Image: New World Pictures

When you think of the scrunchie, what comes to mind? Teens on TV in the ‘80s and ’90s? Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw ruining her relationship with Jack Berger? Runway fashion?

Okay, probably not the latter. However, you may be pleased — or disgusted — that this comfy little elastic band is coming back in a big way. Fashion and comfort rarely come hand-in-hand, so this is quite the event. There has to be a reason for it, so let’s dive into the history of the scrunchie.

1

It was invented by Rommy Revson

Tired of damaging her hair with harsh hair ties made with metal and plastic, the nightclub singer wanted an alternative. She realized how comfortable the elastic on her pajama pants were and decided to sew some fabric around a piece of elastic, creating what she called a “scunci.” She filed for a patent in 1986.

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2

It was also known as a “bunch bangle”

Where is your scrunchie when its not on your head? Probably on your wrist. In fact, wearing these ponytail holders was just as fashionable as a bracelet as it was a hair accessory! That’s not surprising, since they come in just about every material from velvet or denim to sequins and satin. 

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3

The scrunchie has reached France

However, they have a more sophisticated sounding name for it — at least to our ears. “Chouchou,” they call it, which translates to “darling.”

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4

They’re lecture-worthy material

An artist named David Riley had a lot to say about the scrunchie in a 2011 lecture at the New Museum in New York City. He coined the term, “the scrunchie dilemma," stating, “Here is the scrunchie dilemma: that something so practical, so useful, and in many ways, so adult has come to be associated with immaturity, and lack of sophistication. There is an unfortunate disconnect between what it is and what it represents. An identity crisis,” per a video from Refinery29.

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5

They’re legitimately stylish now

No matter how old you are or what your personal style is, you can make the comfy hair tie work for you. There’s a reason they’re seen on everyone from runway models to politicians. The scrunchie is no longer an ubiquitous symbol of teenagerdom. Stylist Tara Swennen states that it’s returned not just because of the nostalgia factor but also because it’s so easy and laid back, according to The New York Times. Swennen compared the scrunchie’s vibe to the Birkenstocks, which are also en vogue again.

Image: Giphy