Meet the 90s accessory making a big summer comeback

Stylist Loves


Meet the 90s accessory making a big summer comeback

By Billie Bhatia

5 years ago

The hair scrunchie is back once again, but this time it’s lost its kitsch and has transformed into impossibly cool. 

Hands up who used to own a hair scrunchie back in the day? The iconic hair accessory – loved by the likes of Britney Spears with the infamous pink fluffy pair in the Baby One More Time video - was held pride of place in our arsenal of dressing up tools.

Fashion’s love for all things 90s has seen some our old favourites return with rigour: the slip skirt, the slip dress, the choker necklace and the dad trainers. As summer is on the horizon the next wave of 90s influence brings us the scrunchie. Instead of the crushed velvet versions we were used to wearing, the latest incarnation is much more elevated and so practical I currently have one in my hair and one on my wrist. 

Think luxurious printed silk scrunchies, delicate embroidered hair ties and chic chiffon bows, these new versions of scrunchies are a far cry from their originals, making for an effortless addition to any hair look. And given the current climate of seeing our face on screen much more than we can bare, this is an even easier way up making your hair feel ‘done’. 

For minimalists, add an elongated simple scrunchie bow to plaited hair. For those in a hurry, pop in a neat silk version in place of your usual black hair tie to add some colour and texture to your messy bun. If it’s full nostagalia you are feeling, try a vinyl scrunchie with  your high pony tail. The best part? These srunchies look just as good on your wrist as they do in your hair. 

Shop our edit of the most stylish scrunchies to add to your basket now. 


Slip scrunchie

Slip

To keep the look more polished go for silky fabrics and grown up prints. A hair bow scrunchie adds a sweet feminine detail to your look. 

Shop leopard print scrunchie, £45, Slip at net-a-porter.com

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Rixo

When it comes to florals, Rixo know a thing or two. The brand behind those cult floral dresses seen all over Instagram, you can now add a splash of their recognisable prints to your hair. 

Shop floral scrunchie, £20, Rixo 

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Miu Miu

A scrunchie, but make it Miu Miu. With its dangling pearl and pretty print, hair accessories don’t get more special than this. 

Shop striped scrunchie, £225, Miu Miu 

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H&M

For those wanting to dip their toe into this trend, we recommend these H&M simple but sophisticated scrunchies. Wear yours with an oversized white shirt. 

Shop 2-pack scrunchies with a bow, £9.99, H&M

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Oliver Bonas

Give yourself the ultimate summer hair with these Oliver Bonas gingham scrunchies. 

Shop pair of gingham scrunchies, £12.50, Oliver Bonas 

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Alex Gore Browne

Knitwear designer Alex Gore Browne is known for adding distinctly feminine frills to her jumpers and cardigans. So successful has this aesthetic been that you can now add her signature frills to your hair. 

Shop knitted scrunchie, £40, Alex Gore Browne 

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Versace

Give your all black look an instant pop of glamour with Versace’s iconic printed silk scrunchie. All you need now is a pair of gold hoops and slick of red lipstick. 

Shop printed scrunchie, £110, Versace 

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Ganni

The candy cane of scrunchies, Ganni has got us wanting to wear their striped version all year round. 

Shop striped scrunchie, £20, Ganni

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Images: Getty/ courtesy of brands

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