The retro trend has risen to the forefront of all things hair in the past few years and just when we thought the throwback hair accessories trend was dying down, snap clips, barrettes, and hair bows seem to be sticking around to give us our daily dose of nostalgia! If there’s one beloved accessory that really takes us back, (specifically to teased, sky-high ‘90s hair in grammar school class photos), it’s hair scrunchies.
Wondering how to make scrunchies work for you Whether you have long hair or shorter strands, keep scrolling to find out how to wear the ‘90s-inspired accessory in 2019.
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Are scrunchies better for your hair?
Scrunchies are cute and all, but the revived accessory is more than just a way to jazz up your ponytail. Unlike traditional hair elastics that can tug and pull on your strands, scrunchies are made to be more gentle on your hair—which means if you’re trying to avoid hair breakage and damage, scrunchies are the way to go. Looking for the best ways to wear a hair scrunchie in 2019? We’re breaking down five of our favorite looks plus some of the cutest hair scrunchies we could find.
The Best Ways To Wear A Hair Scrunchie
Half Up Top Knot
From tight and sleek to undone and messy, there are countless ways to wear a top knot. The next time you’re feeling a half top knot, try replacing your regular hair tie with an on-trend hair scrunchie.
Messy Bun
If you have curly hair, chances are good you’ve struggled with regular hair ties breaking or getting tangled in your mane. Luckily, scrunchies are designed to lock in styles without creating snarls or creases in your hair. For curly girls, we love the look of a scrunchie paired with a messy bun.
To begin, gently gather all of your hair into a messy bun at the top of your head. Add a few bobby pins to tame any loose strands and wrap a scrunchie around the bun to secure the style. Complete your look with a few spritzes of the Pureology Style + Protect Soft Finish Hairspray for a flexible, radiant finish.
Low Ponytail
The ‘90s might’ve been all about the high pony but for 2019, we’re loving the look of low ponytails. Starting with dry hair, add volume at the root by applying a root-boosting hair powder like the Redken Powder Grip 03 Mattifying Hair Volume Powder all over the crown of your head. Next, gather your strands into a low ponytail and secure it with a scrunchie. Finish the look with a light spritz of hairspray.
Ballerina Bun
To create a ballerina bun, simply brush your hair back to create a sleek look and gather it into a high ponytail. Once the ponytail is secure, split the hair into two sections and wrap the sections around each other until you reach your ends. Twist the hair around the base of the ponytail to create a bun and lock it in with bobby pins. Top it off by wrapping a scrunchie around the base of the bun.
Fishtail Braid
We’re firm believers that all braided hairstyles could use an accessory or two. Add your favorite scrunchie to a fishtail braid to get the perfect summertime look. To begin, create a simple fishtail braid starting at the nape of your neck all the way to your ends. Secure the end of the braid with a clear elastic. Finish off by wrapping your scrunchie around the beginning of your braid and hold the look in place with a splash of strong-hold hairspray like the L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Extreme Lacquer High Hold Hairspray.
Half-Up Fishtail Braid
If you’re looking for more variety, switch up your regular fishtail braid with a half-up look. Begin by gathering the top half of your hair into a ponytail. Then, divide the ponytail into two equal sections. Craft a traditional fishtail braid until you reach your ends and use a hair scrunchie to lock in your look.
Half-Up Ponytail
For those days when you hit snooze one too many times, a half-up ponytail is the perfect look to help you feel put together in five minutes or less.
Half-Up Mohawk Braid
Searching for a scrunchie hairstyle with some edge? Craft a three-strand half-up mohawk braid down the center of your head. Complete the look by securing the braid with a scrunchie of your choice.
Textured Ponytail
We’re obsessed with texture in 2019, and what better way than to show it off than with a stylish ponytail? Apply a few spritzes of texturizing spray like the Redken Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray throughout your hair before you begin styling. The aerosol dry texturizing spray provides hair with airy volume beachy texture.
High Ponytail
While low ponytails can be sleek and sophisticated, the high ponytail is playful and laid-back. Before you begin styling, use a boar bristle brush and brush through your strands to remove any knots or snarls. Then, gather all of your hair at the crown of your head and secure it into a ponytail with a hair scrunchie.
The Best Hair Scrunchies To Try Now
Urban Outfitters Perfect 10 Scrunchie Set
If you’re brand new to scrunchies, start your collection in style with this versatile set of from Urban Outfitters.
Urban Outfitters Perfect 10 Scrunchie Set, $18.00 MSRP
Avignon Embellished Ponytail Holder
This denim ponytail holder with cowrie shell is the perfect pick if you want your hair to instantly feel more expensive.
Avignon Embellished Ponytail Holder, $118.00 MSRP
Forever 21 Velvet Scrunchie Set
We love velvet scrunchies because they’re so versatile. Wrap them around a loose ponytail, a sleek bun, or wear them on your wrist to add the finishing touch to any fall look.
Forever 21 Velvet Scrunchie Set, $3.99 MSRP
Urban Outfitters Remnants Oversized Velvet Scrunchie
If you live for a statement accessory moment, these oversized velvet scrunchies will be perfect for you this velvet season.
Urban Outfitters Remnants Oversized Velvet Scrunchie, $19.00 MSRP
Anthropologie Helena Ponytail Holder Set
Whether you’re creating an elegant half-up hairstyle or a sleek ponytail, these Cora Scarf Ponytail Holders can be the perfect finishing touch.
Anthropologie Helena Ponytail Holder Set, $18.00 MSRP
Lele Sadoughi Pearl Scrunchie
Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend but when it comes to hair, pearls are all you need to give your ‘do a simple touch of elegance! If you’re looking for a hair scrunchie that you can pop on for a special occasion, this pearl scrunchie by Lele Sadoughi is perfect for you.
Lele Sadoughi Pearl Scrunchie, $38.00 MSRP
Slip Silk Large Scrunchie Set
Not only are these Slip Silk Large Scrunchies stylish to wear on your wrist or in your hair, but they’re also made with the brand’s specially-commissioned silk to avoid damaging and creasing your strands.
Slip Silk Large Scrunchie Set, $39.00 MSRP
Slip For Beauty Sleep 3-Pack Slipsilk Hair Ties
After a long day, your strands need beauty sleep just as much as you do. Slip For Beauty Sleep 3-Pack Slipsilk Hair Ties are designed to be gentle on your strands while you catch some much-needed Z’s!
Slip For Beauty Sleep 3-Pack Slipsilk Hair Ties, $39.00 MSRP
Forever 21 Floral And Leaf Print Bow Scrunchie
You may not be on island time (yet), but you’ll love this Floral And Leaf Print Bow Scrunchie if you’re planning for your next beachy getaway. This bow/scrunchie duo with a tropical-inspired design will amp up any vacation hairstyle.
Forever 21 Floral And Leaf Print Bow Scrunchie, $4.90 MSRP
8 Other Reasons Cheetah Scrunchie Set
The year 2009 just called: Animal print is officially making a comeback! If you’re loving the revival of animal print, this Cheetah Scrunchie Set is a must-have for your collection.
8 Other Reasons Cheetah Scrunchie Set, $31.00 MSRP
Urban Outfitters Palomina Bow Scunchie
Accessorize any hairstyle with this coral bow scrunchie to stay on-trend with 2019’s color of the year.
Urban Outfitters Palomina Bow Scrunchie, $6.00 MSRP
Kitsch Metallic Hair Scrunchies
If metallic hair color isn’t quite for you, accessorize your strands with metallic hair scrunchies for a low-key way to try the shimmery trend.
Kitsch Metallic Hair Scrunchies, $12.00 MSRP
Interested in more personalized styling tips? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.