Getting your dancer's hair sorted before class or a performance is one of those small details that makes a real difference. A bun that holds all day, a scrunchie that matches the costume, a net that stays invisible under stage lights. This dance hair accessories buying guide covers everything you need to choose the right scrunchies, bun nets and hair essentials for your dancer, whether you're preparing for a first concert or stocking up for a full season.
Why the Right Dance Hair Accessories Actually Matter
Hair accessories in dance are not just about looking polished. They affect how long a style holds, how comfortable your dancer feels, and whether a bun survives a full class without falling apart. A cheap elastic can snap mid-performance. A net that's the wrong colour shows up under stage lights. These small choices add up quickly.
If you're building out a complete kit for the year, it's worth pairing your hair accessories with the rest of your dancer's essentials. Our guide to what belongs in every ballet dancer's wardrobe is a good place to start.
Choosing the Right Scrunchies for Dance
Not all scrunchies are made equal. For dance, you want a scrunchie that grips well, holds its shape through movement, and doesn't leave a dent or crease in the hair after class.
Fabric matters more than you think
Satin and velvet scrunchies are popular for performances because they look neat and photograph beautifully. For everyday class use, a cotton or stretch fabric scrunchie tends to grip better and withstand repeated washing. Avoid anything with rough seams or metal hardware near the hair tie itself, these can snag fine hair and cause breakage over time.
Size and thickness
Thicker scrunchies are better for securing a full bun in one go. Thinner ones work well as a second layer over a bun net or for half-up styles. If your dancer has fine or slippery hair, a scrunchie with a little texture will hold far better than a smooth satin option.
Colour matching for concerts
Most studios specify a hair colour or a costume-matched scrunchie for performances. Buy two or three in the required colour at the start of term. They go missing easily, especially in a busy change room. Keeping a spare in the dance bag saves a lot of stress on concert day.
How to Choose Bun Nets for Dance
A good bun net is invisible in the best possible way. It keeps flyaways contained, holds the bun in shape through jumps and turns, and doesn't distract from the overall look under stage lighting.
Match the net to your dancer's hair colour
Bun nets come in a range of shades including blonde, brown, black and auburn. Choosing the closest match to your dancer's hair makes the net disappear completely. A black net on light hair will show up clearly on stage and in photos.
Fine vs. heavy mesh
Fine mesh nets are best for shorter or thinner buns. They sit flat against the bun and create a smooth finish. Heavier mesh suits thicker or longer hair because it offers more structure. Most dancers will go through several nets in a season, so buy in packs rather than singles.
Getting the bun right before the net goes on
A neat bun makes the net's job much easier. If you're still working out the technique, our step-by-step guide to creating the perfect ballet bun walks through everything from prep to pinning.
Other Hair Accessories Worth Having in the Dance Bag
Beyond scrunchies and nets, a well-stocked dance bag usually includes a few other hair essentials.
- Bobby pins in a colour that matches your dancer's hair. Buy the large packs. They disappear constantly.
- A fine-toothed comb or tail comb for smoothing the hair before a bun.
- Hairspray or hair gel for taming flyaways and keeping the style in place through a full performance.
- A headband or hair wrap for warmup and class days when a full performance bun isn't required.
- A small zip pouch to keep all of these together so nothing gets lost at the bottom of the bag.
You can browse our full range of dance hair accessories and extras to stock up on everything in one place.
Making Hair Accessories Last the Season
Scrunchies and nets are small but they do wear out, especially with frequent washing. Washing scrunchies in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle helps them keep their shape. Replace bun nets as soon as they develop holes or lose their elasticity, a damaged net won't hold a bun securely and will frustrate your dancer right before she needs to go on stage.
If your dancer wears tights regularly, the same care principles apply. Our article on keeping dance tights in great condition longer covers washing and storage tips that work just as well for delicate dancewear accessories.
A little organisation at the start of term means fewer last-minute scrambles. Keep a dedicated hair kit packed and ready, and restock scrunchies and nets before they run out completely. Your dancer will thank you on concert morning.
