Ethan Clarke
Hair ties, also known as hair bands, hair elastics, or ponytail holders, are commonly used to secure hair in place. While they come in various styles, one popular variation includes plastic balls at each end of the elastic band. These plastic balls serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. From a practical standpoint, they provide a grip for easier handling when tying or removing the hair tie. They also help to hold the hair in place more securely, especially for individuals with thick hair. Additionally, the plastic balls offer a decorative touch, often available in vibrant colors that add a playful element to one's hairstyle. However, the ubiquitous nature of these hair ties has led to environmental concerns, as they are frequently lost or discarded, contributing to plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Easier to use than plain elastic hairbands |
| Aesthetics | Prettier than plain elastic hairbands |
| Comfort | More comfortable than plain elastic hairbands |
| Durability | Lasted for decades in the past, but today's versions fall apart quickly |
| Availability | Available in drug stores in the past, but now require serious online and beauty supply store searching |
| Popularity | Worn by every black girl in elementary school in 2015 and 2016 |
| Littering | One of the most littered products in the USA, with 15 million hair ties lost or tossed every day, contributing to 11,250 kg of plastic waste daily |
| Environmental impact | Plastic hair ties take 400 years to break down, contributing to climate change and devastating animals |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic hair ties are a major contributor to plastic pollution
Plastic hair ties are not biodegradable and can take up to 500 years to break down, filling landfills and contributing to microplastic pollution. They also clog drains and pollute waterways and oceans, posing a risk of entanglement or ingestion to birds, fish, and marine mammals. According to the Ocean Plastics Lab, synthetic fabrics such as polyester send millions of plastic fibres down our drains with each wash, and hair ties are guilty of this too.
The production of plastic hair ties also contributes to climate change. A Yale study found that about 4-8% of annual global oil consumption is associated with plastics, and if this reliance on plastics persists, plastics will account for 20% of oil consumption by 2050.
The good news is that there are eco-friendly alternatives to plastic hair ties. Companies like KOOSHOO and Green Essentials offer hair ties made from biodegradable organic cotton and natural rubber. These hair ties are designed to last longer and can be upcycled or composted at the end of their useful life.
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They are cheap to make and are in high demand
Hair ties with plastic balls are cheap to make and are in high demand. Plastic is inexpensive and widely available, making it an attractive material for hair tie manufacturers. The addition of plastic balls to hair ties also offers several advantages that increase their popularity among consumers.
Hair ties with plastic balls have been popular for decades due to their ease of use, comfort, and ability to stay in place, especially for individuals with thick hair. They are also available in various colours and sizes, catering to different preferences and hair types. This versatility and functionality contribute to their high demand.
The demand for these hair ties is evident in the large number of users. According to estimates, there are approximately 84 million hair tie wearers in the United States alone, with each person using an average of 65 hair ties per year. This equates to a cumulative total of 5.46 billion hair ties used annually in the US, resulting in significant plastic waste.
The high consumption and disposal of plastic hair ties have environmental implications. Plastic takes approximately 400 years to break down, and even then, microplastics can persist. This contributes to climate change and poses a threat to animal life. Despite this, plastic remains a prevalent material in the production of hair ties due to its low cost and ease of manufacturing.
While there are alternatives to plastic hair ties, such as those made by KOOSHOO, plastic remains a common choice due to its affordability and accessibility. The cheap production cost of plastic hair ties ensures they remain a popular and profitable item for manufacturers, contributing to their continued presence in the market.
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They are commonly used by millions of people
Hair ties with plastic balls, also known as hair ballies, ball hair bands, or bobbles, are commonly used by millions of people worldwide. They are popular among individuals with thick hair, as they provide a secure and comfortable way to hold hair in place, whether in ponytails or braids. These hair accessories are often preferred over plain elastic hair bands due to their ease of use, aesthetic appeal, and ability to stay in place.
The plastic balls at the ends of these hair ties serve a functional purpose. They act as a stopper mechanism, allowing individuals to wrap the hair tie around their hair and then interlock the two plastic balls to secure their hairstyle. This interlocking feature enhances the overall functionality of the hair tie, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable way to manage their hair.
The convenience and effectiveness of hair ties with plastic balls have made them a staple hair accessory for many. They are widely accessible in drug stores and beauty supply stores, offering a range of colours and sizes to cater to different hair types and styles. However, some individuals have shared mixed experiences with these hair ties, with comments suggesting that they can be challenging to use for certain hair textures or may not always provide a secure hold.
Despite some varying experiences, hair ties with plastic balls continue to be a go-to option for many individuals seeking a quick and easy way to manage their hair. They are particularly nostalgic for those who recall using them during their childhood and teenage years, with some now passing on this tradition to the next generation.
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They are not biodegradable
Plastic is cheap and plentiful, so hair tie manufacturers often choose to make their products out of this material. However, this poses a significant environmental problem, as plastic is not biodegradable.
Hair ties are one of the most ubiquitous products on Earth, and also one of the most littered. They are lost, tossed, or "borrowed", and because they are made of plastic, they do not break down. On average, plastics take 400 years to break down, and even then, microplastics will persist. This means that every plastic hair tie that has ever been produced still exists somewhere.
The daily loss and disposal of hair ties contribute to the approximately 15 million plastic hair ties that are lost or tossed every day in the US alone. With an average weight of 0.75g per hair tie, this equates to 11,250kg of plastic waste daily—the weight of a city bus.
The persistence of plastic hair ties in the environment is not just an eyesore; it is also a driver of climate change. The production of plastic is associated with a significant amount of global oil consumption, and if this reliance on plastic continues, it will account for 20% of oil consumption by 2050.
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They are nostalgic for many people
For many people, hair ties with plastic balls evoke a sense of nostalgia and bring back memories of their childhood or a particular time in their lives. These hair ties, often referred to as "phone cord hair ties" or "coil hair ties," were extremely popular in the 1980s and 1990s. During those decades, they were commonly used by women and girls to pull their hair back into ponytails or braids. The unique telephone cord-like shape and colorful plastic balls made these hair ties distinctive and almost like a fashion statement. Many individuals who grew up during those decades remember wearing these hair ties regularly and may even recall trading or sharing them with friends. The hair ties were often collected and exchanged like small tokens or accessories.
The sense of nostalgia also stems from the fact that these hair ties were often inexpensive and easily accessible. They could be found at local drugstores, supermarkets, and even vending machines, making them a common sight during childhood outings or errands. Many individuals may remember the excitement of choosing a new hair tie, either to match an outfit or simply because the colorful plastic balls caught their eye. The hair ties were a simple yet effective way to add a touch of personal style and expression to one's appearance.
In addition to their presence in everyday life, these hair ties were also commonly used during extracurricular activities. Many individuals who participated in sports, dance, or gymnastics may remember relying on these coil hair ties to keep their hair securely in place. They were practical, comfortable, and often provided a sense of camaraderie among teammates or friends getting ready for a performance or competition. The shared experience of pulling hair back with these distinctive hair ties creates a sense of nostalgia and connection to those memorable moments.
The nostalgic appeal of hair ties with plastic balls also extends to the sensory experience they provide. The coil-like shape and plastic material create a unique, satisfying sensation when coiling and uncoiling them. Many people remember fiddling with these hair ties, stretching them out, and watching them bounce back to their original shape. The tactile experience, along with the distinctive "snap" sound they make, is deeply embedded in the sensory memory of those who frequently used them. This sensory aspect adds another layer to the feeling of nostalgia, as it engages both touch and auditory memories.
Lastly, hair ties with plastic balls can serve as nostalgic reminders of a time when fashion and beauty standards were perhaps simpler or more lighthearted. The colorful plastic balls added a touch of playfulness and whimsy to an otherwise functional item. They represented a time when hair accessories could be simultaneously practical and fun, without necessarily carrying the same weight of trendiness or high fashion as some modern hair accessories do. For many individuals, these hair ties represent a nostalgic return to a more carefree and innocent time, free from the complexities and pressures that can sometimes accompany fashion and beauty choices in the present day.
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Frequently asked questions
Hair ties with plastic balls, also known as ballies, are an old but popular hair accessory. They are usually colourful, comfortable, and easy to use, and they stay in place.
Hair ties are traditionally made of plastic, including those with plastic balls. However, some companies are now making hair ties from other materials.
Yes, plastic hair ties are bad for the environment. They are one of the most littered items, and they take 400 years to break down, contributing to climate change and harming animals.
Alternatives to plastic hair ties include scrunchies (fabric-covered elastics), terry cloth elastics, silicone or clear elastics, hair bows, and bobbles (ties with beads on the ends).
Hair ties with plastic balls can be found online and in beauty supply stores, though they may be harder to find than other types of hair ties.
