Hair ties, ponytail holders, scrunchies, elastics, bobbles, rubber bands—whatever you may call them, if you have long hair, you’ve probably got one or two adorning your wrist (at least!). That said, with thousands of options to choose from when pulling your hair back from your face, it’s often hard to know what kind of hair tie would be best for your specific hair type. A great hair tie won’t pull your hair, causing breakage and fallout; it won’t be so loose that strands fall out of the desired style; it won’t be so tight as to cause headaches; and it won’t leave a pesky indentation on your hair when you take it out.

According to Elizabeth Di Maio, the president and CEO of Healium Hair, since all hair is different, the tools necessary to tie your hair up, will likely differ. “Thicker hair types or curly hair types will need a band with the most elastic, and damaged hair types do well with scrunchies since they cause the least amount of friction and breakage.”

One tip that Di Maio stresses is that no one should tie their hair up when it’s wet because that is when it is the weakest. “Hair is most stretchy when it is wet but most likely to snap as well.” She also recommends changing the type of hair tie you use during the day versus the one you use at night. A silk scrunchie is going to be your best option if wearing your hair up at night because they create the least amount of tension on not only your hair but your head as well (bye, headaches). They also cause the least amount of friction on the hair, which will reduce frizz and breakage, and prevent hair from creasing and making you have to restyle it in the morning.

The 5 best hair ties according to a top hairstylist

1. Goody Ouchless Polyband Elastics — $6.00

According to Di Maio, “Goody is a tried and true elastic that is available almost everywhere. The different colors and sizes make these an easy and inexpensive choice.” This pack comes with 250 nearly-invisible elastics that are great for fine hair and since the brand has been around for over 110 years, they have perfected the art of making elastics that don’t snap easily or cause extensive breakage when taking them out.

2. Scünci Satin Pony Tail Scrunchies — $7.00

With an expansive array of hair tools and accessories, Scünci has everything from scrunchies like this to hair clips to headbands. According to Di Maio, a silk scrunchie is the best choice for nighttime tying up, as the silk material does not allow creasing and causes the least amount of friction, which in turn will prevent the least amount of frizz and breakage in the morning.

3. Terra Ties Biodegradable Elastic Hair Ties — $15.00

If you’re looking for a good eco-friendly option that is also durable and long-lasting, Terra Ties has got you covered. They are plastic-free, made from entirely ethically-sourced, natural materials, and fully compostable and biodegradable. They were also designed to prevent hair from snagging, creasing, or slipping.

4. Gimme No Break Hair Ties — $12.00

With four different fits to meet your hair’s needs, whatever they may be, Gimme’s patented material design, composed of hundreds of micro-fiber elastics, is made to retain elasticity. The over 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon can attest. The bands are strong but gentle, and made to last.

5. Kitsch Spiral Hair Ties — $7.00

If you’re looking for something with post-worthy packaging, these coiled hair ties are your dream come true. They are transparent, so great for every hair color, waterproof, gentle on your hair while really holing everything in place, and they won’t leave circulation cutting indents on your wrist when they’re not being used.

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