You’ve barely used your hair tie for a month, and it’s already stretched out to the point that instead of wrapping your hair twice, you now have to wrap it at least 5 times, and it seems to get worse with every use. Usually, a bit of hot water can fix the problem but not always. Here’s a simple guide to help you get it back to normal.

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Why Are Your Hair Ties Even Stretching Out?

The main reason is because you have really thick or long hair and you’ve been using too many wraps to keep your strands in place. Another reason could be that your hair ties are cheap, dollar-store ones made of poor material. They're not designed for long-term use.  

Methods to Fix a Stretched-Out Hair Tie

Hot Water Trick

Elastic materials can contract when exposed to heat. Follow these steps:

1. Heat a small pot of water until it reaches a boil.

2. Place the stretched-out hair tie in the hot water for 10–15 seconds.

3. Carefully remove the hair tie with tongs or a spoon and place it on a towel to air dry.

4. Once dry, the hair tie should shrink and regain some of its original elasticity. If it’s still loose, you can repeat the process.

Note: Avoid leaving it in boiling water for too long, as it could damage the elastic. 

Blow Dryer Method

A hair dryer is a quick-fix method. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Hold the stretched hair tie with a pair of tongs and use a hair dryer on the highest heat setting.

2. Move the dryer around the hair tie to ensure even shrinking. Stop for a few seconds and stretch and release the hair tie. Use the hair dryer again.

3. Let the hair tie cool for a few minutes before using it.

Freezer Method

Cold temperatures can sometimes restore elasticity, depending on the material:

1. Seal the stretched-out hair tie in a ziplock bag.

2. Leave the bag in the freezer for 8–12 hours.

3. Take the hair tie out and try stretching it. It may feel tighter than before.

Twist and Knot Hack

If the previous methods don’t work, you can try tying a small knot:

1. Identify the section of the hair tie that feels stretched.

2. Pull the hair tie tight and make a secure knot in the loose section.

3. If necessary, cut off any excess fabric from the knot.

How to Prevent Hair Ties from Stretching

Avoid constantly wrapping your hair tie too tightly as it’s just going to wear out the elastic faster. Also, try not to leave your hair ties stretched around objects like water bottles or wrists. Keep them away from heat and humidity. Lastly, invest in high-quality hair ties. When we say "high-quality hair ties," we’re talking about ones made with nylon, spandex, or a fabric blend. 

When Should You Replace Your Hair Tie

• It’s too worn or damaged to restore elasticity.

• It's starting to fray or snap.

• The fabric cover has ripped and you can see the elastic inside.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Old Hair Ties

• Repurpose them as rubber bands for bundling small items, like pens, cords, or cables.

• Use them as plant ties to secure stems or vines to stakes.

• Depending on the material, check if they can be composted. Some hair ties are made of organic cotton.

• Upcycle them into DIY crafts.

• Check if local recycling programs accept elastic materials.

Summary

You can use hot water, a hair dryer, or even freeze your stretched out hair tie to revive them. If your hair tie is beyond repair, look for eco-friendly ways to repurpose or recycle it.

Need high-quality hair ties that last? Try Burlybands. They’re designed to maintain their elasticity, even with daily use. Check us out today!