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When you think of hair styling tools, you most likely picture the best hair dryers, dry shampoos, or a great hair brush. But few beauty accessories are as essential as simple hair elastics that secure your hair without snagging, creasing, or causing damage. We’ve researched the best hair ties and the best scrunchies that will keep any type of hair healthy when it’s pulled back.
One size does not fit all when it comes to finding the best hair ties and scrunchies for your hair. Landing on a set that’s just right for you depends on your hair length, thickness, and texture, as well as how you style your hair. At recent fashion weeks, the street style set has shown the versatility of hair elastics and scrunchies for statement hair looks, from strong, standard elastics securing slicked-back buns to tiny clear elastics used for a bubble or braided ponytail.
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But beyond trendy hair looks, the right hair ties and scrunchies can also impact your hair in the long term. “Believe it or not, hair ties are an integral part of hair health,” explains Priscilla Valles, celebrity hairstylist and extension stylist. “To avoid breakage or damage, you must be gentle and use the appropriate hair tie for your length and texture.” Along with classic hair ties, consider silk versions that help improve hair health or scrunchies made with terry cloth fabric, made for wet hair and those with thicker volumes.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best hair ties and scrunchies with expert tips and picks, and what to look for when shopping for new hair ties.
Top Hair Ties & Scrunchies of 2024
- Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Ties
- Slip Silk Skinnie Scrunchies
- Bessrung Store Seamless Hair Ties
- Goody Ouchless Polyband Elastic Hair Tie
- Kitsch Satin Hair Scrunchies
- Ivyu Store Scrunchies
- Kitsch Spiral Hair Ties
- Wokelai Hair Drying Towel Scrunchies
- Hageolan Multy-Colored Hair Ties
- Qarwayoc Large Hair Bands
- Smoothies Blax Snag Free
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Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Ties
Quantity: 30
Colorways available: 28
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Over 80,000 five-star reviewers on Amazon agree that these Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Ties are practical, well-priced, and sturdy. This top Amazon beauty product is a staple to keep in your beauty drawer, with a strong hold that secures ponytails, braids, and buns on the thickest of hair types. Each pack includes 30 ties made with soft elastic sans metal to prevent tugging and breakage. These basic hair ties are available in 28 colorways, too, so you can find a tone that matches your hair color or go for something bright to make a statement.
What testers say: “These elastic hair ties have proven their mettle, even with my thick mane. The hold is commendable, keeping up with the demands of thick hair. However, take note—they are on the smaller side. For those with voluminous locks, paying attention to size is crucial. Once you find the right fit, these hair ties are reliable and durable, providing a sturdy hold without slipping.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $3.84
Slip Silk Skinnie Scrunchies
Quantity: 6
Colorways available: 22
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Slip is known for its exceptional hair accessories and silk pillowcases created with long-fiber mulberry silk that’s soft, durable, and extra gentle on your skin and hair. If you’re looking to stock your stash with non-crease scrunchies, consider these the best silk scrunchies for the job. These silk-covered elastics are appropriate for thin to thick hair types, with a smooth feel but a strong hold that never causes creases or tangles. The brand offers plenty of neutral colorways as well as limited-edition prints and bedazzled options.
What testers say: “I have fine, curly, thick hair that knots and breaks off easily. I wear these at night to keep the hair off of my face and when I run. I love them because they stay in when I sleep and run. They are also easy to wash. Although they are expensive, I still recommend them because they don’t rip out or break my hair!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $37
Bessrung Store Seamless Hair Ties
Quantity: 100
Colorways available: 17
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Always losing your hair ties? If so, stock up on this 100-piece pack that includes a variety of colors. These are created with seamless stretchy cotton that’s nearly impossible to snap, making them a durable choice and one of the best hair ties for thick hair: Each elastic has a wide band that stretches up to 9.8 inches to maneuver around your tresses.
What testers say: “They are the best hair ties I have ever used. Not once have they pulled a single hair from my head. I have a lot of fine hair. That means I have a lot of hair, but the hair itself is fine and breaks like crazy. I have been on a mission to save my hair, and these are helping. I’d also like to add, I have used the same two or over a month now and they are still like new. This bag will last me forever. For reference, I use two everyday to put my hair in a bun for work.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $5.59
Goody Ouchless Polyband Elastic Hair Ties
Quantity: 150
Colorways available: 5
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
These small-but-mighty elastic bands from Goody are just the thing to use to create fun hairstyles. From bubble ponytails to braided tendrils, they tightly snatch your hair in place without looking clunky or slipping out mid-day. The band has a ridged design that’s ten times stronger than previous versions of these clear hair ties. Better yet, you can reuse these best invisible hair ties up to 10 times, depending how much you stretch them out.
What testers say: “I have tried so many different rubber bands for many different hairstyles, including box braids and passion twists. These are the only rubber bands that actually hold and never snapped on me, not once. Although some of the rubber bands are different sizes, which can be annoying, but it’s not a big deal.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $2.98
Kitsch Satin Hair Scrunchies
Quantity: 6
Colorways available: 10
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Testers with curly hair can’t stop raving about this pack of Kitsch hair ties. Their stretchy design makes it easy to toss your tresses up in a breeze, but don’t underestimate how much hair these scrunchies can hold — they have the right amount of strength for those even with longer lengths. Each of these best hair ties for curly hair contains eco-friendly satin that’s soft on strands and also reduces damage and breakage. You can snag the pack in a variety of colors, like a neutral color palette (shown above), black, and blush.
What testers say: “I am a working mom of three and have naturally curly hair, so I am always looking for ways to put my hair up that are not damaging. These are perfect when it comes to being gentle but also firm enough to hold all of my hair. It doesn’t hurt that they’re cute and come in great colors!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $7.99
Related: Best Hair Dryers for Curly Hair
Ivyu Store Scrunchies
Quantity: 8
Colorways available: 16
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
If you keep your hair pulled back while you sleep, make sure to have hair ties on hand that won’t tug at your strands as you snooze. These satin scrunchies have a larger design to hold your strands back and out of your face without snatching your hairline and causing breakage overnight. They also offer plenty of stretch and easily fit around the wrist, so one won’t be far when you’re in need.
What testers say: “I put my hair in a ponytail on top of my head to sleep at night. These silkies do not leave any kind of a mark whatsoever, and I can go three to four days without washing my hair. Hair is so much healthier and easier to manage.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $6.99
Kitsch Spiral Hair Ties
Quantity: 8
Colorways available: 5
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Wrap them around braids and updos, or add them to your hair for some extra flair — these spiral elastics are a unique twist on a traditional hair tie. They have a coiled design that easily fit in all hair types, corralling pieces of hair without as much friction as a traditional hair tie. And even though it seems like these would get stuck in your locks, testers confirm they love that they don’t tangle or pull on the hair.
What testers say: “These are so worth the hype! They hold my hair in place so much better than other brands I’ve tried. They work well even when exercising and I don’t have to constantly redo my hair. Even though they look small, they are great for thick hair!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $7.20
Wokelai Hair Drying Towel Scrunchies
Quantity: 3
Colorways available: 1
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, so pulling back damp strands without causing damage requires the right scrunchies. These microfiber scrunchies are both gentle and absorbent: They’re made with terry towel-like materials that soak up water and speed up drying time. Each scrunchie has an oversized six-inch diameter opening, which provides plenty of room to create buns and ponytails with curly and thick hair types.
What testers say: “How did I not know these existed? I am a turbie towel kinda girl, but this is so much better!!! Totally keeps my wet hair out of my face and off my neck, and no pinching of my hair anywhere!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $6.99
Hageolan Multy-Colored Hair Ties
Quantity: 120
Colorways available: 5
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
If you prefer a traditional hair tie, the Hageolan Multy-Colored Hair Ties are the best elastics for all hair types. The no-metal ties offer plenty of stretch without snapping and breaking. Each one has a medium-sized body that can take on any hairstyle. The pack includes five different colors from blonde to black, and with 120 pieces, you won’t have to worry when a few of them inevitably disappear (as hair ties tend to do).
What testers say: “They are the best I’ve used for my long, thick hair. The durability is impressive, I have been using the same tie for a couple of months. Colors are perfect, too. Highly recommended.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $8.99
Qarwayoc Large Hair Bands
Quantity: 50
Colorways available: 8
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Consider these cotton hair ties if your hair has some weight to it: The Qarwayoc Large Hair Bands are durable and snap back to their original shape after use. The bands are large and are made with elastic, but they’re wrapped in a cotton fabric for a crease-free and seamless design. These also dry fast when wet, thanks to the absorbent materials.
What testers say: “I like that these don’t pull my hair out when I take them off. Very easy on and off with absolutely no damage. Worth every penny.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $7.49
Smoothies Blax Snag Free Hair Elastics
Quantity: 8
Colorways available: 3
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
If you have fragile strands, the last thing you want is to put more stress and tension on your hair. Hair stylists suggest opting for hair ties that are gentle and don’t pull and tug on your locks. The Smoothies Blax Snag Free Hair Elastics have racked up a handful of awards and are recommended by celebrity hairstylists, since they glide right off when you remove them.
What testers say: “I want a million of these. I love these elastics. The matte texture makes them nearly invisible. I use the wider size for ponytails and buns and the thinner size for braids. I have very fine, straight, soft hair that hair ties and clips just slip right out of. My hair is also damaged and breaks easily. These elastics stay in really well without having to wrap too tightly, and they miraculously pull right out when I’m ready to take my hair down without snagging or pulling at all. They also never seem to wear out.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $5.57
The Different Types of Hair Ties
- Seamless hair ties: Hair ties of the aughts were often studded with a metallic closure prone to catching stray pieces of hair (ouch). Today, seamless and no-metal hair ties are a more popular choice, instead fixed together with a dot of glue or snipped from hosiery-like material and rolled to create a seamless elastic. These ties come in a range of sizes to cater to thin to thick hair types.
- Clear elastic hair ties: Clear bands are usually made with polyurethane, which gives them a translucent look that disappears into the hair. These are offered in various sizes, but smaller, dime-sized options are popular for styles like bubble ponytails and securing the ends of braids. Because of the grippy material, they secure hair tightly without budging. “I like to use the small elastics for thinner hair, so the style holds,” Valles explains.
- Spiral hair ties: Spiraled hair ties are designed to prevent dents, creases, and damage with coils that corral your hair without snatching it too tightly. These ties are typically made with flexible plastic materials that retain their shape after multiple uses, but note that those with curly hair may deal with some tangling upon removal.
- Microfiber towel hair ties: Our hair is more delicate when wet, and microfiber or terry hair scrunchies are soft and absorbent to sop up excess water without causing breakage. You can find these scrunchies in varying thicknesses: Thinner microfiber ties are best for thin or pin-straight hair, and thicker ones are most effective on curly, thick hair types.
- Silk and satin scrunchies: Popular for their promise of zero damage, silk and satin hair ties are the best hair ties to prevent damage. But is silk or satin better for hair? Silk is a natural fiber, where satin is a type of weave, typically made with polyester that can create friction on the hair overtime. High-quality silk options from brands like Slip will be the gentlest on strands, and make some of the best hair ties for thin hair due to their non-damaging design.
- Bungee hair ties: A popular hair tie for curly hair, bungee hair ties feature an elastic with two hooks that you wrap around your hair to cinch a ponytail rather than pulling the hair through. This type of hair tie is less disruptive to curls.
The Best Hair Tie and Scrunchie Materials to Prevent Damage
Tightly pulling back your hair risks fallout and breakage, and according to the American Academy of Dermatology, could even damage your follicles in the long run. For starters, mix up where you’re placing your bun or ponytail if it’s tightly pulled or slicked back, as this will reduce repeat friction and tugging on specific portions of your hair. Next, opt for a hair tie or scrunchie that’s gentle on your hair.
Plastic hair ties, whether it’s a spiral hair tie or a clear elastic, are common culprits for breakage and damage in a tightly pulled back style. These materials aren’t forgiving on fragile strands, typically causing a few strands to fallout when you’re situating your style in place or taking out the hair tie. Stretchy, fabric-covered elastics are softer on the hair, but silk is regarded as the safest hair tie material for damaged hair.
“For curly hair or extensions, I like to recommend using silk scrunchies to avoid any breakage,” says Valles. Brands like Slip offer these scrunchies in various sizes and colors. Because silk is so smooth, those with thick hair may find the material to lack hold, slipping out of the hair rather than securing a style in place. For these hair types, Valles recommends bungee hair ties that hook together around your ponytail or bun rather than requiring you to pass your hair through the hair tie multiple times. Another benefit, according to Valles, is that bungee hair ties are less likely to snap.
How We Chose the Best Hair Ties & Scrunchies
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To find the best hair ties and scrunchies, our team scoured the market to narrow down the top picks from the best brands. We considered ratings, compared customer reviews, and conducted our own product testing. We then did additional research and spoke with expert hairstylists to learn more about key materials and details to look for in the best scrunchies and hair ties. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Priscilla Valles is a celebrity hairstylist and extension master with over 24 years of experience. Valles includes Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian as clients. She partners with Glam Seamless to make extensions more accessible, and her work has been featured in outlets like Vogue, Elle, Brides, and Variety.
Meet the Author
Taylor Lane is a WWD and Footwear News contributing freelance beauty and fashion shopping writer based in Charleston, South Carolina. The former New Yorker previously held on-staff shopping writer roles at Yahoo Life and Dotdash Meredith. Lane’s bylines have appeared in publications like InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women’s Health, and more. Lane has several years of editorial experience covering beauty and fashion, reporting on everything from stylish and functional sneakers to the latest and greatest beauty products.