Getting your dancer's hair sorted before class or a performance is one of those small things that makes a big difference. A bun that holds all day, a scrunchie that matches the costume, a net that stays invisible under stage lights , these details matter more than you might think. At Pink Lemon Dancewear, designed and made right here in Melbourne, we know that the right hair accessories are just as important as the right leotard. So whether you're shopping for your first concert or stocking up for a whole season, this dance hair accessories buying guide will help you find exactly what you need.
Understanding the Main Types of Dance Hair Accessories
Before you buy, it helps to understand what each type of hair accessory actually does and where it shines. There are four main options most dance families reach for: velvet scrunchies, glow scrunchies, bun nets and clear elastics. Each one has a specific job to do.
Velvet Dance Scrunchies
Velvet scrunchies are a studio staple for good reason. The soft velvet fabric grips the hair gently without pulling, which is a relief for dancers with fine or colour-treated hair. They hold a ponytail or low bun securely through jazz, lyrical and contemporary classes without leaving that harsh crease that standard elastics cause. The Velvet Dance Scrunchies from Pink Lemon come in a gorgeous range of colours, making them easy to coordinate with your dancer's outfit. They're also gentle enough for everyday wear, so they do double duty between the studio and school.
If you want something a little more special, the Glow Velvet Scrunchie is worth a look. It brings that same soft, hair-friendly velvet feel but with a fun glow quality that looks brilliant under performance lighting. It's a great pick for concert season or eisteddfod.
Mystique Dance Scrunchies
The Mystique Dance Scrunchies are a step up in visual impact. With a shimmery, mystique finish, these are designed to stand out on stage and look polished in photos and videos. They work beautifully for hip hop, jazz and contemporary styles where hair accessories are a visible part of the overall look. The elasticity is generous, so they fit a range of hair volumes and thicknesses.
Bun Nets
For ballet, classical and any style where a neat, sleek bun is required, a good bun net is non-negotiable. The Girls Dance Hair & Bun Nets are fine mesh nets designed to blend with the hair and keep every flyaway in place. They're typically worn over a finished bun and secured with bobby pins. For light or blonde hair, choose a net that matches the hair colour as closely as possible , this keeps the look clean and professional under stage lighting.
If you're new to bun-making, it's worth reading up on technique. Our full guide on how to achieve the perfect ballerina bun covers everything from placement to pinning, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of concert morning.
Clear Elastics
Clear Elastics are the workhorse of any dance bag. They're virtually invisible in the hair, which makes them the go-to for securing ponytails under nets, creating sleek ballet buns or setting a base before adding a scrunchie on top. They're also the best choice when the teacher asks for a "clean look" with no visible accessories. Stock up on these , they disappear fast.
Choosing the Right Accessory for Your Dance Style
Not every accessory suits every dance genre, and matching the right hair accessory to the style makes your dancer look and feel more polished.
Ballet and Classical Dance
Ballet calls for a neat, smooth bun that sits high or mid-head depending on the school's requirements. The combination of Clear Elastics and Girls Dance Hair & Bun Nets is the gold standard here. Secure the ponytail with a clear elastic, twist and pin the bun, then cover with a net. For exams, a plain velvet scrunchie in a matching colour can be added over the net if the school permits, and the Velvet Dance Scrunchies are perfect for this. If you're building out a full ballet wardrobe, take a look at our guide on what every ballet dancer needs in their wardrobe for a complete checklist.
Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary
These styles offer a lot more creative freedom with hair. High ponytails, half-up styles and loose buns are all common, which means scrunchies become a fun styling tool rather than just a functional one. The Mystique Dance Scrunchies and Glow Velvet Scrunchie are both brilliant for performance looks in these genres. Choose colours that complement the costume rather than compete with it.
Concerts and Eisteddfods
Performance events call for everything to be locked in place and looking its best from the first bow to the last. Layer a clear elastic under a scrunchie for extra hold, and always carry a bun net in the bag as a backup. The Glow Velvet Scrunchie is particularly popular for concert season because it catches the stage lights beautifully.
Matching Hair Accessories to Hair Type
Hair type plays a huge role in which accessories will actually work for your dancer.
Fine or Slippery Hair
Fine hair tends to slide out of elastics and fall flat in buns. Velvet scrunchies are a great help here because the texture grips the hair better than smooth elastics. Layering a clear elastic beneath the scrunchie adds a second anchor point. A bun net is also essential for keeping fine hair contained and tidy.
Thick or Curly Hair
Thick and curly hair needs a scrunchie with good stretch and a strong elastic core. The Mystique Dance Scrunchies and Velvet Dance Scrunchies are both made to accommodate generous hair volume. For buns, you may need to use two clear elastics to secure the base before adding the net. Thick hair can also benefit from slightly larger bun nets, so check sizing before you buy.
Medium or Straight Hair
This is the most versatile hair type for dance styling. Most scrunchies and nets will work well. Focus on colour matching and the look required for the specific style rather than technical considerations.
What to Look for When Buying Dance Hair Accessories
With so many options out there, here are the key buying criteria to keep in mind.
Colour match: Always try to match bun nets to the dancer's natural hair colour for a seamless, professional finish. For scrunchies, coordinate with the costume or the school's uniform colours where possible.
Durability: Dance accessories take a beating. They go through bag after bag, class after class. Look for scrunchies with strong, well-sewn elastic that won't stretch out after a few wears.
Grip and hold: A scrunchie that looks beautiful but falls out mid-pirouette is no use to anyone. Velvet fabrics offer natural grip, and layering with a clear elastic underneath will always give extra security.
Comfort: Hair accessories that pull or pinch will distract your dancer during class or performance. Velvet and soft-finish scrunchies are a gentler choice, especially for younger dancers or those with sensitive scalps.
Value: Clear elastics disappear constantly, so buying in packs makes practical sense. Scrunchies and bun nets are longer-lasting, but it's always worth having a spare set at the bottom of the dance bag for emergencies.
You can browse our full range of dance hair accessories and other must-haves in our accessories range, including everything from scrunchies to make-up bags for concert season.
And while you're thinking about the full dance bag kit, it's also worth knowing how to care for the rest of your dancer's gear. Our article on making dance tights last longer has some simple but effective tips that save money over the season.
Building the Ultimate Dance Hair Kit
Once you know what each accessory does, putting together a complete kit is straightforward. Here is a solid starting point for most dancers:
- 2 to 3 Clear Elastics (always have backups)
- 1 pack of Girls Dance Hair & Bun Nets in a colour matching the dancer's hair
- 2 Velvet Dance Scrunchies in neutral or uniform colours for class
- 1 Glow Velvet Scrunchie or Mystique Dance Scrunchie for performances and concerts
- A small make-up bag to keep it all organised, like the SMALL MAKE UP BAG PINK LEMON
Keeping hair accessories in a dedicated pouch inside the dance bag means nothing gets lost between rehearsals. It also makes concert morning a whole lot calmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a velvet scrunchie and a glow scrunchie?
Both are made with a velvet fabric that grips the hair gently and holds a style securely. The key difference is the finish. Velvet Dance Scrunchies have a classic, soft look in solid colours. The Glow Velvet Scrunchie has an extra luminous quality that catches the light on stage, making it a popular choice for performances and concerts.
How do I choose the right bun net colour?
The goal is for the net to be as invisible as possible once it's in place. Match the net colour to the dancer's natural hair colour as closely as you can. The Girls Dance Hair & Bun Nets are available in shades to suit most hair tones. When in doubt, go slightly darker rather than lighter, as lighter nets can appear to float above the hair under bright stage lighting.
Can I use regular hair ties instead of clear elastics for dance?
You can, but clear elastics are a better choice for dance purposes. They're nearly invisible in the hair, which keeps the look clean and polished for class and performance. They also tend to be smoother against the hair, reducing the risk of snagging or breakage with repeated use. For ballet in particular, teachers often prefer the neat finish that clear elastics provide.
How many scrunchies should I keep in the dance bag?
At minimum, two for regular class use and one dedicated to performance days. Having a rotation means no single scrunchie gets overstretched, and you're never caught without one when the first goes missing (and it will). Keeping a couple of Clear Elastics alongside them means you're prepared for any hair requirement the teacher throws at you.
