The Pony Cuff Is Coming for Your Scrunchie
So far in 2024, bows and claw clips and headscarves have crowned our updos. And though we’re not shoving them to the backs of our drawers just yet, currently, it’s all about THE cuff. And there is one golden (and silver) accessory that is shining extra brightly in the spotlight on our TikTok For You Pages: The Lelet New York Pony Cuff for —drumroll, please—$158! (Yes, that deserves an exclamation point.)
Sure, you could buy 30 hair ties for $3…or a pack of scrunchies for $10…or even a single oversized scrunchie for $20. We have—and we will continue to make those purchases. But this is an objet d'art, and will most likely not be worn to the gym or to secure a bedtime topknot. More fashion than function—though we can confirm that it does serve its purpose (even on the thickest of hair)—Lelet’s design belongs in a jewelry box.
I first caught a glimpse of Lelet’s accessory on my late-night TikTok scroll. This video—which begins with a shot of a bubble ponytail complete with a waterfall of cuffs—captured my undivided attention. Click. Click. Straight to the brand’s website I went. And a quick scroll further brought me to that dollar sign and three-digit number.
Important to note: This wasn’t my introduction to the concept a hair cuff. (Case in point: Allure’s 2024 Met Gala beauty trend prediction video, in which I practically spoke the trend into existence…but I digress.) Alas, up until this point, I couldn’t find a chunky statement hair accessory that would actually support the weight and thickness of my ponytail, or the braided styles and space buns that I regularly wear. I once even went so far as to DIY my own design with a spare bangle bracelet. (Spoiler alert: It didn’t go well.)
Lelet’s gem of a hair tie has been around since the end of last year, but it wasn’t on my radar until TikTok did the Lord’s work. When I finally got my hands on the $158 Lelet New York Glossy Double Arch Pony in Silver (made with rhodium silver and 14K gold), I was immediately impressed by the strong elastic attached to the metal glob. (If you have thick, coarse hair like me, you know this is the foundation to keeping an updo in place.) The cuff itself has some weight to it, although nothing that felt heavy or weighing down my ponytail more than my own head of hair already was doing. The cuff’s weight and shiny finish both add to its luxe appeal. And to keep it scratch-free, I store it in its luxe storage pouch.
Lelet Glossy Double Arch Pony
$158.00, Amazon
I pulled my hair into a high ponytail with an elastic before going in for extra hold with my new accessory , wrapping the elastic around the base three times, then shifting the cuff to exactly where I wanted it to sit. To my surprise, the elastic looped onto my ponytail like any other without any hassle, tying my hair up on the first try. The cuff hugged my ponytail—about 2 inches in diameter—without flopping to the side throughout the day with no adjustments needed.
And voila! On my first wear, my ponytail went from basic to runway chic. Experts agree: Celebrity hairstylist Mitchell Ramazon says a cuff can “take simple hairstyles and elevate them in an eye-catching way.” More is more for Ramazon, as you can see in “The Golden Hoop Pony,” his name for a three-tiered bubble ponytail.
While ponytails are the obvious hairstyle to pair these cuffs with, the design hugs around a sleek chignon just as beautifully. (Take a peek at this double-stacked bun that has over 2 million views.) When styling a bun, Ramazon suggests using a larger cuff, adding, “If your hair is long enough, wrap your ends around the base of the bun for more detail and texture.”
If you have fine hair, Ramazon, who is also an ambassador for Living Proof, recommends spraying a bit of texture spray throughout for some added grip. He says he reaches for the Living Proof Full Volume and Texture Spray for extra hold. We love the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and Allure 2023 Best of Beauty-winning SexyHair Texture Beach'n Spray.
Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray
$36.00, Amazon
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
$52.00, Nordstrom
SexyHair Texture Beach'n Spray
$22.00, Amazon
As with my skin-care routine comprising high- and low-cost products, there are some hair accessories I’d splurge on, like the $108 Petite Glossy Arch Pony and the $98 Mini Dome Pony Cuff to execute a loose bubble ponytail hairstyle in all Lelet. And the $68 Marble Double Arch Pony designs (in the full rainbow of colors) would be fun to mix and match. That said, in researching this topic (and my budget), I’ve discovered Lelet New York isn’t the only brand making a statement with hair cuffs. There are more affordable (but equally stylish) accessories like this France Luxe Elodie Cuff Ponytail Holder for $18, in a versatile tortoiseshell-like finish. Tasha’s Two-Pack of Ponytail Holders includes both a silver and gold option for $28. You can also browse through Etsy for a one-of-a-kind design, like this gold Geometric Hair Tie for $25. And if you really want to dress things up, we love this handmade Jennifer Behr Henley Pony Wrap, covered in chunky pearls and some subtle Swarovski sparkle, for $98.
Now, all that's left to do is decide which cuff will be your finishing touch.
Lelet Petite Glossy Arch Pony
$108.00, Lelet NY
Lelet Mini Dome Pony Cuff
$98.00, Lelet NY
Lelet Marbleized Double Arch Hair Tie
$68.00, Nordstrom
France Luxe Belle Elodie Cuff Ponytail Holder
$18.00, Amazon
Tasha 2-Pack Ponytail Holders
$28.00, Nordstrom
AFZSTORE Golden Metal Geometric Hair Tie
$25.00, Etsy
Jennifer Behr Henley Pony Wrap
$98.00, Jennifer Behr
More on hair accessories:
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Originally Appeared on Allure
