Are scrunchies better for your hair than hair ties?
Increasingly, experts and hairstylists alike are saying yes. Traditional hair ties—especially those made of plain elastic or rubber—are known to cause tension, breakage, and even hair thinning over time. Most people can relate to the unpleasant snap of a tight hair tie or the inevitable tug that comes with pulling it out. In contrast, scrunchies offer a gentler alternative, especially when made from soft, friction-reducing materials like silk, satin, or knit wool.
Scrunchies are constructed with a protective outer fabric that cushions the elastic band inside, helping to reduce the direct stress placed on hair strands. This added barrier helps prevent the snagging and pulling that often results in breakage. According to Allure, silk scrunchies in particular are highly recommended by dermatologists for their ability to minimize hair damage and preserve moisture—something traditional ties simply can’t match [1]. The broader surface area of a scrunchie also distributes pressure more evenly, which helps prevent the creation of dents and creases that can weaken hair over time.
Another advantage of scrunchies is their ability to hold various hair types—especially fine or thinning hair—without slipping or requiring excessive tension. As noted in Harper’s Bazaar, lightweight fabrics and soft textures like wool or velvet help secure the hair in place gently, making scrunchies ideal for everyday wear or even sleeping [2]. In contrast, standard elastics often need to be tightly wound to keep hair in place, increasing the risk of pulling and traction alopecia over time—a concern particularly for people with fragile or processed hair.
In fact, scrunchies have become not just a fashionable throwback, but a hair health essential. The Zoe Report emphasizes their practical advantages, pointing out that more and more beauty professionals are advising their clients to “ditch the old elastics” in favor of scrunchies that protect hair from stress and strain [3]. And as Healthline reports, using accessories like silk or satin scrunchies is a simple but effective strategy to maintain strong, breakage-resistant hair over the long term [4]. So while scrunchies may have once been seen as retro, today they represent smart, healthy hair care—wrapped in style.
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Sources Cited:
Allure – “Silk Scrunchies Are the Hair Tie Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed”
Harper’s Bazaar – “Why Hair Experts Are Ditching Elastic Hair Ties for Scrunchies”
The Zoe Report – “The Hair Tie Mistake You Didn’t Know You Were Making”
Healthline – “How to Prevent Hair Breakage: Simple Tips That Work”