Are you tired of your little bows, scrunchies and hair clips? Then it’s time for a (big) change. Rediscover the oversized scrunchie, the retro hair trend that’s making a big comeback this season.
What is an oversized hair tie?
“It’s all in the name. An oversized scrunchie is an extravagant, oversized version of the classic hair tie,” explains Molly Newell, Creative Stylist at Neil Moodie Studio. This style of scrunchie also seems to take its influences from decades past, and is heavily influenced by ’80s patterns and ’90s volume. If the new era of scrunchies had a motto, it would be “the bigger the better.” Think oversized, maximalist designs with lots of color, print and texture.
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But where did the oversized scrunchie phenomenon come from? The Scandinavian fashion scene has always been big on oversized scrunchies, but recently the trend has been making waves outside of the fashion world. While models like Lila Moss, Gigi Hadid and influencer Isla Loba have all been spotted wearing oversized scrunchies, we can attribute the rise in popularity mainly to the internet. Brands like Good Squish and Damson Madder, which specialize in these scrunchies, have exploded on Instagram in recent years. And TikTok has become a go-to place for hair hacks and styling ideas around the scrunchie (you’ll find 2.8 million posts under the tag #scrunchieoversized).
Molly also attributes the hair accessory’s easy wearability to its growing cult status. “The trend has become super popular recently because it’s such an easy way to jazz up your look. It can jazz up a super plain outfit (especially on the day you wash your hair),” she points out. “I also like the idea of matching the scrunchie to the mood of the outfit – for example, a red bag to match a red scrunchie.”
How to wear oversized hair ties
1. Low bun
The starting point for any oversized scrunchie look? A bun. “This is a super simple and straightforward style and can be either super sleek or a little messy,” says Molly. “I would also wear a soft hairband underneath to give the bun more hold so the scrunchie can do its full effect.”
2. Top Knot Bun
Another day, another bun – and this time it’s taking center stage. “Again, you can wear it super sleek or casual, but I’d go for the messy bun for this look,” suggests Molly. “Remember to follow your cheekbone to find the best position for the bun.”
3. Half up, half down
Not sure if you want to wear your hair all the way up? Then a loose half-updo is for you. “It’s simple, but it can really elevate your look,” says Molly. You can simply take two sections of hair from the front and pull them back to tie them together – how much (or how little) hair you have is up to you.
4. Simple bangs
The best way to jazz up a quick ponytail? Add a hair tie. This adds visual dimension to what would normally be a subtle look.
5. High braid
If you want something a little cuter, braid the ponytail and tie the ends together (whether at the top, bottom or both is up to you). The result? A fun, quick and low-maintenance hairstyle for the day.
What happens next?
More maximalism if we can help it. (Bye-bye, silent luxury.) “I see brands coming out with many more designs and prints in the future,” says Molly. “I think the scrunchie itself will also evolve so that it’s more compatible with different hair types and textures.”
Featured image: SS25 Copenhagen Fashion Week Streetstyle (c) Noor-u-Nisa
