As we grow our hair longer we need to start contending with hair on our face. It takes the gentlest of breezes to swirl our hair into our faces. My first reflex is to pull my hair away from my face using a hair tie. My guess is that you do exactly the same thing. I always keep a few hair ties in my purse as well as in my gym bag so that one is never beyond reach. The question is whether our hair ties do more harm than good.
Hair ties that pull your hair back too tightly can damage your hair and even pluck strands out by the root. Choose fabric-covered hair elastics that don’t grab your hair as tightly. Scrunchies, ribbons, and hair scarves are the best hair tie options for protecting your hair against breakage.
Let’s examine the effect that hair ties have on your hair more closely as well as the alternatives that you have available for controlling your hair.
Are Hair Ties And Ponytail Holders Bad For Your Hair?
Let’s get one thing clear right from the start. Certain types of hair ties combined when combined with certain hairstyles can put stress on your hair. So, essentially your hair ties and ponytail holders could be doing damage to your hair unless you learn to use them correctly.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using fabric-covered rubber bands made especially for styling hair to avoid damage. This means any elastics with a rubbery texture or rubber bands without a fabric cover have no place in your styling routine. If you have any of them, clear those rubbery elastics away from your vanity table now.
When it comes to different hairstyles, again as per the AAD, you’ll do better keeping tightly pulled hairstyles to a minimum in order to avoid damage. This includes sleek ponytails, cornrows, and tightly weaved braids. The battle-braids look that many athletes use is one clear example of this.
6 Hair Tie Options That Won’t Stress Your Hair
Now that you are aware of the hair ties you should avoid, I’m guessing you’ll want to stock up on the alternatives that won’t cause damage to your locks. All of these options are safe to use on your own hair as well as on hair extensions and some wigs. These are my six hair tie options that both your strands and hair stylist will thank you for.
Silk Hair Ties
I am sure that you have heard of how wonderful silk pillowcases can be for your hair. Therefore, it is no surprise at all that silk hair ties will be a good idea as well.
These hair elastics are covered in super-soft silk fabric that won’t cause hair breakage. They also look super chic. As a school girl, I used to wear silk-covered Alice bands and always had healthy hair.
Scrunchies
This may feel like a hair accessory that’s a blast from the past. Interestingly though, this favorite from the 1990s has made a fashion comeback in recent years. I’m sure that you’ll come across scrunchies in your local stores. Scrunchies have the extra gathered fabric covering the hair elastic, so you can easily see why they are kind to your hair.
Here is an extra hack for scrunchies: public bathrooms often have those air driers for your hands. When I lift my hands to dry them I nearly always get water trickling up the sleeve of my blouse, leaving a wet patch. A scrunchie around each wrist before I wash my hands solves the problem.
Coiled Hair Ties
I am sure that you will have seen this hair accessory in the beauty aisle of your favorite store but may have wondered about the peculiar shape. It looks something like an old-school phone cord and is likely very different from the traditional ponytail holder you’re used to.
The unique shape of the coiled hair tie has a purpose. It won’t leave your hair with any dents or marks when you take your hair down from the pony or messy bun style that you were wearing. Coiled hair ties are also a gentle option for your hair while you are wearing them.
Bungee Bands
Bungee bands are another non-traditional option to use as a hair tie that is particularly useful if you have long, thick hair. They are great for keeping the weight of your mane evenly distributed, as heavy hair can put a strain on your strands.
The band of fabric is connected with a hook and loop system. Just wrap it around your gathered hair and attach it in order to secure your desired style.
Ribbon Elastics
Do you want to feel extra girly? If so you should add some ribbon hair elastics to your collection. As you have likely guessed, this is a type of hair elastic that’s made from ribbon. The ribbon will be smooth against your hair. Some ribbon elastics even have excess ribbon at the ends so that you can tie it into a cute bow and feel even more girly.
Hair Scarves
If you want an elegant, yet trendy, option, let me point you in the direction of hair scarves. These are perfect for the warmer weather of spring and summer when we tend to dress in more vibrant colors to match the season.
Wrap the length of fabric in any way you’d like, then tie the scarf into place with the ends hanging down at the back with your ponytail. It will make you feel pretty.
For more inspiration, here on Pink Femme, I’ll soon be adding an article on How to Wear a Head Wrap or Hair Scarf. If you have very short hair and don’t yet own a stylish wig then using a pretty scarf for a head wrap can make you look and feel more femme.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another hair care article here on Pink Femme? You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the hair care articles.