Yes, Adults Can Wear Scrunchies Too... (2024)

If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, chances are your hair was pretty good mates with a lot of very trendy hair accessories. There was the butterfly clip, a timeless staple; the barrette, a must for the fancy tween; and the scrunchie, the most relied-upon accessory of them all.

While Sex And The City’s Carrie Bradshaw may have decried their credibility to Berger in that ~cute~ dramatic way of hers, the scrunchie has a long list of reputable ambassadors. The crew of Heathers in the inimitable ’80s film,Heathers, could work a scrunchie like no other; Madonna loved them; the ever-loveable Phoebe from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. got around them; and, more recently, girls like Cara Delevingne and Frederikke Sofie Falbe-Hansenhave repped them. There’s even an entire Instagram page dedicated to their glory. That’s how #relevant they’ve once more become.

My recent foray back into the trend that carried me through my awkward formative years — mediocrely performing in dance eisteddfods, tumbling my way through gymnastics, hop-scotching around the school pavements — arose from a variety of events. The most pivotal being when, after a serious bout of Westfield-induced retail fatigue, I dropped by the supermarket, exasperated and empty-handed, to do my weekly grocery shop. I was poor and I’d just window-shopped my way around one of Sydney’s biggest (and arguably most annoying) shopping centres. If retail therapy was on one end of the spectrum, then what I’d just experienced was far down the other end in the fiery pit of retail hell.

It was around this time that my regrowth was really flaring up as well, making me the ideal candidate for a makeover of The Princess Diaries proportion. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was about to get one for the low, low price of $6.99. You got my back, Lady Jane.

Other reasons for introducing the scrunchie back into my adult life include: giving my hair a snaggle-free alternative to the standard hair tie; pretending the year is still 1995; and, most vitally, because J.Lodid it.

There’s a very fine line between tragic and chic when it comes to the scrunch. God love her, but Muriel from Muriel’s Wedding should be considered the pin-up girl for what not to do when it comes to wearing one in your adult years. This image, and the above gallery, however, should be referred to when sourcing inspiration.

Piled up high, securing a low pony, used to elevate the half-up half-down look, or creating the most chic low bun out —the scrunchie is a versatile gem. Experimentation is fun, but know there are limits. A baby pink velvet scrunchie, if done right, will elevate a minimalist outfit. Fluoro scrunchies, however, have no business existing outside of the early ’00s.

All your elastic hair ties in a box to the left. You can get the featured scrunchies here and here.

Words, Madeleine Woon. Photography, Dakota Gordon.


Yes, Adults Can Wear Scrunchies Too... (2024)

FAQs

Can adults wear scrunchies? ›

There are plenty of sophisticated options that adults can wear. (And trust me, you'll get plenty of compliments.) Here are eight scrunchies to add to your hair tie collection that look stylish and won't damage your hair.

Am I too old to wear a scrunchie? ›

Anyone born after 1990 … go for it (and do expect anyone older than you to smirk … we can't help ourselves!). And, it must be noted, scrunchies have never, and likely will never, go out of fashion in the gymnastics and figure skating world. If you spend 100% of your time with your hair in a ponytail, it makes sense!

Who wears scrunchies? ›

Scrunchies are often exchanged between tweens and young teens as a sign of an emerging romance. Generally, a girl will give a boy a scrunchie as a sign of affection or to say that he is "cute" or that he is her "crush", and the boy will wear the scrunchie usually on his wrist.

Are hair scrunchies out of fashion? ›

Scrunchies are back. We've seen them everywhere: on social media, on celebrities, and on the front covers of our favorite fashion magazines. While Gen Z and TikTok might try to claim these as their own, we know the ponytail and scrunchie never completely went out of style.

Are scrunchies still in style in 2024? ›

From charming hair bows to personalized clips and hairpins, voluminous scrunchies, over-the-top headpieces, and statement headbands, these accessories are your key to a stylish 2024.

Can you wear a scrunchie to bed? ›

Opt for Silk or Satin Scrunchies

When those with long hair tie it up for the night, what they use to secure it makes a difference. "Stay away from metal and rubber hair ties," says Wahler, who notes that both materials can lead to unnecessary breakage. Use a scrunchie or tie made of silk or satin instead.

What does it mean when someone wears a scrunchie? ›

Guys will wear Scrunchies on their wrists as an indicator that they are in a relationship with someone. His significant other gifts him with a hair tie as a visible symbol of the relationship. If you spend time with students, chances are you've seen the return of the Scrunchie.

Do people still buy scrunchies? ›

These playful hair ties with their signature fabric-covered elastic bands were once a staple in every girl's accessory collection. But as trends come and go, scrunchies faded into obscurity. However, like all good things that eventually make their way back into style, scrunchies are making a powerful comeback.

Are scrunchies classy? ›

Whether you're aiming for a casual, everyday look or an elegant up-do for a special occasion, silk scrunchies add a touch of sophistication and charm.

What are scrunchies called now? ›

Scrunchies are also called hair clouds — a coin termed by Danish designer Line Sander Johansen.

What's the point of a scrunchie? ›

Unlike traditional hair ties, which can be tight and abrasive, scrunchies are typically made of softer materials which are less likely to cause friction or snagging. They won't cause as much friction or tension on your hair, reducing the risk of breakage, split ends, and hair loss.

When did scrunchies go out of style? ›

The brand's hair ties fit in easily with the loose, colorful, casual look of the late '80s and '90s. For about a decade, the scrunchie was the default way Americans put their hair up. Then the 2000s came, and everything got really tiny and tight, including hair ties. Nylon-wrapped black elastic cords became the norm.

What are the disadvantages of scrunchies? ›

Scrunchies vs.

The constant tension and friction can lead to hair breakage, split ends, and even hair loss over time.

Why do girls like scrunchies? ›

Scrunchies are better for your hair. Unlike hair ties, scrunchies don't cause hair breakage. The layer of fabric between the elastic band and your hair serves as a soft barrier to protect your precious locks from direct friction! Scrunchies also don't have to be wound as tightly around your hair.

Can I wear a scrunchie to work? ›

As long as your hair is up and out of your face neatly it's okay whatever you'd like to use.

Is it a trend to wear scrunchies on your wrist? ›

Wrist accessory: If you\'re not in the mood to wear a scrunchie in your hair, wear it on your wrist instead. This adds a pop of color to your outfit and is a convenient way to have a hair tie on hand.

Why do guys wear girls scrunchies? ›

The scrunchie trend is back. It makes sense for girls, but why are boys wearing these puffy hair ties around their wrists? Apparently this signifies that they're in a relationship. If a girl likes a boy she will give him her scrunchie.

Do scrunchies leave kinks in your hair? ›

Scrunchies are bigger than a basic hair tie and so more difficult to lose! You'll never find an elastic hair tie that looks this good on your wrist. Scrunchies don't dig into your hair leaving nasty kinks and split ends, even after prolonged wear.

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