Last Updated on December 14, 2021 by The Filtery Staff
Plastic is impossible to completely avoid completely—it’s in our cars, our computers, our medical devices, and much more. But if you at least try to decrease the amount of plastic in your life, there is some low-hanging fruit… like hair ties!
So get ready to pull up a ponytail or finagle messy bun because we’re bringing you our top recommendations for where to get organic and plastic-free hair accessories.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. We only make recommendations that are genuine and meet our material standards.
Featured image credit: Eloise et Moi
What’s Wrong With Regular Hair Ties? Are They Toxic?
Most conventional hair ties are made from a mix of natural and synthetic materials like rubber and plastic. They’re not biodegradable or recyclable, which means that all of those hair ties you’ve lost over the years will be sitting in landfills or floating around in oceans for hundreds of years.
They slowly break down into smaller microplastics which then get eaten by marine animals and work their way into our food supply chain and then into our human bodies where they can wreak havoc on our health. Ew, no thank you!
Luckily, there are several small businesses that make organic scrunchies and environmentally-friendly ponytail holders that are not only better for the planet and all of us that live on it, but they’re also super cute, durable, and easy to wear.
What Material is Best for Hair Ties and Scrunchies?
When shopping for plastic-free and non-toxic hair ties, look for:
- organic cotton
- natural and responsibly-sourced rubber
- TENCEL (which is a soft, silky fabric that’s made from wood pulp)
- peace silk
- natural linen
- non-toxic dyes (AZO-free, botanical, plant-based)
The 10 Best Brands for Organic and Plastic-Free Hair Ties and Scrunchies
KOOSHOO
KOOSHOO is perhaps the most popular brand when it comes to organic, plastic-free, and eco-friendly hair ties and scrunchies. They come in a wide variety of different natural shades and bright colors, whether you’re looking for standard black, brown, or blonde; or bright pink, yellow, or blue.
KOOSHOO hair ties and scrunchies are made out of GOTS certified organic cotton and responsibly-sourced natural rubber with non-toxic dyes. They’re also Fair Trade certified and biodegradable.
Price: $15 (pack of 5 hair ties) – $20 (pack of 2 scrunchies)
Terra Ties
If you’re looking for a more standard, thin black hair tie at a more affordable price, Terra Ties is a great option. These are made from organic cotton, natural rubber, and non-toxic dyes and are completely biodegradable at the end of their life.
Price: $15 (pack of 27 hair ties)
Buy Terra Ties on EarthHero, an eco-friendly alternative to Amazon!
Eloise et Moi
These plant-dyed scrunchies, head wraps, bows, and ribbons are absolutely gorgeous! Made from materials like organic cotton, linen, and silk, they are all hand-dyed in New Mexico using natural dyes.
They’re a little pricey compared to the other brands, but truly unique. This would make a great gift idea for girls and women of all ages!
Price: $15-29
Pamper Dreams
These plastic-free and biodegradable hair ties and scrunchies are made out of natural rubber, organic and recycled cotton, and natural dyes. They come in a range of solid black and white as well as a few floral patterns and animal prints.
Price: $5 (1 scrunchie) – $20 (package of multiple hair ties and scrunchies)
TAMGA
We love the fun and feminine patterns of these upcycled scrunchies. They’re made from the cut-offs of TAMGA’s clothing, so you can get a dress to match your scrunchie! They’re ethically made in Bali out of Lenzing ECOVERO.
Price: $20 (1 scrunchie)
Heather & Bumble
These are actually the only TENCEL hair elastics we found! In addition to the regular hair ties, they also carry TENCEL scrunchies, and everything is plastic-free and biodegradable.
Price: $7 (5-pack of hair ties) – $15 (3-pack of scrunchies)
Encircled
Encircled’s Renew Scrunchies are made from upcycled cotton and TENCEL. The fabric is OEKO-TEX certified, which means it’s been tested for a bunch of toxic substances. Everything from this Canadian brand is ethically-made, too.
Price: $16
Restart Reuse
These biodegradable and plastic-free scrunchies are not only handmade in Minneapolis but the fabric is sourced from a local Minneapolis small business as well. We love the colors and fabric patterns available!
Price: $8 (1 scrunchie)
Sidereal
These biodegradable and cruelty-free scrunchies are made from peace silk, organic cotton, natural rubber, and botanical dyes. They also have a tab on one side so you can more easily wear them as a bracelet. Since they’re all hand-dyed, each one is a little bit different.
Price: $28
No Trace Shop
No Trace Shop sells plastic-free, zero-waste scrunchies that come in various fun patterns, but if you’re looking for something different, they also sell a DIY scrunchie kit! A great gift idea, rainy day activity, or beginner sewing lesson, this kit comes with materials to make 6 scrunchies out of organic cotton and natural rubber.
Price: $8 (1 scrunchie) – $20 (DIY scrunchies kit)
While You’re At It: Grab a Plastic-Free Hair Brush!
EarthHero carries several different types of plastic-free, wooden, and vegan hair brushes that would make a great complement to your plastic-free hair routine.
Shop Eco-Friendly Hair Brushes on EarthHero
Related Reading:
Is Hemp Shampoo & Conditioner Good for Hair? (+ Best & Worst Brands)
What Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate In Shampoo? Is It Bad for Hair?
14 of the Best Shampoos Without DMDM Hydantoin or Formaldehyde
The Best Sulfate-Free Conditioners for 2022
The 7 Best Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo Brands for 2022
Conclusion
Next time you (inevitably) lose all of your ponytail holders and need to restock, consider skipping the synthetics and buying environmentally friendly hair ties from one of the brands above!
Image Credits: All product photos belong to respective brands
