The Best Accessories for Natural Hair Ponytails

Alright naturals, raise your hands if you've ever attempted to throw all that hair into a ponytail or bun and failed miserably. Yeah, us too. Truth is, the density of our hair can sometimes give "simple" styling a whole new meaning, especially since many elastics and hair ties weren't made with thick, luscious curls in mind. But you know what? That's perfectly fine because it's the 21st century and we've got options, baby.

So you can go ahead and toss out those flimsy hair ties that snap after the second time you wrap them around your hair. And make sure you get rid of the ones causing breakage while you're at it too. We've rounded up our favorite ponytail holders created with all hair textures in mind and trust us, you're going to be obsessed.

The Best Hair Ties for Natural Hair

Pulleez Plus

To shop: $13; pulleez.com

Pulleez Plus is the one hair tie every natural needs to have on deck. They're perfect for creating buns, afro puffs, pineapples, and a plethora of other styles — all without pulling and snagging or snapping off your hair.

To create your style, simply use a spray bottle filled with water to dampen the parameter of the area you want to put up, then use your favorite gel to help lay the hair down. Next, use a hard brush to slick your hair in an upward motion, wrap the Pulleez around your hair (only once), then squeeze the knob and pull it up to tighten. Each ponytail holder also includes charms at the end, which you can either tuck in, or use to enhance your style. Adjust your curls as needed, and voilà.

Satin Scrunchies

To shop: $25; crownaffair.com

Haven't you heard? The '90s are back. And with it, matching sets, vests, and perhaps our favorite hair accessory revival: scrunchies. Not only will scrunchies instantly dress up your low ponytail but silk and satin varieties will also protect hair from breakage.

Spiral Hair Ties

To shop: $9; sephora.com

Even the thickest of tresses are no match for these spiral hair ties. They'll stretch to fit around your natural hair ponytail and hold it in place. However, keep in mind that they're not the best for tight style so you'll want to wear your ponytail or bun loose and low. The upside? No hair headaches or ponytail bumps.

FYI: If your hair tie is stretched out from a lot of wears, apply some heat. Putting it in a cup of warm water or blowdrying it will help it spring back to life (read: its original size). Pure magic, if you ask us.

Elastic Hair Ties

To shop: $4; amazon.com

Sure, elastic hair ties are nothing new but they're our go-to for holding ponytails and any other natural hairstyle securely — without any snag. Did we mention that elastics are versatile, durable, dare-we-say affordable?

Now that you know how to use these awesome little accessories, let's get into all the looks you can create with them, shall we?

Natural Hairstyles to Try

Space Buns or Afro Puffs

If you want to rock rough and stuff with your Afro puffs, part your hair down the middle into two sections, grab a couple of Pulleez, and follow the directions above. For an added touch, grab a clean toothbrush and lay down your baby hairs like Ciara at the 2019 Met Gala.

VIDEO: Halle Berry Just Brought Back Her Braids From 1998

Low Pony

A fluffy low pony is one look that never goes out of style. Customize yours by switching up the placement of your part, because as Instagram's favorite mom, Tabitha Brown says, that's your business.

High Ponytail

On the opposite side of the spectrum, a high ponytail is visually effortless. Just throw your hair up, secure it with a hair tie, and let your curls do the rest. The effect is a pineapple ponytail that is fun, flirty, and best of all, low-maintenance.

Half Up, Half Down

Can't decide whether you want your hair to be up or down? You don't have to. Simply take a page out of Zendaya's book, instead. For an added touch, wrap your own strands around the hair tie for an elegant finish.

This is All Natural. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK57x5qgq2eelsG2vsClZKGZmad6tMDYpZysZaCku7rAwKKjrA%3D%3D