Those of us who have thick, heavy hair that’s hard to manage have tried all kinds of hair ties. Very few of them can handle the weight and volume. Elastic and fabric ties are the most popular options. But which one’s worth your time? Here’s a complete guide to help you choose.

Elastic Hair Ties

Credit: Envato Elements/ tanitost

Elastic hair ties are pretty much a classic and have been around forever. They’re made with a mix of elastic material, usually rubber or a synthetic version. They come in all sizes, colors, and levels of thickness.

Pros 

Super Stretchy and Strong Hold

Elastic hair ties can stretch a lot, which makes them great for thick hair. They can be looped multiple times to grip your strands tighter. They also snap back to their original size which means they don’t lose shape after a few uses.

Affordable and Easy to Find

You can find a pack of elastic hair ties pretty much anywhere. They’re usually super cheap as well which is great news considering how often most of us lose them.

Options for Thick Hair

Some brands have elastic hair ties specifically designed for thick hair. They’re wider, more durable, and have stronger elasticity to hold your hair in place.

Cons of Elastic Hair Ties

Tends to Break 

The stretchiness is great… until it snaps. This will happen if you’ve got super thick hair or you pull them too tight.

Can Damage Hair

If the elastic isn’t wrapped in fabric (or if the fabric starts to wear out), it can snag or pull your hair. If you try unwrapping your hair tie, you’ll end up breaking a few strands no matter how careful you are. You’ll also end up with massive dents on your hair.

Can Stretch Out Over Time

After a while, elastic hair ties lose their stretch and get all floppy. Once they’re stretched out, they’re pretty much useless.

Quick Tip

If you want to avoid breakage, go for seamless elastic hair ties or ones that say “no-metal” on the label. Also, avoid looping it too tight. Your hair doesn’t need to be that secure.

Fabric Hair Ties

Credit: Envato Elements/ alexlucru123

Fabric hair ties are made of elastic material and are wrapped in fabric, like cotton, velvet, satin, or microfiber. The fabric cover gives them a softer feel and helps reduce friction. They also come in different sizes, colors, and textures.

Pros 

Gentle on Hair

The fabric covering helps protect your strands from getting yanked out or snagged. This makes them perfect if you're trying to avoid breakage, split ends, or dents. 

Durable and Strong

Fabric hair ties tend to be more durable than standard elastic ties. The fabric helps distribute tension more evenly. They’re less likely to snap, even with thick hair. They also come in so many more styles compared to elastic ties.

Comfortable to Wear

Because they’re softer and more cushioned, fabric hair ties feel more comfortable, especially if you’re wearing them all day. You won’t feel that tight, pulling sensation on your scalp.

Cons

Might Not Grip as Tightly

Fabric ties are gentler, but that means they might not hold your hair as tightly as a regular elastic tie. If you're doing high-intensity workouts or need a super-secure ponytail, they might slip a bit.

Can Absorb Oils and Dirt

Fabric can soak up oils, sweat, and product buildup. Over time, they can get grimy or start to smell if you don't wash them regularly. 

Can Be Bulky

Some fabric ties, especially scrunchies, can feel bulky. They might not be the right choice if you want a sleek or minimalist look.

Quick Tip

To get the most out of fabric hair ties, look for ones made of microfiber or silk. Microfiber absorbs moisture well. Silk helps reduce friction and breakage. Also, hand wash them regularly to keep them clean. 

Which One to Choose?

It really comes down to what your hair needs and how you plan to use them.

If you’re looking for a stronghold that’ll keep your thick hair in place through workouts, long days, or when you need a quick, tight ponytail, choose elastic hair ties. If you want something that’s gentler on your strands and doesn’t leave dents, choose fabric hair ties. Honestly, it’s worth having both types in your stash. 

How to Use Hair Ties to Protect Thick Hair

• Avoid tight styles. Try to keep your styles loose and relaxed to prevent strain on the hair.
• Avoid wrapping the hair tie too tightly around your hair. Two or three wraps are often enough for thick hair.
• Alternate between elastic and fabric hair ties to avoid putting too much strain on your hair with one type of tie.

Summary

Fabric hair ties are generally the better option for thick hair. They are gentler on your hair, reduce the risk of breakage, and provide all-day comfort. However, if you need a tight hold for a particular style, elastic hair ties can be a good choice as long as you use them carefully.

Tired of hair ties that snap or slip out of your thick hair? Burlybands are designed to handle the weight, volume, and toughness of your hair without breaking or causing damage. Shop with us today.