easily disrupted by friction
On thick, straight hair with a healthy cuticle, the difference is less dramatic. The cuticle is already lying flat and resists disruption.
How to Use a Hair Towel Correctly
Most people rub their hair vigorously with the towel. This creates friction regardless of the towel material.
The correct method:
- Flip your head upside down
- Place the towel against the back of your head, with the wide end at the nape
- Gather hair inside the towel
- Twist gently (don’t wring)
- Flip the twist up and secure with the loop or button
- Leave for 5-10 minutes, then remove
Don’t rub. Scrunching is fine (gently pressing the towel against sections of hair to squeeze out water). Rubbing back and forth is not.
Don’t leave it on for 30+ minutes. A microfiber towel absorbs the bulk of the water in 5-10 minutes. After that, it’s just sitting on your head, potentially creating a flat spot at the crown if the twist is tight.
Best Hair Towels Ranked
1. Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Towel ($30-35)
The premium option. Aquis’s proprietary Aquitex fabric absorbs water faster than standard microfiber and produces noticeably less frizz. The fabric feels smoother against the hair than cheaper microfiber. Available in multiple sizes for different hair lengths.
Drying speed: Fastest Frizz reduction: Best Worth the price? If you have very frizz-prone curly hair, yes. If you have straight hair, the improvement over a $10 option is marginal.
2. Turbie Twist Microfiber ($8-12 / 2-pack)
The best value. Two towels for the price of one Aquis. Performance is about 75-80% of the Aquis. The elastic loop design stays put better than button-closure competitors.
Drying speed: Good Frizz reduction: Good Worth the price? Excellent value for most people.
3. DevaCurl DevaTowel ($14-18)
Marketed specifically at curly hair. The shape is designed to preserve curl clumps while absorbing water. Slightly larger than the Turbie Twist, which is helpful for long or thick hair.
Drying speed: Good Frizz reduction: Good Worth the price? If you follow the Curly Girl Method and want a towel sized for scrunching technique.
4. Amazon Basics Microfiber Hair Towel ($6-9)
The budget option. Standard microfiber with a button closure. Gets the job done without frills. The fabric isn’t as smooth as Aquis or Turbie Twist, but it’s still a massive improvement over a terry cloth bath towel.
Drying speed: Adequate Frizz reduction: Moderate Worth the price? If you want to try a microfiber towel without committing to a higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Turbie Twist worth it? A: If you’re currently using a regular terry cloth bath towel on your hair, switching to any microfiber hair towel (including the Turbie Twist) reduces frizz and drying time. At $8-12 for two towels, the Turbie Twist is the best value entry point.
Q: Turbie Twist microfiber or cotton. Which is better? A: Microfiber for most people. It absorbs more water faster and creates less friction. Cotton feels softer, but absorbs less and doesn’t reduce frizz as effectively.
Q: How long should you leave a hair towel on? A: 5-10 minutes for most hair types. Longer isn’t better, the towel absorbs the bulk of excess water in the first few minutes. Leaving it on for 30+ minutes doesn’t speed drying and may create flat spots.
Q: Can a hair towel replace blow-drying? A: A microfiber towel reduces air-dry time by 30-50% but doesn’t produce the same styling results as blow-drying (volume, smoothness, curl definition). It’s best used before blow-drying to reduce the amount of time you need the dryer, which reduces heat damage.
The simplest hair upgrade most people can make is switching from a bath towel to a microfiber hair towel. The Turbie Twist at $8-12 for a 2-pack is the cheapest way to test the difference.