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Best Hair Ties for Thinning Hair: 5 Accessories That Hold Hairstyles Without Causing Any Damage

Experts share the affordable options that won’t lead to breakage or shedding that can make hair look thinner

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From braids to top knots, as most of us who have noticed sparse spots in our crowning glory have discovered, cute hairstyles can often help camouflage thinning. Only problem is, sometimes the hair accessories we use to create these chic styles — like tight elastics and headbands — can actually contribute to hair thinning and loss. “I often advise patients with thinning hair to be cautious with hair accessories,” says Ross Kopelman, MD, hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration in New York City. “Tight rubber bands and traditional elastics can actually contribute to hair thinning and loss, especially through a condition called traction alopecia, which occurs when hair is constantly pulled or repeatedly stressed.” Basically, hair accessories pulling on already fragile hair can exacerbate thinning. Thankfully, we gathered the best hair ties for thinning hair along with other hair accessories for thinning hair that hold hairstyles without causing damage.

The best accessories for thinning hair

So what are the best accessories for thinning hair? The experts say your best bet is to opt for more gentle accessories that minimize tension and friction. Additionally, those of us with thinning hair want to avoid any accessories that require excessive twisting or tightness. So we not only asked the pros but also scoured hair influencer social media accounts to gather the 5 best hair accessories for thinning hair. Keep scrolling to find out more.

mature woman putting hair up
Grace Cary/Getty

Best hair ties for thinning hair

Most of us reach for traditional rubber or silicone hair elastics or bands to tie our hair back, but experts say these accessories are really harsh on thinning hair. “The traditional elastics can snag and cause hair breakage,” says Alexia Donovan, Director of Client Services at Barber Surgeons Guild in Los Angeles and New York City. “What’s more, pulling the hair too tightly can contribute to hair loss.” Instead, she suggests reaching for fabric elastics — like the mini ones TikTok user @JustttKris adores — which won’t snag or pull hair too tightly. One to try: Qarwayoc Black Seamless Hair Ties.

@justttkris

Save your hair ends with these mini fabric hair ties!! The rubber ones are ripping your hair out!! #hairtok #postpartumhair #pregnancyhair #hairtips #splitends #hairhelp #AccendiLaTuaVidalità

♬ Get Ready – SUPER-Hi & NEEKA

Best scrunchies for thinning hair

Hair ties can be too tight, which can pull hair out. “A much better alternative to elastic hair ties are satin or silk hair scrunchies,” says Donovan. “They’re made from softer material, so they are less likely to snag hair and they reduce the pulling and breakage caused by tight bands.” A good option to try are Olesilk 100% Mulberry Silk-Scrunchies, which professional hair stylist @diyhairschool highly recommends in her TikTok video.

@diyhairschool

Replying to @whitney1194 these are my go to for my thin fine hair to avoid breakage #diyhairschool #thinhair #finehair #satinacrunchies #hairbreakage

♬ original sound – Diyhairschool

Best claw clips for thinning hair

mature woman putting thin hair in claw clip
brusinski/Getty

Too tight claw clips can cause tension and tug at hair, causing fallout. “But loose clips can still offer gentle enough support for hair while avoiding breakage and traction or tension,” says Donovan. That’s why beauty influencer @thekerriesmart raves about French Concord Curved Hair Clips for thinning hair in her video on TikTok.

@thekerriesmart

These clips are the BEST for fine thin hair! They hold so well. ❤️ #hairtok #hairhacks #thinhair

♬ original sound – Kerrie Smart 🫶🏻

Best headband for thinning hair

Traditional plastic headbands and ones with plastic ridges or teeth on the band can sometimes be too tight, which can lead to breakage around the hairline, says Dr. Kopelman. “So it’s best to choose ones lined on the underside with soft materials to prevent this.” It’s no wonder self-proclaimed beauty addict @courtneyf swears by wire-lined headbands covered with a polyester blend fabric that is super gentle on hair. One we like is Yeshan Solid Color Wire Headbands.

@courtneyf.beauty

Replying to @Bailie ✨Friends! I have found THE BEST headbands that dont hurt my ears, stay in place, AND arent expensive. Also short hair, thick hair, thin hair, all the hair friendly!!! #hairstyle #shorthair #shorthairstyle #thinhair #finehairstyles #thinhairhacks #headband #hairtutorial

♬ original sound – Courtney | Beauty You Can Use

Best hair pins for thinning hair

Metal bobby pins can tightly grasp hair and break it off. “Instead look for options with smooth edges that are specifically designed to be non-damaging,” suggests Dr. Kopelman. One that fits the bill is a favorite of hair hobbyist @KeepingUpWithCortni, who has trouble finding accessories gentle enough on her thinning hair. She shares in her video how Magic Grip Hair Pins create the perfect updo to keep hair in place, without any painful tugging.

Now that you’ve discovered the best hair accessories for thinning hair, feel confident to get creative with fun styles that can help camouflage sparse spots. But keep in mind one last piece of advice Donovan has when using the best hair accessories for thinning hair. “No matter what accessory you are using, always ensure you are not tying your hair back too tightly,” she cautions. “Remember when it comes to a ponytail or bun especially, loose is always best.” In a nutshell when it comes to styling thinning hair, go ahead and let loose!

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