Did you know the first hair scrunchie was patented in 1987? Scrunchies are a classic way to accessorize the hair. Like most fads, at some point they died out and became forgotten. They did pick up some steam in 2010, then fell back into the shadows until about 2017 when they became trendy again. I cannot walk into most major retailers without being accosted by a display of scrunchies featuring beautiful fabrics. As you can imagine, my scrunchie collection is growing quite nicely. Since they are here to stay, we can all appreciate a deep dive on how to use scrunchies. I will also provide more details on the benefits, types, materials, and more. I even have options that you can shop now to get your own collection rolling.
Benefits
Before we talk about how to use scrunchies, you are probably wondering why they deserve a place in your stash. First and foremost, the fabric around the elastic protects your hair from damage. Also, a scrunchie is weaker than a standard hair elastic. Even if you pull your hair through it several times, it will still be looser than a standard elastic. With this being said, the chance of ripping hairs out or getting them tangled around the scrunchie is severely minimized. Finally, scrunchies normally do not leave creases in your hair.
Materials
Next, I want to talk about the various materials or fabrics that are typically used to make a scrunchie. My own collection provides plenty of examples:
- Silk
- Velvet
- Mesh or organza
- Faux leather
- Lurex
- Jersey/cotton/t-shirt material
- Chiffon, or more commonly, polyester
- Chenille/fuzzy/furry/flocked
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Types
There are also a few different types, or styles of scrunchies. A standard scrunchie is a round elastic. Then you have bow scrunchies. Finally, my personal favorite are scrunchie scarves. They feature long strips of fabric that gracefully hang from your hair.
Storage and Shopping
I store all of my scrunchies, and hair ties in general, on carabiner clips. You can find these at Dollar Tree. This is the best way to keep hair ties neat and organized while not getting lost.
Scrunchies have become so popular that you should be able to find them at your favorite boutique, drugstore, or mall store. I like to get mine at Dollar Tree, Walmart, Five Below, and from various drugstores.
Hairstyles
Now the moment you have been waiting for. We cannot talk about how to use scrunchies without looking at actual hairstyles! I am terrible at doing hair, so fast and easy styles are key. Below I have eight different ways that I like to wear scrunchies with visuals and instructions (if applicable).
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1) Ponytail
The most basic hairstyle that you can do with a scrunchie is a classic ponytail. You should consider how high or low you place your ponytail on your head to switch up the style.
2) Braid
You can switch up your ponytail and instead transform it into a single braid. I like to put a scrunchie at the top of the ponytail and at the bottom to tie off the braid. My hair is really short, so I do not get to braid it much before hairs start going in all directions. I only do a three strand braid, but you can experiment with different types.
3) Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail looks a lot better on long hair. Using as many scrunchies as you want, place them onto your ponytail leaving spaces in between. Each space is considered to be a bubble. You can gently tug on the hair to puff the bubble out a bit.
4) Bun
Another classic style is using a scrunchie to add a finishing touch to a bun. I like to use a bun former to make buns. A bonus of putting the scrunchie on last is that it helps hold loose hairs down. Consider using scrunchies with bows or long scarves to make this look extra pretty and whimsical.
5) Half Up Braid
For this hairstyle, gather the top half of your hair into a ponytail, leaving the bottom half loose. Braid the tail of your ponytail. Tie the braid off with a scrunchie, but gather all loose hair into it.
6) Half Up Half Down
This look plays off of number five. Gather the top half of your hair into a ponytail, leaving the bottom half loose. Gather the loose hair and the ponytail up with a scrunchie.
7) Micro Ponies
I recommend getting some clear elastics for this look, as it continues with the theme of looks five and six. Gather the top half of your hair into a ponytail, leaving the bottom half loose. Take a small section of the loose hair and make another ponytail, but include your first ponytail in the elastic. Continue this pattern depending on how long your hair is. When you are done making the small ponytails, gather everything together into one large ponytail with a scrunchie.
8) Topsy Tail
For this final style, we are again going to gather the top half of your hair into a ponytail, leaving the bottom half loose. Next, use your fingers to make a small hole in the center of your hair just above the elastic. Take the ponytail, flip it up, and pull it through the hole. Once the pony tail is pulled through, tighten the elastic by pushing it up. You will have a lovely twisty look in your hair, and you can use your fingers to gently tug on the twist to puff it up. At this point you can put a scrunchie over the elastic already in your hair.
Alternative Style
You may be wondering how to use your scrunchies for other purposes than in the hair. They also make great wrist candy worn alone as bracelets, or layered up with jewelry. Consider wearing a scrunchie with a bow to add extra flair.
Shop the Post
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Conclusion
In summary of this exploration on how to use scrunchies, they are easily one of the most feminine, elegant, and graceful hair accessories that you can own. They are typically inexpensive, but can make quite the statement. You can wear scrunchies in the hair to effortlessly amplify your look, or even throw a few on your wrist. Consider collecting scrunchies made of various materials, prints/patterns, and lengths for a versatile aesthetic. Scrunchies are definitely here to stay, so why not embrace their cuteness? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
What is your favorite way to accessorize your hair?
