Even if you have a great hair day, the wrong hair tie can ruin that feeling very quickly. As someone who is constantly putting their hair up and down multiple times a day, I know how essential it is to find a great hair tie. I also know how devastating it is when you lose your favorite one, as that happens pretty frequently for me.
My hair type can be described as thin and super curly. I have probably used every type of hair tie or clip out there and have lost and damaged plenty of strands of hair in the process. Often, I even have to pry my knotted hair out of clips and ties when they aren't right for my hair. To finally solve my issue of finding the right hair band for me, I spoke with some hair experts about what to look for in material, strength and texture for hair ties/clips for different hair types.
Whether you have curly, thin, straight or thick hair, there is a right option out there for you! Below, hear from hair experts and find the option that will work.
Expert tips to finding the right hair tie
I spoke with three hairstylists about what people with different hair types should be looking for in hair ties and clips. Marcos Diaz is a celebrity hairstylist in New York and has been in the hair industry for years. Mia Santiago is a celebrity hairstylist located in California, and Anari LaBoard is another makeup and hairstylist. When asked about the best hair ties for different hair types, the stylists said:
- Curly Hair: "Curly hair does best with silk scrunchies or spiral ties to preserve the curl pattern and reduce frizz," said Diaz. LaBoard also notes that curly hair does well with scrunchies because "they have less of a chance of getting tangled in the curls and coils of someone’s hair."
- Fine/straight Hair: "Fine hair benefits from soft, lightweight elastics that won’t stress fragile strands," says Diaz. LaBoard also recommends spiral and ribbon hair ties since they can cause less damage.
- Thick Hair: Diaz also says, "Thick or dense hair needs wider, stronger ties that hold securely without needing to be overly tight.
In terms of fit of hair ties, Diaz says, "A hair tie should secure the style, not stress the hair. If you feel pulling at the scalp or tension around the hairline, it’s too tight. The goal is hold without pressure." Santiago also says that a tight hair tie can cause breakage.
And in terms of clips, LaBoard says, "I prefer to use a claw clip as a low-tension way of keeping my hair off my face and neck. If I need to use a hair tie, I will opt for a silk or velvet fabric hair tie to lessen the friction caused by using hair ties."
Diaz says that he recommends "Silk or satin scrunchies for daily wear, spiral hair ties for secure ponytails without tension, and high-quality fabric elastics for workouts or longer wear."
Expert-recommended hair ties
If you tend to lose hair ties often, this pack from Scunci will last you a while. It is Diaz's pick because the tie is "a high-quality fabric-covered elastic gives reliable hold while minimizing snagging, which makes it a great option for workouts or longer wear.”
For those with curly hair, these spiral ties are a good option, according to Diaz. He says, “Spiral ties distribute pressure evenly around the ponytail instead of concentrating tension in one spot, making them ideal for secure styles without added stress on the hair.”
For those who don't want to deal with a hair tie, a claw clip is another option that Diaz loves. He says, “Claw clips are one of my favorite low-tension styling options because they hold the hair in place without pulling at the scalp, helping reduce mechanical damage over time.”
Out of all the different types of hair ties and clips, Diaz says he prefers a silk hair tie for all types of hair. “Silk scrunchies are one of the safest everyday options because they reduce friction against the hair cuticle, helping prevent creasing and breakage, especially for color-treated or fragile hair," he says.
Editor-loved hair ties
For curly hair:
I have super curly hair, so my hair if not secured properly, gets really knotty throughout the day. I have been using these scrunchies for about a year and have noticed a major difference in my hair after using them. They stay secure and don't ruin my curl patterns.
For thick hair:
I also love using these hair ties for working out, when I want my hair to stay super tight. They are crease-free and work best for a ponytail for me. I love that they can just be thrown in the wash, too.
For long, straight hair:
Production associate, Audrey Ekman loves this clip for her straight long hair. She says, "I just got a couple of these genius clips from Teleties, and I love that they’re designed to lay flat on my head. I’m always banging the back of my claw clip on the headrest in a car or the back of my desk chair, but these make it comfortable enough to even lean back in bed without having to take my hair down. In my straight, medium-thick strands, I especially like the small size for half-ups that don’t slip out of place!"
For thick, curly hair:
I use these when I go to the gym because they stay super secure and are so easy to take out. They don't tangle or make me lose hair when I pull them out. I also love that you can choose a color that blends in with your hair color, so they don't stick out too much.
For thick, curly hair:
Editor, Kara Quill says, "I love these! They really hold up my thick hair." You can use them for half-up, half-down hairstyles, or you can put all of your hair into a bun.
For straight hair:
You can accessorize your outfits with hair ties like this metal one. They have been trendy since early 2025 and are popular on retailers like Amazon and Target. Ekman uses these and says, "Since my colored hair fades a bit with every shampoo, I try to stretch the time between washes by wearing my hair pulled up for at least a few days per week. Luckily, this elegant hair tie cuff (which a fellow editor and very fashionable friend of mine collaborated with RPZL to create) makes even my dirtiest updos look sleek and elevated. I love to slick my hair back with some hair balm and a boar bristle brush, and then finish the ponytail with this cuff. The elastic stretches to capture every strand, and it stays put in my straight hair all day!"
For thin hair:
Want to add a pop of color to your outfit and want to keep your hair secure? Editor, Vivien Moon uses these and says, "They have so much personality and are great quality for my long, thin/color-treated hair. I have this one with little olives on it."
For thick, wavy hair:
Associate commerce editor Shannon Garlin recommends these. Her hair type is thick and wavy, which is why she uses these to help tame her hair and prolong her styles like blowouts.
"I love these skinny scrunchies from Slip. I like sleeping with my hair up and they don’t leave dents or cause breakage," Garlin says.
Frequently asked questions
Diaz says, "Most breakage comes from friction and tension. Tight elastics, especially when used in the same spot daily, weaken the hair shaft over time. Snagging from exposed rubber or metal pieces is another common cause."
Diaz says many people love claw clips, "For many people, a claw clip is actually one of the healthiest everyday options since it reduces tension altogether."
"Hair ties collect oil, styling product, and buildup just like brushes do. Washing them occasionally with gentle soap or shampoo helps maintain scalp hygiene and keeps them performing properly," says Diaz
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Marcos Diaz is a celebrity hairstylist in New York.
- Mia Santiago is a celebrity hairstylist located in California.
- Anari LaBoard is a hair and makeup artist.
How we choose
We chose hair ties and clips based on advice given by experts regarding the benefits of each type of hair tie according to which is best for your hair type. We also used recommendations from our editors who have been using hair ties and clips they like for years.
