T-Shirt Method - What Are The Benefits?

Sunday, January 19, 2014


After posting up a photo, on Instagram, of me t-shirt drying my hair, I got a comment from a user wanting to know the benefits of using a t-shirt verses a towel to dry your hair. Although, someone answered the question before me, on the comments, I thought I would explain it in detail on my blog.

What is the T-Shirt Method?

The T-Shirt Method is when you dry your hair with a t-Shirt instead of using a towel.

What are the Benefits?

We all know that hair in a wet state is extremely fragile and vulnerable to breakage. Towels tend to be made from fabric with thick fibers which quickly absorb moisture from the hair and body. Using this harsh/abrasive fabric, while the hair is in it's weakest state, can cause over-drying and unnecessary breakage.  However, t-shirts have a much softer and smoother texture, therefore; it is gentler (less friction) on your tresses preventing unnecessary breakage and over-drying. In addition, when using the T-Shirt Method, the hair remains smooth, allowing the cuticles to remain flat thus retaining moisture in the hair. Drying your hair with a t-shirt requires less manipulation, less friction and less damage (over drying/breakage).

How do you do the T-shirt Method?

Very simple. While the hair is wet/damp, place the T-shirt (grab an old one from your closet) on your head (make sure it's hanging down covering your hair), wrap/twist it around the length of your hair, then bring it forward to your hairline, and tuck it in the front (under the T-shirt) to secure it. That's it. Leave it on for 15-20 mins. Remove the wrap and your hair will feel soft and smooth. Follow up with your leave-in conditioner!

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21 comments

  1. I've been having this in my list of topics to post about but didn't get around to it. LOL Anywho, this is the only way I will dry my hair. I can literally hear my hair breaking when I use a towel.

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    1. LOL. This is my preferred method as well. I don't care for towel either. Using a t-shirt is just the better way to go. Thanks for reading!

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  2. Great post! I've learned that method from you, several years ago, adopted it ever since!!! Thank you, Sunshyne, for being an inspiration thru this hair journey.

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    1. Thank you Maxi! I appreciate you saying that. I'm glad that I've been helpful in your hair journey :)

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  3. I have been using this method for a couple of years now and I definitely see a diffence! I must say thank you because I learned so much from your blog and hairlista.com when I first started my hj over 3 years ago. Things I still use today and will more than likely continue forever.

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    1. I agree with you Melanie! There are some things that just won't change in my regimen too and that's t-shirt drying my hair. I'll never look back! Thank you so much for supporting Hairlista.com and Hairliciousinc.com. Your kind words mean so much to me and motivate me to continue giving back! :)

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  4. I learn't about the T-shirt method through you, thanks!

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  5. I love the T-shirt method. That's the only way I dry my hair. It's a permanent part of my regimen too.

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  6. The t-shirt method of drying my hair has definitely helped me. I remember the first time I saw a video of you drying your hair like this...I was certainly inspired to try it. It has made a big difference in my hair-thanks for sharing!

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  7. This may seem like a nit picky question but does the fabric matter? Cotton vs. Jersey material?

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    1. Usually t-shirts are cotton material. I would go with that. Jersey material may not absorb the water effectively.

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  8. I don't really dry my hair at all. My hair dries so fast that I usually go straight from rinsing it to putting in my leave in conditioner. The only thing I do in terms of drying is putting up the hoodie on my robe when walking from the bathroom to the bedroom. Is that bad?

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    1. It can be a bad thing especially if your robe is made from a 'terry-cloth' type material. That can be a bit rough on the hair and can cause breakage/roughed cuticles. The t-shirt method is very gentle on the hair.

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  9. I swear since using the t-shirt method my texture has changed. My hair is much softer. ( I'm texlaxed).

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    1. That's amazing! I'm happy to hear it works for you and your hair.

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  10. Does your hair get fully dry? or do you still have to cool blow dry it?

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    1. No it doesn't fully dry under the t-shirt; however, I blow dry it on cool air after I remove the t-shirt.

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