The retro trend had 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 takes us back (specifically to teased, sky-high ‘90s hair in grammar school class photos), it’s hair scrunchies.
Have you yet to jump onto the scrunchie bandwagon? You’re in for a treat! This holiday season we’re giving away an exclusive scrunchie trio during our Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. To get all the details of how you can snag this free scrunchie ornament head over to Hair.com TV.
Whether you have long hair or shorter strands, keep scrolling to find out how to wear the ‘90s-inspired accessory now.
Are scrunchies better for your hair than hair ties?
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.
If you’ve wondered, “Are scrunchies still in style in 2022?” the answer is a resounding yes! We’re breaking down nine 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-up 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 your hair into a messy bun at the top of your head. Add a few bobby pins to tame 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 nowadays, we’re loving the look of low ponytails.
Starting with dry hair, add volume at the root by applying a texturizer like the Redken Dry Texture Finishing Spray all over the crown of your head. Next, gather your strands into a low ponytail and secure them 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.
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 Messy Bun
For those days when you hit snooze one too many times, a half-up messy bun is a perfect look to help you feel put together in five minutes or less.
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 hair 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.
Sideswept Scrunchie Ponytail
Sideswept bangs lend softness to a high ponytail, while a velvet scrunchie adds a cozy seasonal touch to your overall look.
Stacked Half-Up
A quick hack that’ll help your hairstyle maintain its volume all day? Stack a few silk scrunchies on top of each other!
The Best Scrunchies to Try Now
Bellefixe Tartan & Cheer Metallic Pearl Studded Scrunchie Evergreen
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 Bellefixe will check all the boxes.
Bellefixe Tartan & Cheer Metallic Pearl Studded Scrunchie Evergreen, $12.00 MSRP
The Hair Edit Leopard Print Ruffle Ribbon Scrunchie
The year 2009 just called: Animal print is officially making a comeback! If you love the revival of animal print, this leopard scrunchie is a must-have for your collection.
The Hair Edit Leopard Print Ruffle Ribbon Scrunchie, $6.99 MSRP
Lele Sadoughi Technicolor Crystal Mesh Scrunchie
If you’re someone who never shies away from an opportunity to go full-out glam (same), we have a hunch this sparkly pick from Lele Sadoughi will become your new go-to.
Lele Sadoughi Technicolor Crystal Mesh Scrunchie, $65.00 MSRP
Sienna Naturals Silk Scrunchie 2-Pack
Not only are these scrunchies stylish enough to wear on your wrist or in your hair, but they’re also made with luxe mulberry silk to avoid damaging and creasing your strands.
Sienna Naturals Silk Scrunchie 2-Pack, $24.00 MSRP
Slipsilk™ Multi Skinny Scrunchies
Whether you have fine hair that can’t hold a style or simply prefer a more understated scrunchie, you’ll want to add these silk skinnies to your cart ASAP.
Slipsilk™ Multi Skinny Scrunchies, $39.00 MSRP
Alo Yoga Love Knots Tie Scrunchie
Accessorize any hairstyle with these adorable bow scrunchies to help you stay on-trend in 2022 and beyond.
Alo Yoga Love Knots Tie Scrunchie, $24.00 MSRP
Ceremonia The Ceremonia Scrunchie Set
After a long day, your strands need beauty sleep just as much as you do. These jumbo satin hair ties are designed to be gentle on your strands and can be worn as a fashion statement or while you catch some much-needed Z’s!
Ceremonia The Ceremonia Scrunchie Set, $45.00 MSRP
Kitsch Towel Scrunchie
There seems to be a hair accessory for everything these days, and these towel scrunchies are no exception. They feature highly absorbent microfiber to gently dry your wet hair—plus, they look super cute.
Kitsch Towel Scrunchie, starting from $15.00 MSRP
POPFLEX Active Secret Scrunchie
As stylish as it is functional, this genius scrunchie has a secret zipper that lets you store small items like a house key or some cash. Why didn’t we think of this?
POPFLEX Active Secret Scrunchie, $10.00 MSRP
Kristin Ess Hair The Ruffle Scrunchie
We adore the feminine details on this ruffle scrunchie, an ideal companion to wear alongside your ballerina bun.
Kristin Ess Hair The Ruffle Scrunchie, $14.00 MSRP
Looking for more hair tips to help your scrunchie style come to life? Hair.com is brimming with the top salon picks pros swear by.