Hair Accessories That Cause The Most Damage

With all the brushing, tugging, and tying we do to our hair every day, we inevitably — and unintentionally — damage our strands. Add in all the accessories we use, and our follicles weaken even more. You may think that those cute hair clips and headbands are pretty innocuous, but certain styles can wreak havoc on our hair. That's why we spoke to celebrity hairstylist and Renaissance Salon owner Jennifer Korab, who shares exclusively with Glam the ones you want to avoid to preserve the health of your tresses, the first one being tight elastic hair ties. 

"They can create tension on the hair shaft, leading to breakage and thinning, especially when worn repeatedly in the same spot," Korab warns us. The same goes for rubber bands — don't be tempted to reach for one when you're without your favorite scrunchie. "Rubber bands are particularly harmful, as they can stick to hair and rip it out when removed, resulting in severe breakage," Korab explains.

Unfortunately, it's not just tight hair ties you need to nix from your accessory stash. "Metal hair clips, with their sharp edges, can snag and pull at the hair, causing split ends and weakening strands over time," our hair expert adds. And we get that claw clips have been a comeback trend, but wear them with caution, too. "If used repeatedly or too tightly, [they] can create pressure points on the hair, leading to breakage or tension at the roots," the salon owner tells us. That doesn't mean you have to avoid all accessories, however. With Korab's suggestions, you'll be well on your way to using much healthier options on your hair.

Whether we're practicing yoga or cleaning our apartments, having our hair out of our faces is a must. We now know to avoid tight elastics and clips that will cause breakage, but what are our other — better — options? "Try using silk or satin scrunchies, which minimize friction and reduce breakage compared to regular elastic ties," Jennifer Korab exclusively tells Glam. "Fabric-covered hair ties made from materials like velvet or soft cotton offer a gentler hold without pulling or straining your hair." And for those who prefer a bit of flair in their hair, spiral ties are another great option that's easy on the strands.

What's more, "Gossip Girl" fans will be happy to learn that headbands aren't going anywhere, but if you're channeling Blair Waldorf, Korab adds that using wide fabric ones, like the Tobeffect Headbands for Women or the Huachi Non-Slip Headbands, is the way to go. Finally, if you have to use claw clips, purchase ones with smooth, rounded edges. Luckily for you, we've already rounded up our picks for 12 of the best claw clips for your cutest updo yet.