I started this experiment because my hair was super long and the hair ties I was using were total garbage. My head hurt all the time, I was redoing my hair every 15 minutes, and the hair ties themselves kept blowing out. All of those things are disruptive. After trying all of these hair ties, I can’t help but wonder how many things I wouldn’t have forgotten or how much time I could have saved if I’d been engaged in what I was doing instead of constantly fixing my ponytail.
Another reason I felt comfortable approaching this as an experiment is because of this blog. I started where most people do: Reddit. Every hair tie that shows up on Google is going to tell you it’s the best. It would be bad marketing not to. My hope is that these reviews and this series eventually show up in those same searches. I think I’ve done thick, long-haired aunties a kindness.
This experiment wasn’t really about finding the strongest hair tie.
It was about finding one I could stop thinking about.
What Surprised Me During This Experiment
I was surprised by how much less hair ended up in my shower drain. I knew I wanted a more comfortable hair tie, but I didn’t realize my old ones were actively pulling my hair out. Not to be gross, but enough hair collected in the drain that it regularly slowed the water. About two weeks into this experiment, I noticed that wasn’t happening anymore.
I was also surprised by how difficult it was to buy Kknekki hair ties from Europe. I wasn’t able to order directly, and Kknekki never appeared in my initial Google searches. I only discovered the brand after repeatedly seeing people mention it, and I eventually ordered mine through Gracie’s Apparel. It makes me wonder what other great products exist that simply aren’t easy to find if you live in the United States.
I was surprised by how much hair ties like Gimme and Burlybands had to offer. The ones I grew up with in the ‘90s stretched out so much I could’ve worn one as a headband.
A bad one.
That experience stuck with me, so I was pleasantly surprised by how well these performed.
What I Learned I Actually Needed From a Hair Tie
I learned that I needed a hair tie I didn’t have to think about.
I thought I was shopping for a better hair tie.
I was really buying back my attention.
At first, I thought I needed something that could support my hair better. Once I started using these hair ties, I realized they were all capable of doing that. What really mattered was whether I had to keep adjusting my hair throughout the day. When that stopped happening, it genuinely felt like I got part of my day back.
I also realized I wanted a hair tie that was comfortable on my wrist. I almost always carry a spare. The old-school hair ties were so thin I barely noticed they were there. Wearing these newer designs on my wrist became one of the biggest deciding factors in which ones I reached for. Sure, I could wear a Teletie on my wrist and an Invisibobble in my hair, but that feels more complicated than simply choosing one hair tie that does both jobs well.
The Hair Tie That Won
Kknekki is the hair tie I’ll keep using.
I wear these hair ties every day. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I’ll tell just about anyone how much I like them.
Even a random grandpa.
Going forward, Kknekki is the only hair tie I plan on buying for my ponytails.
I wouldn’t say I instinctively reach for them because I still have a pile of hair ties sitting in my bathroom. Instead, I make a point of reaching for a Kknekki. I wanted to be absolutely sure they were the winner before writing this conclusion, and after months of using them, they still are.
They hold my hair without any issues, they’re beautifully made, and there are so many colors to choose from. Even though the selection available in the United States is smaller than what’s offered directly through Kknekki, I still find myself wanting more colors.
What About the Others?
I’ll be honest. I’m really happy with how well my Kknekkis have held up, and I don’t plan on ordering any of the other hair ties again with one exception.
None of the hair ties I experimented with were bad products. In this case, I don’t consider Pony-O a hair tie. I consider it a twenty-dollar rip-off. The rest of the hair ties all had something to offer. They’re just not the ones I’d reach for.
If Teleties releases a really good color or pattern, I’m absolutely clicking “Add to Cart.”
I genuinely like Teleties. The only problem is that my cat steals every single one she can find.
As a choreographer, I also give away a lot of hair ties. I plan on passing along the ones I’m not keeping from this experiment. It would be really cool to share that comfort with someone else.
Where I’ve Landed
Hair is a small problem.
Finding someone whose hair behaves like yours isn’t.
As a Filipino + American woman who chooses to dye her dark, thick, long Asian hair blonde, I know there are other Filipino + American women dealing with the same little frustrations I was.
My hope is that this problem eventually leads them here.
There are plenty of hair reviews on the internet. I wanted mine to come from someone with hair like ours, someone who has spent years actually living with it instead of trying something for a week and calling it a review.
I think it’s time we’re seen more.
I want you to know I see you, and that we belong here too.
Leave a Reply