How to Make a Slap Bracelet Ponytail Holder for People With Disabilities

Create a slap bracelet ponytail holder for people with disabilities.

The slap bracelet is casted using Vytaflex 30 from Smooth-On. This lends to the best texture for hold while being gentle on the hair. Parts A and B are included in the package and must be mixed together to create a urethane rubber.

A stir stick is used to mix the Vytaflex 30, which is crucial in correctly curing the rubber.

A negative mold of the slap bracelet is also needed. (See Instructable on Creating a Negative Mold Using Mold Star 30)

Smooth-On Universal Mold Release is crucial in removing the cured Vytaflex from the negative mold.

Corn starch or baking powder is used to reduce the tackiness of the Vytaflex material and further ease gliding through the hair. Use a soft brush to remove excess.

The spring sheet metal that goes inside the ponytail holder can be found at this link, and is the "Cozihom Reflective Bands, Reflective Slap Bracelet" on Amazon. It comes in a reflective cover that can be cut off and removed.

Scissors, thread, a sewing needle and pins, elastic cord, and two scrunchies are needed for attaching the scrunchie material. A sewing machine is preferred, but not required.

1. Place a large piece of cardboard on your work-surface to protect it, since Vytaflex components are difficult to clean off.
2. Shake the mold release well before spraying the negative mold thoroughly with the can 12" away from the molds. After the first coat, use a soft brush to ensure there is mold release in every crevice of the mold. After this, spray another layer of the mold release, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

1. Mix Part A of the Vytaflex using the stir stick for about a minute, making sure to scrape down the bottom and sides of the container.
2. Part B is less viscous, and can be mixed simply by shaking the bottle.
3. Pour about 40 mL. of each part into two disposable, clear cups. The ratio of Part A to Part B is 1:1 by volume, so make sure the levels of each component in the cups are the same.
4. Add Part A to Part B, and mix with the stir stick for 3 minutes. Again, take care to thoroughly scrape the bottom and sides of the container. If mixing any part of these components is neglected, the Vytaflex will not cure correctly and will become crumbly.

1. The pot life of Vytaflex 30 is 30 minutes, so the pouring process must be completed in that time. Pour the mixture very slowly towards the middle of the molds, pouring about half of the mixture into each mold.
2. Use the stir stick to spread the material across the mold. Note the thickness of the material.
3. This does introduce air bubbles, so gently tap the mold onto the work surface to force them out, especially on the side of the mold with bumps.
4. After about 8 minutes from the initial pour, add the sheet metal. Make sure the concave side of the sheet metal is facing up and placed on the half of the mold without bumps.
5. Sandwich the two halves of the mold together, making sure they are oriented correctly. Place a weight on top of the mold to squeeze out excess material.

1. Identify the seam running across the scrunchie and cut across it as shown.
2. Remove the elastic from inside.
3. Flip the tube of fabric inside out.

1. Measure out two pieces of elastic that are 3.5 cm. in length.
2. Measure out one piece of elastic that is 13 cm. piece.
3. Sew each of the shorter pieces of elastic into circles, making an 'X' with the stitch. Make sure this stitch is strong.
4. Insert the spring sheet metal inside of the inverted tube of fabric made in Step 4. Place the elastic circle around the inverted tube. Inserting the metal inside of the fabric tube stretches the elastic and makes sewing in the next step easier.
5. Fold over the top of the fabric tube to cover the elastic. Leave enough room for a seam allowance.
6. Sew a basic straight stitch around the tube to create tubing for the elastic.
7. Sew the ends of the longer elastic to the two ends of the fabric tube

1. Fit the Vytaflex model into the fabric scrunchie tube. Make the sure that the bumpy side of the Vytaflex model is facing inside.

We thank the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation for providing support for this project.