Scrunchies for curly and textured hair

Curly, coily and textured hair is beautiful, versatile and often more fragile than it looks. Curls can tangle easily, lose moisture faster and be dented or stretched by tight bands. A good scrunchie can be one of the kindest accessories for curly hair, as long as you choose the right one and wear it the right way. This guide explains how.

This guide is general information written in our own words. We don't recommend particular shops, brands or products, and we never quote prices. It isn't medical advice: if you're worried about your hair or scalp, see your GP or a dermatologist.

Why curly hair needs extra care

Curly and coily hair strands bend and twist, and each bend is a point where the hair can be weaker. Natural oils from the scalp travel down curly strands less easily than straight ones, so curls can feel drier. Curls also wrap around each other, which can lead to tangles and knots. All of this means that friction, snagging and tension, the three things accessories can cause, matter more.

Hairstyle-related hair loss is also a known concern. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that tight hairstyles such as braids, cornrows, locs, weaves, extensions and tight ponytails can cause traction alopecia. These styles can be worn safely, but they need to be comfortable rather than tight.

Choosing a scrunchie for curls

• Smooth fabrics. Satin and silk create less friction than rough fabrics, which many people find reduces frizz and snagging.
• Larger size. A classic or oversized scrunchie holds a big volume of curls without needing many wraps.
• Soft, strong elastic. Enough to hold your curls loosely, without being so tight it digs in.
• No metal, beads or rough trims. These can catch curls.

Wearing a scrunchie without crushing curls

Gather curls gently with your hands rather than brushing them back into a sleek ponytail. Place the scrunchie loosely, wrapping it only as many times as needed to hold. Leave the hair above the scrunchie soft rather than pulled flat. If you're used to slicking back your edges or hairline, try a softer finish some days to reduce tension in that area.

Pineappling for sleep

Pineappling is a popular way to protect curls overnight. Flip your head forward, gather your curls loosely at the very top of your head and secure them with one loose wrap of a soft scrunchie. The curls fall over like a pineapple top. Because the hair sits on top of your head, you don't lie on it, which helps keep curls defined. Keep the hold loose so it doesn't pull at the hairline. Our sleeping guide covers other overnight options.

Puffs and high buns

A puff, where curls are gathered into a full round shape, is a classic style for natural hair. Some people use a large scrunchie, a stretchy fabric band or a soft headband to hold a puff. Avoid pulling the hair so tight that the hairline looks stretched. Alternate the puff's position and give your hair days down.

Protective styles

Braids, twists, cornrows, locs and other protective styles keep hair tucked away and can reduce daily handling. They can also add tension, especially when installed very tight, near the hairline or with heavy extensions. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that braids, cornrows and similar styles should not hurt, and that pain, stinging or bumps are signs they are too tight. Ask your stylist to keep the hairline loose, and give your hair breaks between styles.

When you tie up braids or locs, a scrunchie can be gentler than a thin elastic, because braids are heavy and the soft fabric spreads the pressure.

Wash day

Curls are fragile when wet. Detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb while conditioner is in. Avoid tying wet curls up tightly; if you need to get them out of the way, use a loose scrunchie or claw clip and let them dry a little first. A soft cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel is often preferred to a rough towel for drying curls.

Children with curly hair

Children's curls are often tied very tightly to keep them neat for school. Children may not mention discomfort, so check whether a hairstyle hurts. Choose larger, softer scrunchies, loose puffs and styles that leave the edges relaxed. Our kids safety guide covers choking risks with small accessories.

Signs to watch

Thinning edges, short broken hairs at the temples, small bumps, redness or tenderness after styling can be signs of too much tension. The British Association of Dermatologists says stopping tight styles is the key step. See a GP or dermatologist if changes continue, and to rule out other causes of hair loss.

Building a gentle routine

A gentle curly routine is about small habits. Keep a couple of smooth scrunchies for everyday and sleep, a claw clip for quick updos, and a spiral tie for the gym. Rotate styles, keep the hairline relaxed, and treat your hair like fine fabric.

Choosing a stylist

If you have your hair braided or styled professionally, it's reasonable to ask for a comfortable tension. Tell your stylist if anything hurts while they work, and ask them to keep the hairline loose. A style shouldn't leave you with a headache, bumps or a tight, stretched feeling at the edges. Good stylists welcome the feedback.

Use the scrunchie maker

Our free scrunchie maker suggests a starting fabric cut size and elastic length for skinny, classic, oversized and child-sized scrunchies, adjusted for light, medium or heavy fabric and for fine, medium or thick hair. It's a home-sewing starting point rather than a standard, so feel free to adjust. It runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you choose is sent anywhere.

Where our information comes from

Health statements in our guides are based on expert sources, including DermNet, the American Academy of Dermatology and the British Association of Dermatologists. Safety and care labelling information comes from ACCC Product Safety and the Federal Register of Legislation, and consumer rights information from the ACCC and Scamwatch. We link to each source at the end of the page, rewrite everything in our own words and show the date each guide was last checked.

A gentle scrunchie habit in one sentence

Choose a scrunchie that suits your hair, wear it loosely, move it around, give your hair days off, keep it clean and replace the elastic when it's tired. Almost everything else in this guide supports those simple habits.

Questions to ask before you buy

Before buying a scrunchie, ask yourself: what will I use it for, does the fabric suit my hair, is the elastic strong enough to hold without winding tight, are the seams neat, and can I wash it the way I like? Check product descriptions for fibre content and care instructions. Clear descriptions are a good sign of a seller who knows what they're selling.

Hair loss has many causes

Tight hairstyles are only one cause of hair loss. Genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, illness, some medicines, nutritional deficiencies, stress and scalp conditions can all play a part. If you notice unexplained thinning, patches or shedding, see your GP or a dermatologist rather than assuming your scrunchie is to blame. Early assessment helps.

Rotating your collection

Keeping a few scrunchies in rotation helps them last longer, because elastic recovers between wears and each one is washed less often. A practical set might include a smooth one for sleep, a grippy one for busy days, a water-friendly tie for swimming and a decorative one for going out.

Scrunchies and style

Scrunchies have moved in and out of fashion since the late 1980s, from bold oversized styles to discreet skinny ones and back again. Today they suit casual, work and evening looks, depending on the fabric. A plain classic scrunchie in a neutral colour is the most versatile, while velvet, prints and oversized puffs add personality.

Key points

• Curly and coily hair is prone to friction, tangles and tension damage.
• Smooth, larger scrunchies worn loosely are a common gentle choice.
• Pineappling protects curls overnight with a loose scrunchie on top of the head.
• Protective styles shouldn't hurt; keep the hairline loose.