AOL

Beauty

Celebrity Hairstylists Say They Prefer Scrunchies Over Elastic Hairbands

 

Hairstylists hate hair ties. These experts can tell you the best shampoo to buy for your hair type and can share all the best tips and tricks for promoting a healthy scalp, but if you’re constantly pulling your hair back into a tight ponytail with an elastic hair tie, you’re doing serious—and often irreversible—damage to your follicles that even the best haircare can't fix. That’s why most hairstylists recommend swapping hair ties for scrunchies, which are made from a softer material that’s more gentle on your hair.

“Hair ties can be pulled too tightly on the hair from the root area, which can cause hair to be pulled from the root itself,” says hairstylist Marc Ballance. The fabric covering scrunchies helps reduce tension and friction, preventing breakage and creases. “The softer materials provide a softer hold when the ponytails are in place, and a cushioning that makes for a softer grip on the hair from roots to the hair shaft,” says Ballance. Scrunchies aren't new on the accessories scene by any means. If you're a child of the '80s or '90s, you're definitely familiar with these fluffy hair pieces.

But how do you find scrunchies that don't make you look like a teenager at the mall? Luckily, in today's world, there are plenty of scrunchies that lean more sophisticated than sophomoric, but you do have to know what you're looking for. That's why we tapped multiple hairstylists and Women's Health editors to determine the best scrunchies, based on our real-life experience trying and testing the top bestselling scrunchies.

What to consider

Material

When it comes to scrunchies, it’s what’s on the outside that counts. The material serves as a soft barrier between your thin hair strands and the elastic, which is what protects your hair from the kind of friction that leads to breakage and frizz. Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics because of its soft feel and durable construction. Silk scrunchies are considered the most gentle on the hair, and the slippery surface allows your hair to bend without breaking. Other fabrics you can find scrunchies in include satin, cotton, linen, and velvet. While these fabrics won’t be as smooth as silk, anything that feels soft to the touch will be gentle on hair and extremely comfortable to wear.

Size

When switching to scrunchies, it's important to choose the right size for your hair. Fine hair is less dense than other hair types, so you’ll want a smaller scrunchie for better hold. Thick hair can benefit from larger scrunchies that provide hold without being too tight. The perfect scrunchie size should wrap around your hair two to three times easily. If you have to force it, it’s putting excessive pressure on your hair, which can lead to breakage over time. Size up or down to find the perfect fit.

Quantity

Unfortunately, the still-unsolved mystery of what causes hair ties to disappear without a trace is not exclusive to elastic hair accessories. Scrunchies have a tendency to go missing just as often, which is why having one scrunchie is simply not enough. When shopping for scrunchies, opt for sets that include multiple pieces. These bundles are usually more cost-effective and provide backups for when a scrunchie inevitably goes missing.

How to choose

Women’s Health editors, including contributor Cristina Montemayor, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated at-home scrunchies. Our testers tried nearly 20 scrunchies on various hair lengths and textures. First, our team consulted with hairstylists to find out what scrunchies they recommend for optimal hair health. Then, we got our hands on the scrunchies and put them to the test, evaluating attributes like price, ease of use, style, and overall value to make sure we assessed the entire experience. After comparing notes, the below seven picks made the cut as the absolute best scrunchies.

If you’re trying to minimize hair breakage and improve the health of your hair, it’s time to trash your elastic hair ties and replace them with super-soft scrunchies. Read on for our expert-approved list of the best scrunchies, all tested and vetted by WH editors and hairstylists.

Best Overall

Slip Back to Basics Skinny Scrunchies

Pros

• Perfect for all hair types, especially dry damaged hair
• Lasts a long time before you have to replace it

Cons

• Pricey for only four scrunchies

Out of all the scrunchies we tested, these from Slip came most recommended from our testers and experts for its silky softy style and stylish look. Celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager also calls these her "can't-live-without" scrunchies.

One of our testers has had this exact scrunchie for over four years and found that it's still just as soft and stretchy as it was straight out of the packaging. We also love the variety of color options and styles available. Whether you want to match your hair color or want to add a pop of pink or blue to your ponytail or bun, there's a style for every mood and preference.

This scunchie is made from mulberry silk, but that doesn't mean that it should only be saved for special occasions. The silk makes it extremely durable, so it's the perfect accessory to wear anywhere from the gym to a date—or better yet, both! The silk is high quality, which ensures that your hair is left creaseless if and when you want to let your hair down, says Brager. Plus, it don’t snag and cause hair to break off like a traditional elastic band does.

Read More: Best Hair Clips and Barrettes

Material Mulberry silk
Size 3 in.
Quantity 4

Best Budget Buy

Goody Ouchless Womens Hair Scrunchie

Pros

• Cotton fabric gives the perfect amount of stretch
• Doesn't leave a dent in your hair

Cons

• Not big enough to hold thick hair

Out of all the hair accessories out there, scrunchies aren't exactly an item worth splurging on. This pack of eight scrunchies at a very budget-friendly price is plenty to keep your hair protected from damage. Their black color gives them a polished feel, and each varies slightly in pattern, from plain black to waffle-textured. Their cotton fabric adds the perfect amount of stretch, so if you're new to scrunchies, this is a great set to pick up.

Each scrunchie is soft yet very durable and does a great job of holding your hair in place without pulling or tugging at your strands. Compared to other products on this list, these aren't the most fashionable or exciting accessory, but they will minimize strain and friction, reducing breakage.

Our tester found these are all on the smaller side, though, so they're better for thinner hair types. With eight scrunchies in total, there's enough to keep one in your purse, one on your nightstand, one in your car, and a few tucked away as backups for whenever one inevitably disappears.

Material Cotton
Size 3.8 in.
Quantity 8

Best For Travel

Smunchys Velvet Hair Scrunchie

Pros

• Hidden zipper pocket keeps small items safely tucked away
• Secure zipper doesn't snag hair

Cons

• Only includes one scrunchie

Scrunchies aren't just for show. This scrunchie from Smunchy also has a secret zipper pocket to keep small items like lip balm, keys, or cash inside. Amy Abramite, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, takes this scrunchie with her every time she travels. She wears it on the plane or at the gym to stash her essentials without worrying about carrying around a purse.

Its velvet material is soft on your hair, and the zipper is very discreet, so no one will ever know what you've got locked away. Our tester couldn't fit more than a lip gloss and a few bills in the pouch, which is really all you need. She was worried about her hair getting caught in the zipper, but when it's closed, it stays closed, keeping your hair safe from any snags. For under $10, this is a really unique and practical hair accessory to have in your collection.

Material Velvet
Size 4 in.
Quantity 1

Best Value

Kitsch Satin Hair Scrunchies

Pros

• Provides all-day comfort
• Holds long hair

Cons

• Satin material stretches out after a few wears

Brager loves these satin scrunchies because they are half the cost of pure silk scrunchies but work just as well. The satin material provides just enough cushion to keep your delicate strands as healthy as possible.

Perfect for normal to thick hair types, this skinny scrunchie securely holds your hair in place without slipping or causing damage. The neutral tones in this pack pair well with every hair color and outfit, and the small size makes it easy to wear on your wrist without worrying about it being too distracting. If you lose your scrunchies often, this set of six scrunchies is an ideal bunch to grab.

Read More: Best Claw Clips

Material Satin
Size 3.5 in.
Quantity 6

Best Oversized Option

RPZL Jumbo Charlotte Scrunchie

Pros

• Voluminous size turns any hairstyle into a chic statement
• Great for all hair types

Cons

• Oversized look can be too much for shorter hairstyles

If your go-to hairstyle is a blowout, scrunchies like this one from RPZL can help extend your style. Putting your hair up in a ponytail can leave a big dent right at the crown of the head. This oversized silk scrunchie keeps your hair out of your face without ruining your blowout. Plus, the chic cream color levels up any look you might be wearing, whether the scrunchie is sitting pretty on your wrist or tying up your low pony. We love that this silk style is affordably priced at $10, and the cream-on-cream piping gives this accessory a sophisticated accent.

If you're serious about replacing all your hair ties with scrunchies, we recommend pairing one or two oversized scrunchies like this one with a set of skinny scrunchies, like the ones from Silk or Kitsch on this list. That's really all you need to reduce friction and prevent hair damage while wearing your hair up.

Material Silk
Size 3 in.
Quantity 1

Most Absorbent

Grace & Company Plush Hair Scrunchies

Pros

• Can wear these out and still look put-together
• Ideal for thick hair that takes a long time to dry
• Comfortable to sleep in

Cons

• Pattern design can be a challenge to match with your outfit

Long hair takes forever to dry, but hairstylists often warn against putting it up when wet because your strands are at their most fragile. On the few occasions when you have to leave the house with wet hair, our testers recommend this absorbent scrunchie from Grace & Company.

Made from 50 percent cotton and 50 percent microfiber, it helps absorb excess water while keeping your strands secure and out of your face. These scrunchies are your newest nighttime necessity for those who prefer to sleep with their hair up. Our coily testers found that keeping their hair in a loose high pony overnight gave their curls added volume and definition without denting or damaging the hair. These adorable accessories helped remove excess water and decreased drying time, leaving their hair feeling soft, smooth, and frizz-free.

We love how gentle and soft these are on the hair, and that the bow gives the scrunchie a girly touch. Each set includes two plush scrunchies to ensure you'll always have one that's fully dry.

Material 50 percent cotton, 50 percent microfiber
Size 3 in.
Quantity 2

Most Stylish

Jennifer Behr Alma Scrunchie

Pros

• Made by hand
• Elevates simple styles into something more sophisticated

Cons

• Not for everyday wear

Two of our hairstyling experts separately gushed about how much they love this bright red oversized Jennifer Behr scrunchie. Brager says it's the perfect accessory for any occasion and has even sent a few of these down the aisle and on the red carpet. “It adds a punch of color, and it’s a more structured, heavier fabric that makes it feel very elevated," adds celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher. She says that it doesn't even look like a hair scrunchie to her.

Handcrafted and beautiful, this scrunchie mimics a rose in full bloom. It really pops against brunette hair, especially when styled in a sleek low ponytail. All Jennifer Behr hair accessories are made by hand in New York, so wearing this scrunchie is literally wearable art. Sure, it's more than most people would think to spend on a scrunchie, but when styled right, it can be the statement piece for any outfit.

Material Satin
Size 3.1 in.
Quantity 1

Meet the experts

• Marc Ballance is a celebrity hairstylist at The John Barrett Salon in New York City.
• Bridget Brager is a celebrity hairstylist for clients including Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger, Kristen Stewart, Sarah Paulson, Priyanka Chopra, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Pratt, and more.
• Ashley Streicher is a celebrity hairstylist, R+Co collective member, and owner of STRIIIKE salon in Los Angeles, California.
• Amy Abramite is creative director and hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.