How To Wear Oversized Scrunchies, According To A Hair Stylist
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4 months ago
Super-sized is super-in
Starting to get sick of tiny bows, bobbles and hair clips? Then it’s time for a (big) change. Get reacquainted with the oversized scrunchie, the throwback hair trend making a grand return this season.
What Is An Oversized Scrunchie?
‘It’s all in the name, really. An oversized scrunchie is a flamboyant, supersized take on the classic hair tie,’ explains Molly Newell, Creative Stylist with the Neil Moodie Studio. This genre of scrunchie also seems to take its cues from decades gone by, being heavily influenced by 80s patterns and 90s volume. If the new era of scrunchie had a motto, it would be ‘the bigger, the better’. Think oversized, maximalist designs heavy on colour, print and texture.
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But where did the supersized phenomenon come from? The Scandi style set has always been big on an oversized scrunchie, but more recently the trend has been making waves further afield. While the likes of models Lila Moss, Gigi Hadid and influencer Isla Loba have all be seen wearing a supersized scrunchie, we can pin the rise of popularity mainly on the internet. Brands such as Good Squish and Damson Madder, which specialise in these hair ties, have blown up on Instagram in recent years. And TikTok has become a hub for hair hacks and styling ideas centred around the scrunchie (you’ll find 2.8 million posts in counting under the tag #scrunchieoversized).
Molly also chalks up the easy wearability of the hair accessory to its growing cult status. ‘The trend has become super popular recently because it’s a super easy way to amp your look up. It can make a super basic outfit pop (especially on hair wash day),’ she emphasises. ‘I also really like the idea of matching your scrunchie to the vibe of your outfit, too – for example, a red bag coordinated with a red scrunchie.’
How To Wear Oversized Scrunchies
1. Low Bun
The starting point for any oversized scrunchie look? A bun. ‘This is a super simple and easy style, and can either be super sleek or on the messy side,’ says Molly. ‘I’d also use a soft hair band underneath to give the bun more support, so it can allow the scrunchie to be used to its full effect.’
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2. Top Knot Bun
Another day, another bun – and this time, it’s sitting centre stage. ‘Again, this can be taken super sleek or casual, but I’d prefer the messy bun for this look,’ suggests Molly. ‘Remember to follow your cheekbone to get the best position for the bun.’
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3. Half Up Half Down
Not sure you want to commit to a full hair up moment? Meet in the middle with a relaxed half-do. ‘While simple, this can really can make your look stand out,’ says Molly. You can simply take two segments of hair from the front and pull them to the back to tie up – how much (or how little) hair is up to you.
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4. Simple Pony
The best way to elevate a quick ponytail? Pop a scrunchie on it. This will add a lot of visual dimension to what would typically be quite an understated look.
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5. High Braid
For something a little cuter, try bringing that pony into a braid and tying off the ends (whether top, bottom or both is up to you). The result? A fun, quick and low-maintenance hairstyle for the day.
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What Next?
More maximalism, if we can help it. (Bye-bye, quiet luxury.) ‘I see brands releasing plenty 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
