9 Alternatives to Elastic Hair Ties for Adorable Updos and Pull Backs

Woman by window

Elastic hair ties are always there for us when we need them – but they leave our hair looking blah with a side of womp, womp.

Okay, so you’re totally fed up with your elastic hair ties and you have been for a while. But when you’re in a rush to get ready in the morning, styling your hair is the first beauty routine out the window.

Lucky for you, there are plenty of alternatives to your oh-so-boring, oh-so-plain elastic hair ties that will spruce up your hair in seconds:

Bow Tie Pony Holders
Image: Anthropologie

1. Bow Tie Pony Holders

While you’re still throwing your hair up like you would with an elastic hair tie, these Bow Tie Pony Holders bring a touch of color to any outfit. Best of all, they come in a set of two!

Claire Cuff Ponytail Holder
Image: Nordstrom

2. Claire Cuff Ponytail Holder

The Claire Cuff Ponytail Holder‘s clever cuff houses an elastic on the inside, giving your ponytail an instant upgrade.

Notched Chignon Stick
Image: Nordstrom

3. Notched Chignon Stick

One of my favorite alternatives to elastic hair ties? Chignon sticks! They come in a wide variety of styles, and the Notched Chignon Stick stays securely in place (even with fine hair like mine).

Bobby Spins
Image: Ulta

4. Bobby Spins

So you want to put your hair up sans elastic – but if you were to use bobby pins, you’d never be on time for work again. Enter Bobby Spins, a hair-friendly invention that does the work of 20 bobby pins! You’ll be surprised at how many hairstyles you can create in so little time.

Bandette Comb
Image: Ulta

5. Bandette Hair Comb

This is another alternative I now refuse to live without: The Bandette Hair Comb allows you to score ah-mazing looking twists and ponytails with no stress on your hair. Cha-ching!

3-in-1 Head Wrap
Image: Nordstrom

6. 3-in-1 Head Wrap

This 3-in-1 Head Wrap isn’t only retro chic, but versatile: Wear it as a simple head band, stylish head wrap, or you can remove the bow and use it to secure a ponytail.

Bun Wrap
Image: Nordstrom

7. Bun Wrap

If you’re in the market for an unexpected pop of color, this Bun Wrap will do the trick. Its hidden wire molds around a bun or ponytail and looks good doing it.

Hair Stick
Image: Nordstrom

8. Hair Stick

You’re probably tired of chopsticks – or in my case, pencils – sticking out of your hair when you’ve had enough of your elastic hair ties. It’s time for an upgrade: This Hair Stick has class written all over it.

Hair Clip
Image: Nordstrom

9. Scoop Hair Clip

For those with thicker hair or hair that tends to get a little unruly, this Scoop Hair Clip is the answer to all your prayers. Plus, it’s accented with polished studs to bring some edge to your look.

When you’re tired of elastic hair ties, how do you switch things up?

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Image: Katrina De-Francesco

Krissy Brady

Krissy Brady is a women’s health + lifestyle writer who’s so out of shape, it’s like she has the innards of an 80-year-old. Instead of learning how to crochet, she decided to turn her emotional baggage into a writing career (genius, no?). You can follow her shenanigans on Twitter (you know, if you want).