9 Times Scrunchies are Appropriate, and 1 Time They're Not

I keep hearing people talking about how the Scrunchie has made this epic fashion comeback - from it's humble beginnings before the days of selfies, to being plastered across every influencer's Instagram feed. And I am here to both disagree, and to celebrate. Disagree, because I don't think the scrunchie ever really left us - it survived in the buns of ballerinas, the braids of scrunchie believers, and the ponytails of fashionable humans everywhere. And celebrate, because scrunchies are always a great idea.

Here are nine times that I have deemed scrunchies to be socially acceptable, and one time I'll agree to leave them at home.

1. Babywearing. Toddler on your back, pulling that hair? A scrunchie will keep it wrapped up, out of pain's reach, for as long as you need that tiny human contained. Wrap it in a bun, leave it in a ponytail, or get fancy and braid it back. When you're done, you can undo that hairdo without the dreaded ponytail wrinkle. Your scrunchie understands.

2. As a bracelet. Maybe you don't know where your day is going to take you. Maybe you'll end up in a wind storm and need your hair tied back. Maybe the humidity will make you look like a French Poodle. You just never know. Maybe you're rocking short hair (or no hair!) and you want to take part in the scrunchie revolution. Scrunchie bracelets are also always in style.

3. Sunday morning snuggles (aka staged Instagram photos). The light is right, your child is cooperative, and you NEED that pic, but your hair is a full shower and blow dry away from being worn down? Scrunchie. It's cute. It's in style. And it looks like you thought it through. Win!

 4. Coffee Time. There's not much worse than leaning over to take a sniff of that glorious morning brew and dipping your tips in it. That's not what a dip dye means (I've looked it up.) Scrunchie on the bedside table, and you're always ready for whatever the morning brings your way.

 5. Kids' birthday parties. There are a few reasons, here. First, because you spent all day cooking, cleaning and preparing activities, and you haven't exactly had time to get yourself party-worthy. Second, because open flame and flowing hair isn't always a great idea. Third, because the other moms at the party will admire your fashion sense.

 6. Hair fail recoveries. This poodle-look was brought to you by Pinterest telling me I could wrap my wet hair around a hairband and wake up with beachy waves. It can't actually do that. It's not really a thing. You know what will never lie to you about beachy waves? Scrunchies. Your scrunchie has always got your back.

7. Going to the gym. Because sweaty necks and hair aren't usually a great feeling. Truth bomb: I was 100% not going to the gym in this picture. I've never been to the gym. But this shirt is sporty, and that scrunchie is sporty, and you believed it. That scrunchie can make you anyone you want to be.

8. Getting a little fancy. That's lipstick. And a scrunchie. Because sometimes, you've got the time and energy to get your fancy face on, but not quite enough time or energy to bust out the flat iron. Scrunchies make that happy medium a beautiful place to live.

9. Maybe my favourite use of the Scrunchie - keeping your hair out of both your face mask and your wine. Because at the end of the day, when I'm looking for a little self care, this is usually where I end up. But I'm not really into muddy hair, or wet pillowcases. Scrunchie for the win, yet again.

And, as promised, one time that I think Scrunchies are maybe not the best choice.

Never.
Literally Never. Scrunchies are always a good idea, for both function, and fashion. They're not going to leave that horrible hair-tie crease in your hair. They aren't going to snap halfway through a mile at the gym. They won't get lost in the dark corner of your purse or cupholder. And you can get them to match with every outfit, season, eye colour, or dye job you can imagine.

Kelsey Kitt is a work-at-home-mom of three in northern Alberta. When she’s not chasing kids around, she is also a freelance copywriter, wine lover, and Parental Guidance content creator. You can follow her and all her family’s adventures on Instagram at @mommydoesntlie.