The Best Hair Ties

Whether you want to wear a simple ponytail or create an elaborate style, hair ties make it quick and easy to secure your hair. You have a lot of variety to choose from beyond basic rubber bands, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a hair tie that can provide the comfort and hold you need. But before you start shopping, you’ll want to understand the most common types and considerations for your hair type and desired style.

A basic type of hair tie is a simple elastic band. You can find these in a variety of thicknesses and sizes. For example, some are tiny rubber bands you might use for small braids throughout your hair, while others are larger fabric-covered bands big enough for thick ponytails. Since they usually have a low profile, these hair ties work well when you want something that doesn’t stand out too much. However, these may not always be comfortable, and very thin hair ties can break.

Scrunchies are another type of hair tie that features an elastic band, but they’re covered with wide fabric for a more noticeable look. You can find these in many colors and patterns, and they can be very comfortable and soft to wear. They also work well for damaged hair since they usually don’t snag. However, scrunchies can be slippery and not offer as strong of a hold as other hair ties do.

Coil hair ties are a newer option and resemble a telephone cord. The unique design provides a tight grip, so these hair ties perform very well when you’re doing demanding activities like exercise. At the same time, you can wear one comfortably and experience fewer inconveniences like creases and damage to your hair.

No matter which type of hair tie you choose, make sure you get one large enough for your needs. You’ll often find hair ties in mini, standard and large options. You could choose the standard size for everyday hairdos like ponytails and buns, but you might need a large hair tie if you have very thick hair. Unless you have very thin hair, you’ll likely find mini ties most useful for tying only small portions of hair.

• If you have issues with hair ties being uncomfortable and pulling on your hair, look for options that don’t contain metal. Coil-style hair ties are another good option if elastic ties don’t work for you.
• While you might feel tempted to use a hair tie right after you’ve washed your hair, the convenience can lead to damage to your hair. Since your hair is very fragile when wet, the tension from the band can make it break off more easily. Plus, even a thin hair tie can leave an unwanted impression on your hair that’s visible when it dries. Instead, use a blowdryer or dry your hair naturally before reaching for the tie.
• Be careful pulling your hair too tightly in a hair tie since this can make your scalp sore after an extended time. Doing this often can even lead to potential hair loss from the tension.
• You might have an issue where a thin hair tie gets tangled up in your hair and you don’t know how to get it out. You can try slowly rolling the hair tie toward the ends of your hair and possibly adding some leave-in conditioner to make your hair more slippery. If you don’t have luck, you can find some small scissors and carefully snip the band. You might consider switching to a larger hair tie like a scrunchie if your hair tangles easily.
• If you’re wanting to make a basic ponytail look more interesting, look for ways to add volume and texture. For example, you can try backcombing your hair before putting it in a hair tie, or you could add some curls for a fun look. Accessorizing with hair clips or adding small braids are some more options to consider.
• You might not want your hair tie to be visible for some hairstyles, and there’s a simple fix for that. Just wrap a piece of hair around the tie and then either tuck the end of the piece underneath the band or just use a bobby pin.