Bookmarks, Cable Organizers and More Purposes for Hair Ties

Hair ties are small, cheap and easy to overlook — but they’re surprisingly useful far beyond holding your mane back. Scroll down for a practical guide featuring ten simple ways to put hair ties to use.

Cable organizer

Wrap hair ties around charging cords, headphones or extension cables to keep them from tangling in drawers or bags. This saves time and extends the life of your electronics.

Food bag sealer

Lost the clip for your bread or snack bag? A hair tie creates a tight seal that keeps food fresher and prevents spills in the pantry.

Jar opener helper

Wrap a hair tie around a stubborn jar lid for extra grip. The added friction makes opening jars easier, especially if your hands are wet or tired.

Bookmark substitute

Slip a hair tie around a book to mark your page and keep it closed. It works especially well for paperbacks and notebooks.

Non-slip clothes hanger

Loop hair ties over the ends of hangers to stop silky or wide-neck tops from sliding off and ending up wrinkled on the floor.

Key holder on the go

Wear a hair tie on your wrist and attach keys when pockets or bags aren’t practical — great for quick walks, workouts, or errands.

Paintbrush saver

Stretch a hair tie across the top of a paint or water jar and slide the brush through it. This keeps the brush from sinking and bending the bristles.

Temporary button or zipper fix

In a pinch, hair ties can loop through buttonholes or attach zipper pulls, holding clothing together until you can repair it properly.

Reusable reminder tool

Place hair ties on your wrist or water bottle as visual cues—move one each time you drink water, take medication, or complete a task.

Bag organizer

Use hair ties to bundle reusable shopping bags, scarves, or small clothing items so they stay compact and easy to grab.