I’ve been wearing my hair in updos as much as possible to protect the ends of my hair for healthy hair growth retention. I love unique hair barrettes and hair forks, yet sometimes I still prefer to use a hair elastic to secure my style. Most recently I’ve been making my own super soft seamless hair ties. These DIY hair ties are incredible for thick hair when other ties break instantly as well as being very gentle on your hair strands.
What you will need:
A pair of old tights
Sharp scissors
I prefer to use black tights since they match my hair best, yet use whatever color you desire. All you need to do is cut 2 inch strips along the leg of your tights. Once cut, gently pull them open and you are good to go.
The only thing left to do now is enjoy your favorite updo or hairstyle!
Old tights will never have to go to waste again, nor will you have to stock up on hair elastics. This pair of tights created 24 seamless hair ties. I could probably make a few more with this pair too!
Thoughts?
(Images by Dawn Michelle)
Alana says
March 17, 2015 at 4:29 pmI love these up dos can you make a tutorial on them Pretty please. 😀
P.s. I love your site it has helped and inspired me so much!
Dawn Michelle says
March 18, 2015 at 7:41 amHi Alana,
Thanks so much! A tutorial? That’s definitely a good idea! <3
madamedummy says
March 18, 2015 at 4:03 amI love that ..
just like ALL your wonderful ideas …
thanks so much for your wonderful blog …
Dawn Michelle says
March 18, 2015 at 7:42 amThanks Madamedummy! Let me know if you try it out!
Deborah says
March 18, 2015 at 7:46 amThanks for the hair tie diy. I would love a tutorial on the two hair styles you are wearing. Did you blow dry your hair? Beautiful!!
Dawn Michelle says
March 18, 2015 at 1:01 pmHi Deborah,
I’m glad you liked the DIY. I haven’t used heat on my hair in well over a year. I recently started stretching out my curls to give a blown out look by using the African Threading technique. Instead of actually using thread I use fabric instead though. <3
Dawn says
March 19, 2015 at 12:32 pmHi, Dawn:
I, too, would like to see a tutorial, particularly one featuring the African threading technique. I’ve seen one using thread but am interested to see your version using fabric. I’ve enjoyed your blog for several years now. Thank you so much for sharing helpful and positive information.
Dawn Michelle says
March 20, 2015 at 5:50 pmHi Dawn,
Thanks for reaching out and I’m taking notes of these requests. Have a beautiful day!
Kimberly says
March 23, 2015 at 8:59 pmHi Dawn Michelle,
Don’t wear tights but would like to get more details
on brand, size and fabric of the tights you up cycled
This is a fabulous idea because most hair ties still pull and catch my hair.
TIA,
Kimberly
Dawn Michelle says
March 24, 2015 at 9:47 amHi Kimberly,
I’ve done this with two pairs of old black tights and don’t have a clue when I bought them or where. What they both have in common is that they are opaque tights versus sheer. Opaque tights have a much thicker material which is why I feel they work so well. Hope this helps!
Cicely says
March 25, 2015 at 9:20 amHi Dawn-
I love how simple your ideas are on everything beauty and health. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful ideas. I don’t normally too many hair instruction video, but I was considering stretching out my natural hair as well, but after watching couple YouTube videos I’m still concern whether or not the threading technique is not damaging to the hair strands. What thread fabric did you use? I was considering starting with like a organic hemp cord. I saw a video that use sometime of yarn. Any suggestions?
Dawn Michelle says
March 25, 2015 at 11:46 amHi Cicely,
Thanks so much. I will share more details about how I stretch my hair in another article. I do feel that the African threading technique is a better way to stretch the hair versus using heat though. Regardless of which method you use, your technique is the most important thing. I’ve discovered over the years that my hair doesn’t handle heat well.
NaturelleMama says
March 25, 2015 at 11:25 amThis is great idea! This is a great way to upcycle my kiddo’s old, outgrown tights. Gives her some fun colors to choose from instead of the plain black we normally use. Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
March 25, 2015 at 11:47 amHi NaturelleMama,
I’m so glad that you found this helpful! <3
keisha says
March 30, 2015 at 1:44 pmHi Dawn I know this is last minute. I’m in LA for work this week mar 30-April 3. If possible I would love to meet you while I’m here.
Dawn Michelle says
March 31, 2015 at 1:00 pmHi Keisha,
I wish I had leisure time this week, but I do hope you enjoy your stay in LA. I remember you mentioning wanting to check out one of my favorite consignment shops Crossroads so I hope you get a chance too. Also check out Wasteland. I shared some of my favorite veggie restaurants here too. Have a great week!
keisha says
March 31, 2015 at 1:27 pmHi Dawn, I’m sorry I won’t get a chance to see you. Thank you for the veggie places! I will try and see if I can visit the thrift places. I don’t have a car and I’m staying near the airport.
Dawn Michelle says
March 31, 2015 at 1:34 pmHi Keisha,
Oh ok. Well enjoy your stay and I do hope you will get to check out a few places! <3
CSI says
May 6, 2015 at 11:33 amThis is a great idea. Thx for sharing.
Dawn Michelle says
May 8, 2015 at 2:08 pmLet me know if you try this CSI. Enjoy your day!
Paula says
July 31, 2015 at 10:38 amWow, I’ve tried this right after reading the article and its INSANE! It works so well on my hair, which is SERIOUSLY complicated to work with 😀
Thanks for the great tip, keep up that cool work!
Paula
Dawn Michelle says
August 2, 2015 at 8:03 pmHi Paula,
I’m so glad to hear this! I’ve used these DIY elastic so for banding too and they did the job. The elastic so were seriously stretched out, but it was very gentle on my hair!
Sheryl says
September 13, 2015 at 8:08 amI have super thick, heavy hair. Should I cut wider sections to help with the weight?
Dawn Michelle says
September 14, 2015 at 4:29 pmHi Sheryl,
Cutting wider sections will create very sturdy hair ties that will still be gentle on your hair, so go for it!
Charlotte says
March 3, 2019 at 7:59 amWow that’s the ultimate life hack! I had some old pairs of tights that nobody wanted and I couldn’t bare throwing them away – now thanks to you I’ve got enough hair ties for the rest of my life, ha! Thank you!
Dawn Michelle says
March 8, 2019 at 4:54 pmHi Charlotte,
I LOVE these hair ties. They are so gentle on the hair. I hope you enjoy yours too!