How safety scrunchies work
Safety scrunchies are made with highly reflective material. In normal daylight, they look like regular grey or white scrunchies. But when headlights or torchlight hits them at night, they light up — the same principle as the reflective strips on running shoes and cycling gear.
The difference is that you wear a scrunchie anyway. There is no extra gear to remember, no vest to pull on, and nothing to carry. Tie your hair up with a safety scrunchie and you have reflective visibility built into your routine.
Two designs for different preferences
The Overachiever (R30) — This is the fully reflective option. The entire scrunchie is made from reflective material, so it appears grey during the day and lights up silver when hit by light at night. Maximum visibility for runners, cyclists, and anyone who takes their safety seriously during low-light exercise.
The Minimal Queen (R40) — For those who want reflective functionality without the fully reflective look. This is a white scrunchie with a reflective strip running through the centre. It blends in during the day with a clean, minimalist design, while still providing visibility at night. Same protection, quieter style.
Who are safety scrunchies for?
Anyone who is active outdoors in low-light conditions:
- Runners — early morning and evening runs are when most running accidents happen. A reflective scrunchie on your head or wrist makes you more visible to drivers.
- Cyclists — every bit of reflective surface helps. Wear one in your hair or around your wrist for an extra point of visibility.
- Dog walkers — evening walks with the dog are a daily routine for many South Africans. A safety scrunchie is one more thing that helps drivers spot you.
- Festival and event goers — dark parking lots, unlit paths, and large crowds. A reflective scrunchie is subtle but useful.
- Kids — tie one in your child's hair or around their wrist for added visibility when they are playing outside at dusk.
Wearing them beyond your hair
Safety scrunchies are not just for your hair. You can:
- Wear one on your wrist as a reflective bracelet
- Loop one around a bag strap or dog lead
- Attach one to a bike handlebar or backpack
- Use them as a practical, safe party favour for outdoor events
The reflective material works from any position, so wherever you place it, passing headlights will catch it.
A small change that matters
Road safety in South Africa is a serious concern, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, pedestrians account for a significant portion of road fatalities — and low visibility is a major contributing factor.
You do not need to buy specialised safety equipment to improve your visibility. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. A safety scrunchie costs R30-R40, weighs nothing, and could genuinely make you more visible to a driver at night. That is a worthwhile trade.
Explore the Safety Scrunchie collection and pick the style that suits you.