We multiply keratin masks, oil baths before shampooing, silk pillowcases, hoping for shiny, supple and luminous hair. However, despite all this care, the hair sometimes remains dull, swollen, full of frizz, as if something was sabotaging all the efforts in the bathroom.
Exiting the shower: the reflex with the towel that mistreats the hair
The second you turn off the water, the hair is swollen with humidity, the fiber is ultra vulnerable, and the cuticle, this microscopic envelope which gives shine and softness, opens slightly. It is precisely at this time that many vigorously rub their head with a large cotton bath towel, twist the lengths to wring them out as much as possible, then tie the whole thing into a tight turban.
For Christophe Nicolas Biot, this thick and rough cotton is one of the worst things that can be done to the hair fiber, because it grabs the hair, raises the scales and increases frizz. He reminds us that this type of towel “opens the scales of the fiber”, explains Christophe Nicolas Biot, world-famous hairdresser cited by Journal des Femmes. As a result, the cuticle becomes weakened, light reflects less well on the surface of the shaft, and the hair loses shine due to being poorly dried.
Microfiber hair towel: the secret of the pros to preserve shine
Faced with this observation, a very simple detail changes everything according to experts: replacing the classic bath towel with a microfiber hair towel. Finer to the touch, lighter and much softer, it absorbs excess water without rubbing or rasping the fiber. In practice, it removes the right amount of moisture to prevent water from making the roots sticky, but gives the lengths time to dry gently, which helps to reshape curls, limit frizz and naturally boost shine.
Chris McMillan, Jennifer Aniston’s hairdresser who created the “Rachel” cut in the series, also advises banishing the classic bath towel in favor of a microfiber towel or, failing that, a simple soft cotton t-shirt. “I always advise parting the hair in two, leaning to the side, gently wringing the strands with the towel or t-shirt, then scrunching the curls with the fabric,” explains Chris McMillan, quoted by Grazia from InStyle magazine. According to him, this gesture gives hair more supple, less puffy and more defined curls even before using a diffuser. Because for this professional, “Hair is your charm asset,” says McMillan. “You notice your hair before you even notice your face.”
How to use the microfiber towel for shiny hair straight out of the shower
With a microfiber towel, the idea is not to reproduce old reflexes, but to let the textile work for you. Rather than rubbing, place the towel on the head, let it absorb, then dab the lengths to remove excess water without traumatizing the fiber. Christophe Nicolas Biot summarizes his advice in one very clear sentence: “You don’t twist them and you don’t rub them,” adds the professional. On wavy or curly hair, as Chris McMillan suggests, you can gently scrunch the strands in the towel to encourage curls to form without breaking them.
Concretely, a simple routine can change everything:
- When you get out of the shower, gently wring out your hair with your hands, without twisting it.
- Wrap hair loosely in a microfiber towel to absorb excess water.
- Undo the towel, then dab the lengths and, for curly hair, pull the strands up in the fabric to “scrunch” them.
- Allow to finish drying in the open air or with a diffuser at low temperature, on hair that is already less waterlogged.
For Chris McMillan, this step does not replace a well-done cutting job. “The basis of beautiful hair is a successful cut,” he insists. “No shampoo, no mask, no oil will be able to save a failed cut. Make an appointment with a good hairdresser!” His hobby horse remains the gradient, which he describes as “a forgotten art” and which he wants to adapt to each person: “The gradient must respect the natural texture of the hair and the lifestyle of the person”, he explains. He also reminds us that “Healthy ends instantly give an impression of freshness, even between two appointments”, a detail which immediately reinforces the effect of shine, especially if the hair has been gently dried.
The one who also imagined the “Cunty Little Bob”, worn by Leslie Bibb in the series, summarizes his philosophy around care and cutting. He favors healthy hair, which moves naturally, rather than a look frozen by products or heating tools. Ultimately, his goal goes beyond the simple question of towel or shampoo: “I want people to learn to love their hair as it is, not as it should be,” he confides.
