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
I 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
Hi Alana,
Thanks so much! A tutorial? That’s definitely a good idea! <3
madamedummy says
I love that ..
just like ALL your wonderful ideas …
thanks so much for your wonderful blog …
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks Madamedummy! Let me know if you try it out!
Deborah says
Thanks 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
Hi 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
Hi, 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
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for reaching out and I’m taking notes of these requests. Have a beautiful day!
Kimberly says
Hi 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
Hi 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
Hi 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
Hi 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
This 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
Hi NaturelleMama,
I’m so glad that you found this helpful! <3
keisha says
Hi 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
Hi 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
Hi 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
Hi Keisha,
Oh ok. Well enjoy your stay and I do hope you will get to check out a few places! <3
CSI says
This is a great idea. Thx for sharing.
Dawn Michelle says
Let me know if you try this CSI. Enjoy your day!
Paula says
Wow, 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
Hi 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
I have super thick, heavy hair. Should I cut wider sections to help with the weight?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sheryl,
Cutting wider sections will create very sturdy hair ties that will still be gentle on your hair, so go for it!
Charlotte says
Wow 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
Hi Charlotte,
I LOVE these hair ties. They are so gentle on the hair. I hope you enjoy yours too!
Felicia Mattox says
I’ve made the hair ties and love them. I had a pair of yoga waistband tights and had the ah ha moment that the waistband can be used as a headband!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Felicia,
These hair ties are pretty awesome. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying them too. The headband idea is amazing too by the way. Best wishes!