16 Scrunchie Hairstyles for Embracing the '90s Resurgence

Retro hairstyles are all the rage in the beauty community. And if you haven’t noticed, ’90s hair looks are leading the pack. From playful pigtails to cute hair clips, everything about the decade is coming back in full force. And with scrunchie hairstyles back on the beauty scene too, we can’t think of a better way to hop on the ‘90s bandwagon. Want in on the latest beauty trend? Below, we’re sharing 16 hairstyles that allow you to put all your hair scrunchies to use.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #1: THE MESSY BUN

Who doesn’t love a messy bun? Whether you’re headed to class or the gym, a scrunchie is the perfect way to spruce up this classic hairstyle. Here’s how to get the look:

STEP #1: CREATE YOUR MESSY BUN

Simply throw your hair into a high messy bun and use your scrunchie—in your color of choice—to secure it into place. The higher the bun, the more ‘90s this style will be. To add some extra sass to your messy bun, tease your roots before putting your hair up for a boost of volume.

STEP #2: ADD SOME FINISHING TOUCHES

To take the look a step further, pull a few strands loose to frame your face. Sport this messy bun hairstyle while lounging around the house, running errands, or laying out by the pool!

Editor’s note: Rusty on your messy bun skills? We’ve got you covered! Check out our article, How to Create a Messy Bun.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #2: SOCK BUN

If sleek hairstyles are your forte, you’ll have plenty of fun with one of our favorite scrunchie hairstyles: the sock bun! An easy way to sport a polished and put-together look, the sock bun is the secret to styling your strands in a matter of minutes. Not to mention, this is a stylish way to keep hair out of your face so you can flaunt your gorgeous features. Head on over to our article, How to Create a Sock Bun, for a step-by-step tutorial.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #3: LOW BUN

Looking for an easy style that pairs well with scrunchies? The low bun may be your perfect match! An amazing way to serve up a stylish dose of ’90s nostalgia, this hairstyle is perfect if you love a carefree updo that is equally good for heading to the mall and hitting the hay.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #4: BRAIDED BUN

Ready to pair a little weaving action with your scrunchie hair ties? It’s time to give the braided bun the attention it deserves. After all, two hair trends is better than one! Here’s how to do it.

STEP #1: PART YOUR HAIR

Start by parting your hair far to one side. Clip the side with more hair out of the way.

STEP #2: BUILD YOUR BRAID

Separate the other side into three equal-sized sections and weave a French braid. Once you reach the ends, secure with a hair tie.

STEP #3: FORM YOUR BUN

Release the rest of your hair and gather your strands—braid included—into a low ponytail. Wrap the length of the ponytail around its base to form a bun. Secure with a scrunchie hair tie.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #5: SPACE BUNS

If you can’t get enough of one bun, perhaps two buns will pique your interest. This carefree look adds pizazz to your mane in a matter of minutes. And of course, once you add a few hair scrunchies into the mix, you can expect it to be all the more on-trend. Sounds like a hairstyle you can get behind? Check out our article, How to Do Space Buns, to bring this look to life.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #6: JUMBO BOX BRAID PONYTAIL

Calling all protective style lovers! This may be your favorite look yet. Box braids were a ’90s staple in their own right, and the jumbo box braid ponytail was a must-have look. Worn by Hollywood A-listers, this stylish ‘do is an excellent way to protect your natural hair and make a stylish statement. All you need to do is gather your braids into a ponytail and secure with a hair scrunchie to complete your look. You can pull your entire mane into a pony or opt for a half-up ‘do; the choice is all up to you.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #7: FAUX HAWK

Want to add the perfect touch of edge and sass to your next look? Consider giving a faux hawk hairstyle a try. To get the look, start by applying a small amount of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, to your roots on both sides of your head, then brush toward the middle. Create two-inch-wide sections down the center of your head, securing with scrunchie hair ties.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #8: PINEAPPLE

If you fancy a curly ‘do, the pineapple hairstyle may be your scrunchie style match. The true epitome of flirty and chic balled up into one, this trendy look lets you highlight your gorgeous curls. Gather your curly locks and secure them at the top of your head with a colorful scrunchie for a pop of color. Gently tug the length of your ponytail forward, so the ends fall across your forehead.

Editor’s note: Have thick strands and find a scrunchie isn’t strong enough to hold all of your hair up for very long? Use a regular hair elastic first, then layer a scrunchie on top to give your scrunchie hairstyles more staying power!

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #9: THE HALF-UP TOP KNOT

Feel like keeping your hair down but also out of your face? Sounds like the half-up top knot is the scrunchie hairstyle for you! This trendy style is all over our social media feeds, proving it’s still as popular as ever.

STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Part your hair from ear-to-ear to create a top and bottom section. Clip the bottom section out of the way.

STEP #2: CREATE A TOP KNOT

Take the top section of your hair and pull it into a top knot bun, securing it with your scrunchie. Don’t worry if your bun is messy—this is a totally laidback, carefree hairstyle! Let the bottom half of your hair hang free, and you’re all set. Wear this hairstyle to grab a cup of coffee or a drink—regardless of the venue, your hair will look fab.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #10: PIGTAILS

When you want to really embrace the nostalgia, look no further than pigtails. Not only will this hairstyle take you back to your childhood days, but it’s also an excellent option for days when you’re pressed for time. To get the look, part your hair down the middle, then divide your hair into two equal sections. Clip one side out of the way. Gather the remaining side and smooth it into a ponytail, securing with a hair scrunchie. Repeat on the other side and show off your pigtails!

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #11: SIDE PONYTAIL

Love ponytail hairstyles? A side ponytail will not disappoint. A great way to add some spice to your strands in little to no time, it’s no surprise that the side ponytail is making a comeback. Start by applying a dime-sized amount of hair gel to your strands, then brush your hair toward one side of your head. Pull your hair into a ponytail and top it off with one of your favorite scrunchie hair ties. Voila!

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #12: THE PARTY PONY

As the name suggests, this hairstyle is super fun! Not to mention, this party pony ‘do will keep your mane out of your face while still allowing you to wear your hair down. Here’s how to do it:

STEP #1: SECTION YOUR LOCKS

Just as with the half-up top knot hairstyle, start by parting your hair into a bottom and top section.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR PARTY PONY

Use the top section of your hair to create your pony, gathering all of your hair on the top of your head. Then, secure the ponytail into place using your scrunchie. Adjust and tighten your ponytail by gently tugging where your hair meets the scrunchie. Not sure when to break out this look? Save it for a girl’s night out or a date night!

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #13: LOW PONYTAIL

Ah, the classic low ponytail. Perfect for date night, the office, girl’s night out, and pretty much anything on your agenda, this looks takes versatile styling to new heights. Start by brushing your strands toward the back of your head. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure with a hair scrunchie. Easy, peasy!

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #14: BUBBLE PONYTAIL

Ready to make your scrunchies the star of your hairstyle? Look no further than the bubble ponytail. First, add a touch of hair gel to your roots and brush your strands toward the center of your head. Pull your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair scrunchie. 

Next, you’ll want to place additional scrunchies going down the length of your ponytail, about an inch away from each other. Gently tug at each section you create to form a bubble. Top it off with a mist of shine spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray, and you’re golden!

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #15: MESSY HIGH PONYTAIL

Of course, there are times when you just want a quick, easy, and virtually-foolproof hairstyle. No worries, a messy high ponytail will allow you to sport your scrunchie in a way that feels familiar.

STEP #1: ADD SOME TEXTURE

Give your mane texture and volume by spraying the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray throughout your locks.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Begin by gathering your hair into a ponytail. Make it so the base of your ponytail is at the top of your head, then secure it with a scrunchie. This hairstyle is perfect for the gym, running errands, or hanging out with your friends.

Editor’s note: You can totally rock a scrunchie with other ponytail hairstyles as well. Read our article, 10 Easy Ponytail Hairstyles, for some ideas that are totally worth trying.

SCRUNCHIE HAIRSTYLE #16: DOUBLE FRENCH BRAID

Single braided looks just not cutting it for you anymore? The double French braid will liven up your strands. A great alternative to other braided styles and you won’t even have to worry about spending too much time in the mirror to create this look. To weave the hairstyle, part your hair down the middle, dividing it into two even sections. On one side, start at your hairline and separate three equally-sized strands, then use them to weave a French braid. Once you reach the ends, secure with a small hair scrunchie. Repeat on the other side, and you’ll have a double French braid slay you can show off.

Next up: Looking for more throwback hairstyles to swoon over? Head on over to our article,  20 Hairstyles From the ’70s That Are Trending Again, for inspiration.