Your Hair Tie Might Be Bad For Your Hair: Everything You Need To Know

Let’s face it, hair ties are lifesavers. Bad hair day? Quickly reach for a hair tie to hold down the mess. Need to focus on what you’re doing? Bun time! But hold on a second, have you ever wondered if your trusty hair tie might be contributing to those split ends and breakage?

The Frictional Foe

Think about it: how many times have you yanked out a hair tie, leaving a trail of fallen soldiers (hair strands, that is) around it? Hair ties, especially those that are elastic alone, can create friction, leading to breakage and split ends. Imagine your hair strands as delicate threads. Now picture a rough rubber band constantly tugging at them. Yeah, not a recipe for happy hair.

Hair Tie Villains

So, which hair ties should you avoid? Here’s your “don’t use” list:

• Regular elastics: These are the biggest culprits. Their texture creates friction and can easily snag your hair, leading to breakage.
• Hair ties with metal clasps: The metal can snag and rip at your hair, causing damage.
• Tightly-coiled hair ties: These put a lot of tension on your hair, which can lead to breakage, especially with repeated use.

Tying Techniques Matter Too

Beyond the hair tie itself, how you use it can also contribute to breakage. Here are some habits to break:

• The Super-Tight Ponytail: We all know the look – sleek and high, but a recipe for disaster on your hair. Loosen up those ponytails to reduce tension and give your scalp a break.
• The Never-Ending Twist: Constantly twisting your hair tie while holding your hair each time you twist the tie till there’s practically no space of the hair tie that has held your hair is no good. This is a sign that you’ve held the hair too tight, and this can easily result in damage and weaken the hair strands. Instead tie the hair tie looser around your hair, giving your scalp the comfort it needs.
• The Forgetful Bun: Leaving your hair tied up for extended periods, especially in a tight style, can put a strain on your hair follicles and lead to breakage. Take breaks throughout the day and let your hair down freely.

Fabric is Your Friend

Here’s the good news: you can still rock your favorite hairstyles without the hair tie woes! The key lies in the fabric. Ditch those harsh elastics and opt for hair ties made with smooth, gentle materials. Here’s your hero list:

• Silk: Luxurious and oh-so-soft, silk hair ties glide over your hair, minimizing friction and breakage.
• Satin: Another smooth operator, satin hair ties offer a budget-friendly alternative to silk and feel delightful on your hair.
• Scrunchies: These fluffy friends are back in style (and for good reason)! The fabric covers a large surface area, distributing the pressure and reducing the strain on individual hair strands.

Loosen Up, Let Your Hair Down (Literally)

Once again, ditch the super-tight ponytails, puffs and buns. A looser style will still keep your hair out of your face without causing so much tension. And whenever possible, give your hair a break! Wear your hair down freely to avoid constant pulling at the scalp.

Stronger Hair, Less Breakage

Remember, healthy hair is less prone to breakage. Deep conditioning and moisturizing regularly helps your hair stay strong and resilient.

By using better fabric hair ties and giving your hair a break, you can continue rocking those fabulous hairstyles without sacrificing healthy hair. Remember, you are a gem.