Finding the right hair accessory for dance class sounds simple, but any dance parent or student knows the reality: scrunchies fall out mid-pirouette, colours clash with costumes, and cheaper options lose their shape after a few washes. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we stock accessories that are as hardworking as the dancers who wear them. The Scout Active Scrunchies range is a firm favourite in our collection, and for good reason. They're bold, durable, and designed with active wear in mind. But with several vibrant prints to choose from, how do you know which one suits your dance style, hair type, and personality best? This buying guide walks you through everything you need to know.
What Makes Scout Active Scrunchies Worth Buying?
Before comparing individual designs, it helps to understand what sets this range apart from the generic scrunchies you might find at a supermarket checkout. Scout Active Scrunchies are built for movement. The elastic core is firm enough to hold a bun or ponytail securely through jumps, turns and stretches, while the fabric covering is soft against the hairline, so there's no uncomfortable pinching or pulling during long rehearsals.
The fabric itself has a smooth, slightly stretchy feel that grips hair without causing breakage, which is especially important for dancers who tie their hair up and take it down multiple times a day. The prints are vibrant and colour-fast, meaning they hold up well through repeated washing, an essential quality for accessories that travel between the studio, stage and gym bag regularly.
You can browse the full Scout Active range here to see all current designs and stock availability.
Key Buying Criteria to Consider
- Hair thickness and texture: Finer hair needs a scrunchie with a slightly tighter elastic; thicker or curlier hair benefits from a wider, stretchier design.
- Dance genre: Classical styles like ballet often call for neutral or understated accessories, while jazz, contemporary and lyrical styles welcome bolder prints.
- Colour coordination: Consider your uniform or costume colours when selecting a print.
- Frequency of use: If a scrunchie is worn daily, colour-fast, wash-stable fabric matters more than for occasional wear.
- Personal style: Dance accessories are one of the few areas where students can express individual personality, so don't underestimate the fun factor.
Comparing the Designs: Which Scrunchie Suits You?
Each Scout Active Scrunchie design has its own personality. Here's a closer look at the five key prints available at Total Dance and which type of dancer each one suits best.
Coral Coast Scrunchie
Warm, sun-drenched tones make the Coral Coast Scrunchie a standout piece. Its colour palette draws on sandy oranges, peachy pinks and warm neutrals, evoking an easy, coastal feel. This design works beautifully for dancers who want something eye-catching without being too loud.
Best for: Jazz, lyrical and contemporary dancers who want a warm-toned accent that complements earthy or warm-coloured dancewear. Also a lovely choice for recreational classes where uniform rules are relaxed.
Hair type: The warm tones look especially striking against dark hair, though they complement all hair colours. Works well for both fine and thick hair.
Pairs well with: Warm-toned leotards, the Mastery Dance Skirt in complementary shades, or casual rehearsal wear.
Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie
Playful and energetic, the Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie features a multicoloured, paint-splash-inspired print that brings a fun, artistic energy to any dance look. Because the design incorporates so many colours, it coordinates easily with a wide range of dancewear.
Best for: Younger dancers in recreational or after-school classes, as well as jazz and tap students who love a bold, expressive aesthetic. This is also a popular pick for competitions where dancers want to stand out backstage.
Hair type: Suits all hair types. The busy print means any stray flyaways are barely noticeable, making it a practical choice for dancers with fine or slippery hair that tends to escape from styles.
Pairs well with: Bright or printed crop tops like the Essential Racer Back Crop, colourful leggings, or fun accessories such as the Rainbow Stick on Gems for performance days.
Purple Diamond Scrunchie
For dancers who gravitate toward jewel tones and a more polished aesthetic, the Purple Diamond Scrunchie delivers. Rich purples and geometric diamond-inspired patterns give this design a sophisticated edge that bridges the gap between fun and refined.
Best for: Ballet and contemporary dancers who want something more considered than a novelty print, but still full of personality. Also suits older students and teens who prefer a more grown-up aesthetic.
Hair type: The deeper colour palette looks especially elegant against lighter hair tones, creating a beautiful contrast. Works well for buns, high ponytails and half-up styles.
Pairs well with: A sleek ballet bun finished with the Hair Blossom, or paired with the Alyssa Rose Gold Tiara for performance prep. The purple tones also complement the Julietta Chiffon Circle Skirt beautifully for lyrical and contemporary styles.
Sky Leopard Scrunchie
Bold, confident and unapologetically fun, the Sky Leopard Scrunchie features a sky-blue leopard print that's become one of the most talked-about designs in the range. It walks the line between statement piece and versatile accessory, thanks to its cool blue base tone.
Best for: Jazz dancers, acrobatics students, and any dancer who loves to make a style statement. This design also works well for gym or active wear beyond the studio, so it's a great everyday option for sporty teens.
Hair type: The contrast of the print works well against all hair colours and types. Particularly eye-catching on blonde or light brown hair, where the blue tones really pop.
Pairs well with: Blue or monochrome dancewear, or as a contrast accent with black rehearsal gear. Team it with the 5cm Black and White Bobby Pins for a coordinated look that stays polished through class.
Florida Floral Scrunchie
Lush, feminine and full of warmth, the Florida Floral Scrunchie features a tropical floral print in vivid, saturated colours. It's the kind of design that lifts your mood the moment you put it on, bringing a touch of resort-inspired joy to rehearsal days.
Best for: Lyrical and contemporary dancers who love expressive, flowing movement and want their accessories to reflect that energy. Also a wonderful option for recreational dancers of all ages.
Hair type: Works beautifully for thick or voluminous hair, where the bold print has room to be seen. Also suits braided styles and loose low buns.
Pairs well with: The Mae Dance Crossover in complementary tones, or with the Flower Headband with Ribbon for a cohesive, feminine aesthetic during performances.
Styling Tips and Accessory Pairings for Dance Class
A great scrunchie is just the starting point. Pairing it thoughtfully with the right supporting accessories helps dancers look polished and stay performance-ready from warm-up to final bow.
Keeping Hair Secure Through Class
For styles that need extra hold, especially buns for ballet exams or performances, pair your Scout Active Scrunchie with a set of ripple pins. The Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Black, Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Brown, Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Light Brown and Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Gold make it easy to match your pin colour to your hair tone for a seamless finish. For larger buns or high-volume hair, the Ripple Pins 100 Pack 4.5cm provides excellent quantity and value for regular use.
Completing the Look for Performances
On performance days, your scrunchie choice sets the tone for the rest of your hair and accessories. If you're reaching for the Purple Diamond Scrunchie or Sky Leopard Scrunchie, consider elevating the look further with the Willow Rose Gold Tiara or the Flat Diamante Headpiece for added sparkle under stage lights. The Faux Pearl & Rhinestone Tiara is another elegant option for classical and lyrical numbers.
For a more casual or contemporary performance look, the Wrap Around Head Scarf or a simple Headband can complement bolder scrunchie prints without competing for attention.
Storing and Caring for Your Scrunchies
Scout Active Scrunchies are designed to last, but a little care goes a long way. Hand wash or use a delicates bag in the machine, and lay flat to dry rather than tumble drying. Store them away from direct sunlight to preserve the print colours. A Mesh Pointe Bag or the dedicated pockets of a dance bag work well for keeping scrunchies organised and easy to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Scout Active Scrunchies suitable for ballet buns?
Yes, absolutely. The firm elastic core in Scout Active Scrunchies provides enough hold for a neat ballet bun, especially when used alongside ripple pins and hair nets. For a very sleek, exam-ready finish, you may want to use the scrunchie as the outer wrap over a pinned bun rather than relying on it alone to carry all the weight of thick hair.
Which design is most versatile for dancers who do multiple genres?
The Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie is arguably the most versatile, because its multicoloured print coordinates with nearly any dancewear colour. The Coral Coast Scrunchie is also a strong all-rounder for dancers whose classes span jazz, lyrical and contemporary styles. If you're after something that crosses from studio to everyday life seamlessly, the Sky Leopard Scrunchie has a cool, modern feel that works beyond the dance context too.
How do I know which size or style will suit my hair type?
Scout Active Scrunchies suit a wide range of hair types. Dancers with very fine or slippery hair may find it helpful to use a light-hold hairspray or a small amount of hair gel to smooth the style before applying the scrunchie. Those with thick or curly hair will appreciate the generous stretch of the elastic, which accommodates more volume without snapping or losing shape over time.
Can I find these scrunchies in store as well as online?
Total Dance offers both in-store and online shopping options. Visiting in person gives you the chance to feel the fabric quality and see the print colours in natural light, which can make a real difference when you're comparing designs. Our team is always happy to help you find the right fit for your dance style and personal taste. You can also explore our scout active scrunchies collection online and have your order shipped directly to your door anywhere in Australia.
Ready to Choose Your Scrunchie?
Whether you're drawn to the warm coastal tones of the Coral Coast Scrunchie, the playful energy of the Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie, the sophisticated edge of the Purple Diamond Scrunchie, the bold confidence of the Sky Leopard Scrunchie, or the tropical femininity of the Florida Floral Scrunchie, there's a design in this range that feels made for you.
At Total Dance, we believe the details matter as much as the main event. The right scrunchie holds your hair in place, completes your look, and gives you one less thing to think about when you step into the studio. Shop the full range at Total Dance and find your perfect match today.
