Scrunchie
/ˈskrʌntʃi/
nounA2
Definition
A scrunchie is a round hair tie covered with soft cloth. People use it to hold their hair in a ponytail or bun without hurting the hair or scalp. It is often more comfortable and gentle than a plain elastic band.
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See It in Action
A soft, fabric-covered elastic hair band
- •She put her hair in a ponytail using a pink scrunchie.
- •Scrunchies are gentle on hair and help prevent breakage.
- •Many people like to wear scrunchies because they are comfortable.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "scrunchie" like "hair tie," but softer and covered with cloth to protect hair from damage
- ✓Picture a colorful, soft ring of fabric wrapped around a ponytail, looking puffy and gentle
- ✓It’s the feeling of comfort when your hair is tied back without tight pulling or pain
- ✓Sounds like "scrunch" + "ie" → imagine scrunching (squeezing) soft fabric around your hair gently
- ✓Remember the 1990s fashion when scrunchies were very popular and often brightly colored
- ✓NOT like a plain elastic band (simple rubber) that can pull and break hair; scrunchie is soft and less tight
- ✓NOT like a clip or barrette that holds hair by pressing; scrunchie wraps around hair with stretch
Try Other Words
- •Hair tie: any band to hold hair (Use when you don’t need to say it is fabric-covered or soft)
- •Elastic band: simple rubber band for hair (Use when the hair band is plain and not covered by fabric)
- •Ponytail holder: general term for something that holds hair in a ponytail (Use in casual or descriptive contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "scrunch" (to squeeze or gather) + "-ie" (a small or cute ending)
- •Etymology: Comes from the word "scrunch," describing the gathered or wrinkled look of the fabric around the elastic
- •Historical development: Became popular in the 1980s and 1990s as a gentle alternative to plain hair bands
- •Modern usage: Still widely used today for tying hair comfortably and as a fashion accessory, often in many colors and fabrics
Reflect & Connect
•How does using a scrunchie change the way you feel about tying your hair compared to a plain elastic band?
•Why do you think scrunchies became a popular fashion item and not just a practical hair tool?
Fill in the blanks
1.People use a scrunchie to tie their hair back without ___ it too tightly or causing pain.
2.A scrunchie is different from a plain elastic band because it is covered with ___.
3.When hair is tied with a scrunchie, it feels ___ and less likely to break.
4.You might choose a scrunchie instead of a clip because it ___ around the hair.
5.Scrunchies often come in many bright colors and ___ to match clothes.
6.If your hair feels sore after tying it, try using a scrunchie ___ an elastic band.
7.The soft fabric of a scrunchie ___ the hair gently without pulling hard.