5 Best Materials/Fabrics For Scrunchies [As Of 2023]

Scrunchies, the once-neglected hair accessory, have recently seen a glorious revival. These charming, chic, and versatile additions to your hairstyle repertoire offer an eclectic mix of style, comfort, and functionality.

But what truly sets a scrunchie apart from any other hair accessory? It's all about the fabric. This article unravels the best materials for crafting scrunchies, topped with a cherry of popular hairstyles to showcase them.

 

Diving Deeper Into The Fabrics For Scrunchies

The key to a fantastic scrunchie is its fabric. Here's a more detailed look at some of the best:

1. Mulberry Silk

Renowned for its unparalleled quality and luxurious feel, Mulberry Silk fabric is considered the crème de la crème of the silk family, one of the best fabrics, and for good reason. It's derived from strictly diet-controlled silkworms, leading to silk threads that are smoother, rounder, and lighter than any other variety.

Mulberry Silk scrunchies are a joy to wear; their smooth texture reduces friction and prevents hair breakage and split ends. The silk helps maintain your hair's natural oils, making these scrunchies an excellent choice for dry or damaged hair.

2. Satin

Satin scrunchies are the epitome of glossy glamour. Their lustrous sheen adds an element of sophistication, and their smooth texture reduces friction against the hair, preventing breakage and damage.

Satin scrunchies are lightweight and drape beautifully, making them ideal for delicate hairstyles and nighttime wear. They're especially beneficial for curly or wavy hair, as they help maintain its natural shape and prevent frizz.

However, make sure it's not polyester satin as synthetic satin is not breathable, doesn't absorb moisture, and is hot.

3. Cotton

Evergreen cotton fabric is a versatile choice for scrunchies. Its breathability makes it a go-to fabric for daily wear, reducing the risk of scalp discomfort. Cotton scrunchies' soft texture and absorbency add to their comfort, making them ideal for sporty occasions or any activity that causes you to sweat. Moreover, cotton is hypoallergenic, ensuring that even those with sensitive skin can sport these scrunchies without worry.

4. Linen

Made from flax plant fibres, linen is a natural, eco-friendly choice for scrunchies. Linen's inherent durability and strength ensure your scrunchie withstands regular wear and tear while retaining its shape. Furthermore, linen's breathability and high moisture absorption capacity make it perfect for hot and humid weather. A linen scrunchie can add a charming rustic touch to any hairstyle.

5. Velvet

This luxuriously plush fabric, often associated with royalty, is the perfect way to add a touch of class to your scrunchie collection. The densely woven fibres ensure durability and longevity and provide an excellent grip on the hair.

This makes velvet scrunchies adept at staying in place, even through an active day or a vigorous workout. Furthermore, they add volume to hairstyles, making them perfect for those with thin or fine hair.

 

Exploring The Best Hairstyles For Scrunchies

The best thing about scrunchies is that they work for a lot of hair types, and most any fabric works. With a better understanding of the scrunchie fabrics, let's delve deeper into the hairstyles that best showcase scrunchies:

1. Classic Ponytail

Simple, stylish, and timeless, the ponytail is an easy way to display your scrunchie. Pair a high ponytail with a velvet scrunchie for an evening out or a low ponytail with a cotton scrunchie for a casual daytime look. Satin scrunchies can add a sophisticated touch to a sleek, straight ponytail.

2. Messy Bun

This hairstyle has a laid-back, boho-chic vibe that pairs well with bold, oversized scrunchies. A velvet scrunchie can add a pop of colour and a luxurious texture to a casual, carefree messy bun. On the other hand, a cotton scrunchie can add a soft, comfy touch to this relaxed style.

3. Half-Up, Half-Down

This versatile hairstyle strikes the perfect balance between formal and casual, making it suitable for various occasions. Enhance the feminine charm of this style with a delicate linen or cotton scrunchie. Opt for a scrunchie with a bold print or pattern for a more playful look.

4. Braids

Whether it's a French braid, Dutch braid, or fishtail, scrunchies are a stylish way to secure your braids. Use a small, vibrant satin scrunchie to add a splash of colour to your braids or a soft velvet scrunchie for an elegant touch.

Creating Your Scrunchie: A DIY Guide

If you're up for a quick DIY weekend, making scrunchies can be rewarding, especially if you have a specific fabric or colour in mind. All you need is a sewing machine, your chosen fabric for scrunchies (maybe the luxurious Mulberry Silk?), a matching thread, elastic, and a sewing pattern. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gathering Your Materials Before sewing, gather all your essentials. You will need the following:

• Fabric for scrunchies (22" x 3.5" for a standard scrunchie)
• Matching thread
• A piece of elastic (8-9" for a standard scrunchie)
• Sewing machine
• A safety pin (Both a small pin and a large safety pin)
• A sewing pattern for the scrunchie (if you're a beginner)
• Fabric scissors

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric You can use free sewing patterns as a guide, cut the fabric to the right dimensions. A standard scrunchie is typically made from a fabric strip about 22 inches long and 3.5 inches wide.

Step 3: Sewing the Fabric Fold your fabric strip in half lengthwise with the right side (the side you want on the outside) facing inward. Using your sewing machine, stitch along the long open edge with a straight stitch, leaving a half-inch seam allowance. You should end up with a long fabric tube. If you are unfamiliar with using a sewing machine, you can also hand sew the scrunchie.

Step 4: Turning the Fabric Right-Side Out Now, the tricky part is turning the tube right-side out. Attach a safety pin to one end and thread it back through the tube. This can take patience, but you'll eventually have a right-side-out fabric tube.

Step 5: Insert the Elastic. Attach a safety pin to the elastic and thread it through the fabric tube. Once the elastic is through, tie the ends together securely. Adjust to fit your hair's thickness.

Step 6: Closing the Scrunchie To close the scrunchie, fold the edges of the tube inward and use your sewing machine to stitch them shut. Always use a thread that matches the colour of your fabric to make this final seam invisible.

Voila! You've just made your custom scrunchie. Whether you choose a vibrant velvet, classic cotton, lustrous satin, rustic linen, or even an opulent Mulberry Silk, this popular hair accessory is bound to be a standout piece. Plus, there's something special about wearing a scrunchie that you've created yourself. Happy sewing!

 

Conclusion On The Best Material For Scrunchies

With their comeback, Scrunchies have proved their timeless appeal, practicality, and versatility. They have transcended their 80's reputation and have firmly embedded themselves into the contemporary style vocabulary. The secret, however, lies in the fabric. A well-chosen fabric ensures durability and adds a unique personality to your scrunchie.

Remember, the perfect fabric for scrunchies is the one that suits your hair type, complements your style, and makes you feel fabulous. From the sumptuousness of velvet to the rustic charm of linen, there's a scrunchie fabric for everyone.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Material For Scrunchies

Are Scrunchies Damaging To The Hair?

No, scrunchies are generally not damaging to your hair compared to regular hair ties. They offer a softer alternative to traditional elastic hair ties. Fabrics like satin and velvet can help reduce friction and prevent hair breakage and prevent split ends.

Can I Wear My Scrunchie To Bed?

Absolutely! Scrunchies can keep your hair out of your face while you sleep. Satin scrunchies are especially beneficial for nighttime wear as they help to reduce hair frizz and tangles overnight.

How Often Should I Replace My Scrunchie?

The lifespan of a scrunchie depends largely on its fabric quality and how often it's used. A high-quality scrunchie can last several months or even a year with regular use. However, if the elastic stretches out or the fabric frays, it's time for a replacement.

Can Scrunchies Get Wet?

Scrunchies can get wet, depending on the fabric. While cotton and linen scrunchies can handle water quite well, velvet and satin scrunchies should be kept dry to maintain their texture and lustre.

Can I Wear A Scrunchie With Short Hair?

Absolutely! Scrunchies can be a great accessory for short hair. They can tie up a half-ponytail or add flair to tiny buns or pigtails. A petite, brightly coloured scrunchie can add a playful touch to short hair.