21 Trending Rubber Band Hairstyles for 2020

Searching for new ways to style your mane? We have the perfect look in mind. Rubber band hairstyles, we’re looking at you. While half-up hairstyles and side-swept locks have already been having a major moment, rubber band hairstyles up the ante. They keep hair out of your face and allow you to look seriously stylish while doing so—plus, there are nearly infinite options. And when it comes to helping you navigate all of the cute rubber band hairstyles for short, medium and long hair, we’re here to help. Ready for some inspiration? Follow along as we share 21 ways to add hair rubber bands to your mane for a head-turning look.

1. BUBBLE PONYTAIL

On the hunt for rubber band hairstyles for straight hair? It’s time to get acquainted with the bubble ponytail. Both stylish and chic, this ponytail is the perfect way to mix things up and branch out from your classic pony. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to pull together. Here’s how to do it.

STEP #1: FORM YOUR PONYTAIL

Smooth your strands into a ponytail as you normally would.

STEP #2: PLACE YOUR RUBBER BANDS IN YOUR HAIR

Next, twist a rubber band about one inch down the length of your ponytail. Gently tug at the edges of the section you just created to form a bubble. Repeat this process by placing rubber bands going down the length of your ponytail, securing them about an inch away from each other until you reach the ends. Feel free to mix and match different colors for an edgy look.

STEP #3: LOCK IT IN

Now that your bubble ponytail is in place, it’s time to lock it in. Mist the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold over your mane to add long-lasting hold and shine to your strands.

2. DOUBLE BUBBLE PONYTAIL

Can’t get enough of the bubble ponytail? Why not add some extra charm to your mane with a double bubble pony? This is a great way to add a playful vibe to your look. Start by parting your hair down the middle. Clip one side out of the way. Gather your strands into a ponytail and secure with a hair elastic. Place your rubber bands down the length of your ponytail about one-inch apart, gently tugging each section to give it a bubble appearance. Repeat on the other side, and you’re all set.

3. MINI BUBBLE PONYTAILS

If you enjoy a retro hairstyle, mini bubble ponytails are right up your alley. A variation of the coveted style, this look is all about adding a colorful twist to your hair, and it looks especially pretty on little girls. It also comes in handy to give your mane a fuller appearance. To get the look, start by parting your hair into inch-wide sections. Take the first section and secure it with a hair tie at the roots. Next, you’ll place mini rubber bands down the length, an inch or so away from each other. Repeat the process until you have a head full of mini bubble ponytails.

4. HIGH PONYTAIL WITH RUBBER BANDS

In the mood for a super-high hairstyle? A high ponytail with a rubber band pattern is just the ticket. Start by parting your hair from ear to ear, creating a top and bottom section. Clip the top out of the way, then split the bottom layer horizontally, so you have a top, middle, and bottom section. Clip the middle and bottom sections out of the way.

Working on your top layer, create inch-wide, box-shaped parts, and secure each section with a rubber band. These should form a row of small ponytails.

Release the middle section and repeat, dividing the hair into smaller chunks with box-shaped parts. Then, combine those sections with the length of your first row and secure each with a rubber band. Release the remaining hair you clipped out of the way and gather it all into a high ponytail. Voila!

5. WAVY PONYTAIL

One of our favorite rubber band hairstyles to rock? The wavy ponytail! A great way to rock a wavy look with rubber band detailing, you can’t go wrong.

STEP #1: APPLY CURL MOUSSE

Start by applying an egg-sized amount of curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to damp strands. Scrunch and let your hair air dry. 

STEP #2: PART YOUR HAIR

Split your hair into two even layers, then divide the top layer into two more sections. Clip the bottom half out of the way.

STEP #3: ADD YOUR RUBBER BANDS

On the topmost layer, create inch-wide box-shaped sections. Secure each with a rubber band. Next, you’ll want to do the same thing with the layer underneath. Once you have those sections secured, combine them with the sections above to create a crisscross pattern. Secure each with a rubber band.

STEP #4: CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Release the rest of your hair and combine it with your crisscrossed sections to form a ponytail. All that’s left is to fluff your strands and show off your trendsetting look!

6. PIGTAILS WITH RUBBER BANDS AND A BOW

Pigtails are a great way to bring the hair rubber band trend to life. This style can be worn on medium and long lengths. To start, part your hair down the middle, splitting it into two sections. On one side, create an inch-wide part at your hairline and secure with a rubber band, making sure it sits close to your roots. Continue creating parts and securing pieces with rubber bands. Next, gather the sections into a ponytail and secure with a hair elastic or larger rubber band. Place a hair ribbon around the base of your ponytail and create a bow. Repeat on the other side to even out your look.

7. SLEEK PONYTAIL WITH RUBBER BANDS

Fancy a sleek ponytail? Get ready to take your look to new heights with rubber band detailing. Not only will a sleek layered pony call attention to your gorgeous features, but it’ll also keep your strands stylishly tucked away. Simply create a two-inch-wide part on either side of your head, and clip the rest of your hair out of the way. Create a triangle-shaped part and secure it with a rubber band. Continue with another triangle-shaped part, but connect this one with the length of your first rubber band section before securing it with a new rubber band. Continue the pattern until you have a section filled with rubber bands. Part your hair to create two more rows and repeat the process. When you finish, you should have three rubber banded strands. 

Release the rest of your hair and add a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, to your roots. Smooth the sides of your hair and gather everything into a ponytail. Mist strong-hold hair spray over your mane, and you’re ready for your close-up.

8. FRENCH BRAIDS WITH RUBBER BAND ‘X’ PATTERN

Searching for a classic hairstyle to embellish with rubber bands? Look no further than French braids with a rubber band ‘X’ pattern. A great way to branch out from your traditional French braid, once you try this style, you’ll never go back to the basics. 

STEP #1: PART YOUR HAIR

Start by parting your hair down the middle, creating two sections. Clip one side out of the way. Next, part your hair to create an inch-wide section and clip the smaller side out of the way. Then, create an inch-wide box-shaped part.

STEP #2: SECURE YOUR HAIR

Now, secure that section you just created with a colored rubber band and braid its length. Create another part across from your first section and connect your hair and the length of the first braid with a rubber band. Repeat on the opposite side, and you’ll be left with a braided ‘X’ shape with a small strand of hair.

STEP #3: CREATE YOUR FRENCH BRAID

Release the small section, separate your hair into three equal strands, and weave a French braid. As you make your way toward your ends, incorporate the length of hair from the rubber banded X-shape to hold everything in place. Once you reach the ends, secure with a hair tie, and create a matching French braid on the other side.

STEP #4: TOP IT OFF

Give your mane an even spritz of hairspray, and your look is complete.

9. JUMBO BOX BRAIDS WITH RUBBER BANDS

Want to give your box braids a little more oomph? Jumbo box braids with rubber bands are a great place to start. The perfect way to flaunt a woven pattern with a burst of color, you won’t be able to get enough of this style. Simply tie rubber bands throughout your braids to achieve the look. Now that’s what we call simple styling!

10. HALF-UP TOP KNOT WITH RUBBER BANDS

Looking for a way to combine the classic top knot with the rubber band trend? Consider the half-up top knot with rubber band detailing your golden ticket. This style allows you to flaunt a classic look with a modern spin. To start, part your hair into a top and bottom section, and clip the bottom half out of the way. Create an inch-wide horizontal part at the front of your head and clip the rest of the top layer out of the way. Next, part your hair into box-shaped sections that are an inch-wide in size. Secure each section with a rubber band. 

Release the middle section and combine it with the length of the mini ponytails you just created with your rubber bands, forming one big ponytail. Take the length of the pony, wrap it around its base, and secure it with a few bobby pins. Release the bottom half of your hair, and get ready to turn heads.

11. RUBBER BAND CORNROWS

Who says you can’t mix cornrows with the rubber band hairstyle trend? As we mentioned above, cute rubber band hairstyles work for all lengths and almost all styles. And with rubber band cornrows, you don’t actually have to worry about weaving any braids. This style is really about getting the same tight styling and sectioning as cornrows, without having to braid your own hair. In the end, the rubber bands are the star of the show.

To start, part your hair from the hairline to the nape of your neck. Then, create an inch-wide section and secure it with a rubber band. Work your way down your length, placing rubber bands until your ends are secured with a rubber band. Repeat the process so that you have “cornrows” throughout your mane. 

12. RUBBER BAND MINI CORNROWS WITH CURLS

Care to explore the world of gorgeous curls? Mini rubber band cornrows with curls make it oh so easy. Perfect for those who love sassy hairstyles, this look will add just the right amount of personality to your look. Start by applying a healthy amount of curl-defining hair mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let air dry.

Once your hair is dry, part your hair at your hairline, going from one end to the other, and clip the rest of your hair out of the way. Create a half-inch wide section and secure it with a rubber band. Work your way down, adding rubber bands every half of an inch or so, until you’ve gone halfway down the length of the section. Repeat the process until the front of your mane is filled with these mini “cornrows.” Then, you can release the bottom half of your hair, fluff your curls, and move onto makeup. 

13. RUBBER BAND AFRO

Calling all natural hair girls! The rubber band afro is an excellent way to play with your texture while adding a trendy touch to your look. We also dig that this style only takes a few minutes to pull together. Part the front of your hair into inch-wide sections and secure each, so you have a row of rubber bands. That’s all there is to it!

14. SIDE PARTED AFRO WITH RUBBER BANDS

Interested in taking your afro to the next level? A side-parted afro with rubber band detailing will do the trick. A fabulous choice for those who love minimalist styles, this look will become your go-to. Start by creating a deep side part on either side of your head. On the side with less hair, part your strands into half inch-wide sections and secure them with rubber bands. Create another row and continue until the whole side of your mane has rubber bands. Place hair clips on both sides of your part to keep your afro in place. Mist a strong-hold spray evenly over your mane and let it sit for about 10 minutes before removing the clips.

15. SIDE CRISSCROSS TWISTS WITH CURLY HAIR

For showing off curly hair, the side crisscross twist will rise to the occasion. This style flaunts gorgeous twists on the side of your mane, along with curly strands for a look that won’t go unnoticed. Here’s how to get it done.

STEP #1: BUILD YOUR CURLS

To start, add an egg-sized amount of curl mousse to your strands, scrunch, and let air dry. Once complete, you’re ready for the next step.

STEP #2: PART & TWIST YOUR HAIR

Create a two-inch-wide part on either side of your head. Clip the rest of your hair out of the way. Split the part further into an inch-wide section and set the rest of the hair to the side. Next, split that section in half, secure each piece with a rubber band, and crisscross them to create an ‘X’ shape. Repeat the process and combine with the length from the first ‘X’.

STEP #3: FLUFF YOUR CURLS

Once complete, release the rest of your hair and fluff your curls.

16. HALF-UP BUN

Love pulling your hair into easy buns and updos? Consider adding the half-up bun to your list! A great way to show off your length and keep your hair stylishly tucked away; it truly doesn’t get any better than this. Part your strands from ear to ear and split the top layer into inch-wide sections, securing each with a rubber band. Gather those mini ponytails into one large, half-up ponytail, then wrap the length of the ponytail around its base to form a bun, which you can secure with as many bobby pins as you need.

17. HIGH BUN

Now that you’ve got bun hairstyles on your mind, it’s only right that you consider a high bun. Start by parting your hair into inch-wide sections, and place a rubber band around each one. Next, gather all of those sections, and create a ponytail. Twist the ponytail to make a bun, and use bobby pins to hold it in place.

18. SIDE-SWEPT BUN WITH RUBBER BANDS

Ready to combine two trends into one? The side-swept bun with rubber bands will definitely elevate your look. A unique style that blends edge and sophistication, you won’t be sorry you gave this style a try. Start by creating an inch-wide side part on either side of your head, then clip the rest of your hair out of the way. Part your hair into an inch-wide section with a box shape, and secure with a rubber band. Create another part and combine it with the length of the first section, bringing them together with a rubber band. Repeat until you have two rows of rubber-banded sections. 

Next, release the rest of your hair and brush your strands over to one side to create a swooped shape. Then, gather all of your hair into a ponytail, using it to create a bun. Pin the bun in place, and call it a day.

19. LOW PUFF WITH RUBBER BANDS

Want to keep your textured strands out of your face without skimping on style? The low puff with rubber bands may be your saving grace. This hairstyle flaunts the rubber band trend beautifully while giving your natural texture the chance to shine.

STEP #1: SPLIT YOUR MANE

To start, divide your hair into two layers, and clip the bottom half out of the way.

STEP #2: PART YOUR HAIR

Create a two-inch-wide part that goes from your hairline to your ends, and clip the rest of your up.

STEP #3: RUBBER BAND YOUR STRANDS

Part the section you just created to form an inch-wide box-shape, and secure with a rubber band. Make another section, and combine it with the length of the first section, securing them together using another rubber band. Continue creating sections and adding rubber bands to the top layer of your hair, until it’s full of rubber-banded sections.

STEP #4: BUILD YOUR PONY

Once you’ve placed all of your rubber bands, release the bottom layer, and gather your entire mane into a low ponytail. Secure with an elastic or a larger rubber band, and you’re done!

20. HIGH PUFF WITH RUBBER BANDS

If you’re currently working with second or third-day hair, a high puff will come to your natural hair’s rescue. A great way to frame your face and highlight your features, there’s a reason why high puffs are a top pick among natural hairstyles. Set the stage by creating a two-inch-wide part that sits at the front of your head. Clip the rest of your hair out of the way. Next, create a small box-shaped part near your hairline, and secure it with a rubber band. Split the length of the section into two and repeat, making sure to secure each with a rubber band. Once you’re done, you should have three rubber-banded sections. Release the rest of your hair and combine everything atop your head to create your high puff.

21. DOUBLE HIGH PUFF WITH RUBBER BANDS

What’s better than one high puff? How about two? A double high puff with rubber bands will put your mane in a league of its own. Super stylish and chic, you can expect to see this trendsetting style everywhere. Start by creating two even sections and clip one side out of the way. Divide your hair again and clip the bottom half out of the way. Create an inch-wide part and clip the remaining hair to the side, too. 

Next, part your hair into an inch-wide box shape and secure with a rubber band. Repeat and combine the length of your first section with the next, then secure with a rubber band. Continue until you have a section full of rubber bands. Release your bottom layer of hair and combine it with the rubber-banded sections to get a fluffy high puff. Cute, right? Follow the same steps on the other side of your head to complete your look.

Next: The Side Part Bob Is One of 2020’s Hottest Hairstyles