Are scrunchies healthier than hair ties?

Scrunchies and hair ties are two common hair accessories used to tie back hair. Scrunchies are fabric-covered elastic hair ties that form a soft, pillowy bunch when in use. The fabric covering provides cushion and protects the hair from damage compared to bare elastic bands .

Hair ties, also known as ponytail holders, are elasticized bands that wrap around sections of hair to hold them in place. Basic hair ties are a loop of elastic without any fabric covering. There are also covered versions with fabric or soft material on part of the elastic.

Both scrunchies and hair ties serve the simple function of gathering and securing hair. But there are some key differences between them when it comes to factors like hair health, styling versatility, cost, and fashion trends.

Do scrunchies hurt less?

Both scrunchies and hair ties can damage hair if used improperly or too frequently. The tight pulling and constant friction against hair fibers can lead to split ends, breakage, and even hair loss over time. This problem is most common with hair ties.

Many women experience headaches from wearing tight hair ties. This is because the tension from tightly pulled back hair can trigger headaches in those prone to migraines or tension headaches.

When hair is secured tightly in a ponytail or bun with an elastic hair tie, it puts tension on the scalp and hair follicles. This continual pulling can strain muscles and nerves in the head and neck. The trigeminal nerve, which has branches that innervate the scalp, is especially sensitive. Irritation of this nerve from traction on the scalp is thought to potentially cause headaches in susceptible individuals.

Wearing a too-tight ponytail may also alter blood circulation in the scalp. Disrupted blood flow from excessive pressure on blood vessels could deprive nerves and muscles of oxygen. This may lead to referred pain felt as headaches. The pain is typically felt as a band of tension around the forehead or at the back of the head where the ponytail anchors the hair.

For those prone to headaches, switching to gentle scrunchies and loose hairstyles can help avoid triggering pain. The soft fabric and elastic of scrunchies exerts less pull on hair follicles. Scrunchies also don’t form a tight band around hair in the way a conventional hair tie does. Beyond that, the soft, stretchy fabric of a scrunchie distributes tension more evenly across the hair. However, scrunchies can still create damage if they are wrapped too tightly or tugged on aggressively to remove. The friction of taking a scrunchy out of the hair can roughen and weaken hair cuticles repeatedly.

Regular hair ties made of elastic or rubber bands place concentrated stress on a small section of hair. The discrete point of tension where the hair tie grips the hair is where most damage occurs. Rubber bands in particular can get tangled in hair and require significant force to remove, risking broken hairs in the process.

Both scrunchies and hair ties are generally less damaging to hair if they are gently secured without excessive tightness. Wide hair ties that distribute tension across more hair are gentler than slim elastic bands or metal clasps that concentrate force. Any hair accessory worn frequently in the same position risks some degree of traction damage over time. Allowing hair to hang freely as often as possible is ideal for hair health.

Hair ties are suitable for different hairstyles than hair bands.

Scrunchies and hair ties each enable different hairstyles. Scrunchies are softer and bulkier, so they work well for creating voluminous hairstyles like high ponytails, buns, and half-up styles. The soft fabric wrap of a scrunchie allows hair to be gathered gently without creasing , denting or leaving a mark. This makes scrunchies the optimal choice for creating smooth high ponytails and buns placed high on the crown of the head. Scrunchies can also be wrapped around a ponytail or bun to create a layered look.

In contrast, smaller hair ties work better for low ponytails and simpler hairstyles close to the neck. Their slim rubber design can tightly gather all the hair smoothly back. However, the lack of bulk also makes hair ties less visible for hairstyles like tight low buns . , the tight gathering of a hair tie risks leaving creases or dents in the hair shaft. Hair ties aren’t ideal for voluminous folded over ponytails or bulky messy buns on top of the head. Their tight grip can lead to bumps and crimps, unlike a scrunchie’s soft wrap.

So in summary, scrunchies excel at enabling bulky, voluminous hairstyles given their soft fabric wrap and lack of tight denting. But hair ties allow smoother tighter gathering for simpler low hairstyles. The choice between scrunchie versus hair tie depends on the desired hairstyle and volume.