Dry hair gently with a cotton T-shirt

For dripping-wet hair that needs a gentler start to drying. Absorb excess water without rough rubbing, ready for styling or further drying.

When to use it

Cotton T-shirt blotting uses soft fabric to absorb excess water from wet hair without rough rubbing.

After rinsing, when your hair is dripping and you want to remove excess water without rubbing.

Avoid scrubbing, wringing or a tight twisted wrap.
This guide is for loose hair. Braids, locs and extensions need their own drying approach.

Check the situations below before you begin, then follow the steps with those adjustments in mind.

Cup, then gently press

Work in small sections without pulling your curl pattern straight.

Style first, or skip blotting

Apply products before blotting if their directions call for soaking-wet hair.

Press the fabric gently against the hair

You do not need to gather a length between your palms. Press and lift the fabric without rubbing.

STEP 1 OF 3
Choose a smooth T-shirt
- Use a clean, dry cotton T-shirt.
- Find a soft area without a raised print or rough seam.
STEP 2 OF 3
Press, then release
- Place the fabric around a small section of wet hair.
- Press gently between your palms, then let go.
- Move to a dry part of the fabric and repeat.
STEP 3 OF 3
Stop while hair is still damp
- Stop when the hair is no longer dripping.
- Let the lengths fall freely; do not rub or twist.
- Continue with the damp-hair products or drying method in your routine.

About 30 sec–2 min hands-on for choosing a smooth T-shirt area and pressing out drips. Full drying and damp-hair product steps are separate.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. Short hair needs only a few presses; long or dense hair may need more sections and dry fabric.

The hair is still damp, with less water dripping from the ends. It does not need to feel dry.