When it comes to gentle elastics that won't leave a crease, coils reign supreme. They lock in your strands and keep them nice and snug, but they won't pull like traditional options. And because they're less likely to leave a dent, you may not even have to restyle post-pony. 

SLIM The Elegant Hair Ring, invisibobble ($8)

For ponytails, Monarch is a huge fan of bungee cords. "It saves so much wear and tear on your hair, but it's still really tight," he told us. While they may look complicated, you can secure them in a pinch: Pull your hair into a pony, hook one end in, wrap it around the hair a few times, and complete the tie by hooking the other end. 

Ponytail Hooks Holder Bungee Bands, BinaryABC ($6.99)

Silk prevents friction on the hair, unlike other fabrics that can cause tugging and breaking. (That's why many experts recommend you sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase.) When you take out the band, your strands will gently glide against the fabric without snagging. 

Small Slipsilk Scrunchies, Slip ($39)

If you're one to tie up your hair while it's damp—like if you're trying your hand at heatless curls—this microfiber scrunchie can soak up excess water without roughening up the cuticle. Traditional fabrics have raised fibers that can be quite abrasive on vulnerable wet strands, and they also typically take out too much moisture—which can cause frizz. 

Microfiber Towel Scrunchies, Kitsch ($18)

These stretchy, snap-on ties are perfect for curls and coils, which are especially delicate and prone to breakage. They're adjustable, too: Depending on how much hair you have, you can snap multiple hair ties together to create your perfect, customizable band. Best part? They're painless to remove—simply unsnap the clasp and weave the tie out of your strands. No pulling or tugging necessary.  

Snappee Hair Ties, SwirlyCurly ($19.99)

For fine hair, you'll want a tie that's gentle on fragile strands yet secure enough that it won't slide out. Enter, these firm, seamless hair bands: Designed specifically for fine, brittle, or heavily processed tresses, they'll provide a strong hold without breaking off any hairs.

Fine Hair Brown Bands, GIMME Beauty ($10)

These silicone-coated ties last much longer than your traditional fabric band—you can easily clean them (yes, you do need to clean your hair ties, unless you replace them regularly), and you don't have to worry about the cloth wearing off over time. 

Silkies, Mia Beauty ($7.99)

This set of desert-hued coils toes the line between pretty and practical—they look (and feel) just as great on your strands as they do on your wrist. 

Coiled Hair Tie Set, Anthropologie ($12)

If you have densely thick hair, you likely know the struggle with thin elastics: They either snap right apart as you're wrapping, or they're impossible to remove without knots and snarls. Well, these no-slip, seamless bands are your answer: Made specifically for thicker locks, they're flexible enough to wrap around the strands without stretching or breaking. 

Large Hair Ties, Burlybands ($11.29)

Hair ties that double as bracelets are always fun, no? The soft, stretchy fabric will secure your strands tight and offer tons of volume, but they're soft and lightweight—so they won't give you a headache.

Hair Tie Bracelets, Soulvation ($24.95)

Not only is this stretchy tie entirely plastic-free, but it's made from 100% biodegradable materials and hand-dyed using certified organic pigments. Feel free to match a set to your hair color (like these red-haired bands), or opt for the bright rainbow ties—we love them all. 

Plastic-Free Hair Ties, KOOSHOO ($15)