Design: It consists of a traditional elastic hair band that is completely covered by a gathered piece of fabric. This fabric is loose and bunched up, which creates a decorative, ruffled effect when the scrunchie is twisted around a ponytail or bun.

• Purpose: Like a regular hair tie, its primary function is to fasten and hold hair in place, typically in ponytails, buns, or half-up styles.

• Material: Scrunchies are made from a wide variety of materials, with satin and silk being popular choices because they are gentler on the hair. Other common fabrics include cotton, velvet, and various patterned textiles.

• Benefits: They are generally considered less damaging than plain rubber bands or metal fasteners. The fabric covering provides a cushion, which helps to prevent hair breakage, pulling, and snagging. They also tend to avoid creating the sharp crease or “dent” in the hair often left by standard elastics.

• Fashion: Scrunchies are also a popular fashion accessory, often used to add a pop of color, texture, or pattern to an outfit. They were especially popular in the 1980s and 1990s and have since enjoyed a major resurgence in modern fashion.