kids encyclopedia robot

Hair tie facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Hair tie
A ponytail held with a black hair tie
Hair ties
Hair ties in many colors

A ponytail holder is a handy item used to keep hair, especially long hair, out of the way. People use them to create different hairstyles like pigtails, bunches, or ponytails for straight, wavy, or curly hair. For very curly or textured hair, they help make styles like afro puffs or "pineapples." Two common types are the scrunchie and the elastic band. Sometimes, the term "ponytail holder" can also mean a fixed tie or rubber band that holds specific parts of hair together, rather than just tying it up.

Ponytail holders are made from different materials. Their elasticity (how much they can stretch and return to their original shape) and durability (how long they last) depend on what they are made of.

The History of Hair Ties

Hair ties have probably been around for thousands of years in some form. People have always needed ways to keep their hair neat and out of their faces.

Early Hair Fasteners

In the 1700s, people wore large wigs. These wigs often had a "queue" or "tail" at the back. This part was held together and supported by a leather strap or a small bag. This was an early way to keep hair (or wig hair) tidy.

Rubber and Modern Hair Ties

In the early to mid-1800s, the way rubber was made became much more advanced. This allowed rubber to be used in clothing. Soon, early elastic hair ties were created. These new rubber ties were flexible and could hold hair well. However, they had a problem: they could sometimes snag on individual hairs, pull them, and even cause hair to break or fall out. Luckily, modern hair ties are much gentler on your hair!

Other Names for Hair Ties

Hair ties are known by many different names around the world. Here are some of the common ones:

  • Bands
  • Binder
  • Bobbin
  • Bobble
  • Chongo
  • Ding dong
  • Dodoggle
  • Doof
  • Dooflatchee
  • Elastic band
  • Gogo
  • Hair band
  • Hair binder
  • Hair bow
  • Hair deals
  • Hair elastic
  • Hair elastic band
  • Hair holder
  • Hair knick knacks
  • Hair lacky
  • Hair thing
  • Hair up
  • Liga
  • Nubby-doo
  • Ponytail holder
  • Ribbon
  • Rubber band
  • Scrunchie
  • Twistie
  • Whiztinger
  • Woogie
  • X-Twist

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Coletero para niños

kids search engine
Hair tie Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.