Nataly is an experienced freelance writer well-versed in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. She enjoys testing new hair products to tame her long locks. Believing in the power of self-care, Nataly collects styling tips like gems. Currently, she delivers exclusive content on the latest hairstyle trends and transformations.
Read full bio Editorial guidelinesLearn how to remove small elastics without ripping your hair out.
Tiny hair elastics are perfect for seamless hairstyles. But getting them out of the hair is pure torture. There are always two equally painful options – either to pull them out (often with your hair still dangling from the tie) or to cut them out (again, with a great chance of chopping your own tresses off). Well, not anymore! Yes, you heard it right – no more hair pulling with these life-saving hair elastic removal tricks!
If you need to get rid of hair elastics fast, this trick will definitely do the job just fine. Just grab your hair styling tool – a curling iron, for instance, and turn it on. Now, simply touch the elastic with the tool and watch it pop right off. Be careful though and don’t hold the hot tool too long, or the elastic will leave melted residue on the heated surface and ruin your curling wand. Also, don’t press the tool too hard to keep the elastics from melting on your hair. The faster you go, the better.
As surprising as it may seem, adding a few drops of essential oil may actually help wrench the hair tie out. Specifically, lemon or citrus blend oil helps get rid of little elastics in just a few seconds. All you need to do is apply a few drops of essential oil on the Q-tip and rub it gently on the top of the hair tie – it’ll open right away.
The trick works because lemon oil is a natural solvent that weakens the structure of the rubber and breaks it. Peppermint oil also works, but it takes a bit longer to pop the elastic open. And if you add a drop of your favorite hair oil to the elastics before wearing them, it’ll help them glide with ease when you pull them out.
This might be the most genius hack for saving your hair from damage after using those tiny elastics. Once you decide you want them out, take a spray bottle with some water. Then, drench your elastic with it as much as you can, including the area around it to help remove the stubborn ones. Next, just pinch the elastic and slowly glide it off. Brilliant, right?
If you’ve been avoiding small elastics all this time because they rip your hair out and cause breakage, here’s your sign to give them a chance. With these smart elastic removal hacks, you won’t have to worry about getting them out of your hair anymore. Just enjoy your favorite hairstyles!
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
Enter your email to receive a 20% off coupon directly in your inbox. Use it in our Virtual Styler to try on dozens of hairstyles on your selfie!