I have a confession to make: growing up, I never embraced the versatility of hair scrunchies. Every time I wore a ponytail, it was secured with the tightest, most snag-prone clear elastics available. Did you experience the same?
At the time, I thought these tiny elastics were a dream come true—small, highly expandable, and supposedly capable of holding all my thick hair in place. However, I was unaware of the potential damage I was inflicting on my hair. Thankfully, I—and many others—have transitioned from these damaging rubber band-like ties to the more gentle and stylish hair scrunchies!
Hair scrunchies are not just a fashionable upgrade from the typical black elastics; they securely hold your ponytails and buns without putting undue stress on your hair strands! This significantly reduces the risk of breakage, hair loss, and those frustrating hair dents that often result from traditional hair ties.
However, it’s essential to note that not all hair scrunchies are created equal. Some may fray after just a few uses, while others can be too tight or prone to slipping off. Below, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of the best hair scrunchies suitable for all hair types, ensuring you find options that will look, feel, and perform better than your standard elastics.
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Choosing Between Hair Scrunchies and Traditional Hair Tie Elastics: What You Need to Know
Whether you refer to them as “hair ties,” “elastics,” or “hair bands,” these traditional accessories serve as the direct counterpart to hair scrunchies, though the terms are often used interchangeably.
Hair tie elastics are typically smaller, sleeker, and designed to tightly grip your hairstyle without slipping. In contrast, scrunchies are generally puffier and made from soft, textured fabric, making them a gentler alternative.
Depending on the size and thickness of the scrunchie, it can either hold hair firmly or allow for a more relaxed style, but they are always crafted to be kind to your hair.
While hair elastics are effective at keeping your hair secured, they can snag and pull on your strands, potentially leading to follicle damage and conditions like tension alopecia. In contrast, scrunchies provide a safe and stylish solution to secure hair without the risk of excessive tension.
Modern scrunchies come in a wide array of sizes, colors, textures, and materials, ensuring there’s a perfect option for every hair type, length, and thickness!
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1. The Luxurious Sherpa Scrunchie by Emi Jay
- Crafted from 100% sherpa fleece
- Handmade with care
- Exceptionally soft and plush
The Sherpa Scrunchie from Emi Jay is the ideal accessory whether you’re lounging at home or enjoying a cozy girls’ night in. Its soft fleece fabric makes it perfect for those with thin hair, as it can gently grip fine strands without causing any tugging or snags.
Think of it as the “robe” of hair scrunchies—it’s something you’ll reach for every day, whether you’re busy with work or following your skincare or makeup routine. You can trust it to keep your hair comfortably away from your face while you go about your day. It’s truly a win-win!
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2. The Classic Original Scrunchie by Scünci
- Made from a soft, stretchy knit fabric
- A variety of colors available
- Gentle yet secure hold
If you grew up in the 90s, you’re likely familiar with Scünci’s scrunchie as one of the original game-changers. It became our go-to solution after years of tight ponytails and buns, and it remains popular to this day!
Each scrunchie is designed to be incredibly stretchy and soft, ensuring that it never feels tight on your hair or head. Scünci’s scrunchies are also renowned for their durability, often lasting for a long time—purchasing multi-packs can provide you with more than enough for your styling needs.
Nostalgia aside, Scünci scrunchies are a versatile choice that works beautifully for all hair types.
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3. Slip Skinny Scrunchies: Elevate Your Hair Game
- Crafted from 100% luxurious mulberry silk
- Anti-crease and designed to reduce hair fall
- Available in a range of hair color shades
Slip hair scrunchies have made a significant impact, making us fall in love with scrunchies all over again. Renowned for their elegant appeal, these silk scrunchies hold up various updo hairstyles while remaining gentle on your hair.
The Skinny Scrunchie from Slip was among the first to demonstrate that scrunchies can be chic without being bulky. Its slim design is perfect for finer hair, yet its stretchy nature accommodates medium to thicker hair types as well!
You can also achieve a seamless look by selecting from their selection of shades that range from Noir Black to Blonde and Silver, perfectly matching your hair color for a polished appearance.
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4. Sitting Pretty’s Essential Silk Hair Ties: The Best of Both Worlds
- Available in a convenient 3-pack
- Made from luxurious, 100% mulberry silk
- Ultra-soft to ensure zero damage
Bringing together the best features of a hair tie and a hair scrunchie, Sitting Pretty’s Essential Silk Hair Ties are designed for those who want their updos to shine. These skinny silk scrunchies may be small, but they wrap around ponies and buns with remarkable ease.
Composed of 100% mulberry silk and a soft charmeuse weave, they effectively prevent kinks and creases, ensuring that when you’re ready to let your hair down, it looks as if it has never been tied up at all!
This set is the perfect accessory for quick updos during yoga class or for maintaining a chic ponytail that lasts all night long. With three ties included in a pack, you’ll have plenty for various styles, from braids to sleek buns!
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5. Kristin Ess The Ruffle Scrunchie: Effortless Elegance for Every Occasion
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- Perfect for formal hairstyles
- Flexible design without added bulk
Having admired the effortless waves of celebrities like Lucy Hale and Lauren Conrad, I was thrilled to discover that their hairstylist, Kristin Ess, launched a hair care line that would undoubtedly deliver quality.
While her Beach Wave Spray is a must-have for achieving that no-frizz look similar to her famous clients, her Ruffle Scrunchie deserves recognition too.
Its delicate white eyelet design makes it one of the most beautiful accessories for brides, while also being versatile enough for any special occasion, adding a playful twist to your hairstyle.
Thanks to its layers of lacey tulle, this scrunchie won’t slip off or damage your hair, making it an excellent choice for both thin and thick hair.
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6. Kitsch Satin Sleep Pillow Scrunchies: The Secret to Beautiful Hair While You Sleep
- Constructed from plush satin
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable
- Ideal for protective sleep styles
Did you know that hair scrunchies can also be beneficial while you sleep? They serve as excellent accessories for protective sleep styles, helping to maintain the integrity of your waves, curls, and coils without causing frizz.
This is precisely why Kitsch’s satin hair scrunchie is designed to be extra soft, ensuring you remain comfortable as you toss and turn throughout the night! When you wake up, your hair will be tangle-free, frizz-free, and ready for the day. For even smoother results, consider pairing it with a silk pillowcase for added hair protection!
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7. Crown Affair The Scrunchie No. 003: The Perfect Balance of Size and Strength
- Made from 100% mulberry silk
- Perfectly balanced size—neither too big nor too small
- Features a strong inner elastic for durability
If you dislike scrunchies that are overly large and overpower your hairstyle—or too thin to provide adequate hold—Crown Affair’s scrunchie is just right for you.
As one of the best hair scrunchies for thick hair, it offers the perfect size to accommodate various thick hair textures without adding unnecessary bulk.
Moreover, it doubles as a chic wrist accessory, with its unique olive green color adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
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8. Lululemon Uplifting Scrunchies: The Ideal Workout Companion
- Upgraded elastic for a secure fit
- Designed for running and high-intensity training
- Made from responsibly sourced wood-based materials
If you’re looking for a scrunchie that provides a secure hold for tight ponytails or buns without the damaging effects of traditional hair ties, look no further than Lululemon’s hair scrunchie. It’s the answer that both thick and thin hair have been waiting for.
The textured design not only adds a stylish element to your gym attire but also ensures functionality. Use it during rigorous workouts like CrossFit or HIIT classes, and rest assured it will stay in place, allowing you to focus on your performance without distractions!
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9. Bread Bread-Puff: The Unique Hair Accessory You Need
- Strong elastic band encased in luxurious satin
- Suitable for all hair textures and types
- Vegan and cruelty-free design
Aside from its quirky name, the Bread Puff is a standout hair accessory because it functions as a hair tie while being wrapped in high-quality satin. This innovative design ensures a long-lasting hold without causing damage or breakage to your hair. Plus, it guarantees you won’t experience those dreaded hair dents!
Whether you prefer a messy bun, a half-up hairstyle, or a chic top knot, the Bread Puff is your secret weapon for achieving a stylish, effortlessly chic look for any hair type.
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10. Pattern Velvet Scrunchies: Embrace Luxury and Volume
If you have a lot of volume at the crown of your head, you can trust that Tracee Ellis Ross had your needs in mind when creating the Velvet Scrunchies.
Pattern’s hair scrunchies are extra large and incredibly luxurious to the touch. Crafted from high-quality velvet, they are gentle on hair strands—essential for those with textured hair—and provide excellent elasticity, allowing you to wrap your voluminous curls without worry.
However, since they are made of velvet, we recommend washing them before the first use to avoid any color transfer to your clothing or hair, especially if you’re a bleach blonde!
