Our Favorite Hair Ties, Scrunchies, and Clips

Big Claw Clips ($9 for a four-pack at the time of publication)

I have long, curly—and sometimes unruly—hair. The Big Claw Clips have become my go-to hair accessory for wrangling my curly hair come styling time or when it’s hot outside and I need to let my neck breathe. After two years of use, not a single clip has broken, and they do a bang-up job of staying put on nights I fall asleep with one in my hair.

—Kaitlyn Wells, senior staff writer

Emi Jay Big Effing Clip ($35 at the time of publication)

If you want to accomplish that delightfully undone late-nineties/early-aughts French twist updo, you need something that’s large, sassy, and strong: the Big Effing Clip. I’ve tried maybe five different clips made with a similar Lucite-y plastic material, and nearly all of them have either cracked or snapped apart at the springs. But for the year I’ve had the Big Effing Clip, it has done me right. It comes in a slew of pearlescent hues, including some cheekily named for the zodiac signs—think a glittery blue for Aquarius and a shimmery pink for Gemini (the one I have). But no matter what color you choose, the clip will turn heads. Even when it’s just clipped around the handle of my tote, people comment on it. “That’s a big clip,” they say. “Thank you,” I reply, as if I had something to do with its creation. Clearly, a side effect of rocking this gigantic clip is confidence.

—Catherine Kast, supervising editor

Kristin Ess Mini French Pins ($9 for a set of two at the time of publication)

I have very thin hair that goes about 3 inches past my shoulders. I’m constantly putting it up and taking it down. I love the Kristin Ess french pins—they make it easy to throw your hair in a twist or a bun and then stick a giant, smooth pin in it. The style is so simple, but the size, shape, and finish is effortlessly elegant. Even though the pins have no teeth, they hold so well I have even slept in them! (I'm not sure what sorcery that is.) They’re small enough for a pocket or a purse, and I even keep one in the pencil cup on my desk.

—Polina Grinbaum, senior engineering manager

Saussy Medium Metal Hair Claw Clip - Rose Gold ($11 at the time of publication)

A couple of summers ago, a makeshift craft market popped up a couple of blocks from my apartment in Brooklyn, and I was immediately drawn to a table of metallic hair accessories and jewelry by a local label called Saussy. I bought a mid-size metal clip in rose gold on the spot and twisted my hair into a half-up style with it. That clip has since served as my go-to clip to wear to work because it’s so sleek. I’ve also worn it on special occasions because the metal is so elegant-looking. In addition to Rose Gold, the Saussy Metal Hair Claw Clip comes in Black, Gold, Matte Black, and Silver. Though the clip does have some notches on the inner side to help hold hair, its teeth are thin and set farther apart than the teeth on thicker plastic clips. So depending on your hair texture and thickness (and how much hair you’re putting into the clip), you might experience some slippage. Or you could do what I do: Embrace a romantic, loose look.

—Catherine Kast, supervising editor

Blax Hair Elastics ($6 for an eight-pack at the time of publication)

Sephora used to carry 4-mm-wide elastics that were basically invisible, snag-free, super stretchy, and surprisingly strong. They were magical, and they became the ties I reached for most, whether they were for casual ponytails, unobtrusive braid ends, or strategic holds for fancier ’dos. They do stretch out quite a bit, but if you leave them overnight they usually bounce back! I nearly cried when Sephora stopped carrying them, but these Blax hair elastics are the next best thing I’ve found. (In fact, the maker of Blax hair elastics responded to an Amazon customer question stating that they produced the Sephora ones under a private label for the cosmetics giant!) I have medium-thick, fairly smooth hair, and these tiny things defy physics when they hold a ponytail. The elastics are too little to keep on a wrist, though, so it’s way too easy to lose them. Even though they’re not cheap, I recommend stocking up!

—Marilyn Ong, supervising editor

Invisibobble Original Traceless Hair Rings ($5 for a set of three at the time of publication)

These visually unobtrusive hair ties are my go-to for workouts or sleeping, especially with wet hair. My hair is thin, but these ties do not budge or dent, and I love that I don’t have to wrap them around my ponytail a thousand times. Though they aren’t as pretty as scrunchies, they’re very comfy and light on my wrist, especially when it’s hot out. I’ve tried some knockoffs, but they don’t work nearly as well as Invisibobbles.

—Polina Grinbaum, senior engineering manager

Scünci No-Slip Grip Ponytailers ($6 for a 14-pack at the time of publication)

I swear by the Scünci No-Slip Grip Ponytailers. They’re essentially thick rubber bands that are sturdy and don’t snag. They always hold my thick, slippery hair in place all day, whether I’m running, doing CrossFit, or vigorously cleaning my house. They grip my hair and won’t let go. Also, since they’re made of rubber they hold their shape and elasticity and don’t stretch out the way traditional cloth-covered hair ties do.

—Leslie Grisdale, Product Testing Logistics Manager

Goody Ouchless Braided Hair Elastics ($6 for a 32-pack at the time of publication)

I have thick hair, and the standard Goody Ouchless work well for me, both in a ponytail and a bun. My 7-year-old also uses them (especially for tae kwon do, where they’re only allowed to use black or white hair ties), and she can put them in herself and her hair stays put. Goody’s hair elastics are cheap enough (and come in packs of 32 or 50) so I don’t have to be super careful with them. I stash them absolutely everywhere for any ponytail emergency: in every bag I own, in the center console of my car, in the kitchen cabinet. I even have a convenient pile right on my nightstand.

—Annemarie Conte, deputy editor

Scünci Waffle Knit Scrunchies ($12 for a set of 36 at the time of publication)

Finding hair ties that don’t break when I try to put up my thick, wavy, curly hair can be a challenge. What’s even more challenging is avoiding severe dents that would ruin my definition or cause extra frizziness. On the days that I opt out of braiding my hair in two pigtails before bed, I put my hair up in a high, moderately loose bun to preserve my curls. The Scünci Waffle Knit Scrunchies are my favorite because the elastic isn’t too tight, but they still hold all of my hair. After a night’s rest, I release the bun and my curls and waves remain mostly intact with minimal frizz. Also, my hair never gets caught in the scrunchie, unlike when I use elastic hair ties. The Scünci scrunchie is truly the best for my hair (that I’ve tried so far), and I love that it doesn’t feel like it’s pulling tightly on my scalp.

—Sri Rain Stewart, updates writer

Kristin Ess The Oversized Satin Scrunchie ($10 at the time of publication)

I love the Oversized Satin Scrunchie—I have one in every color. They give my quick, messy buns some volume and more sophistication than regular scrunchies. They don’t slip out of my thin, wavy hair, and yet they are so silky. I’m one of those people who does not have the patience for “doing” my hair when going out, so these are a good alternative.

—Polina Grinbaum, senior engineering manager

This article was edited by Annemarie Conte.