How One Mum’s Hair Tie Struggle Turned Into a Viral Fashion Solution

By Tracy Morris, Founder of the ‘Gypsea Loop’

You know those gorgeous photos – the ones at brunch with your besties, cuddling your kids, or dressed to the nines for a rare night out, and then… BAM. There it is.

That ugly, black hair tie wrapped around your wrist like it’s part of your outfit. A clingy, slightly shameful accessory we’ve all grown weirdly attached to.

Honestly, I can’t tell you how many beautiful moments I’ve ruined with that rogue elastic making a guest appearance. And don’t get me started on the dreaded red mark it leaves behind. You forget it’s there until it’s cutting off circulation and your hand feels like it’s about to fall off. Ah, motherhood: where comfort meets chaos.

Well, my fellow hair tie warriors, one day I cracked. As part of my role as a travel journalist, I was constantly being caught out, on stage or in front of the camera – with, yep, you guessed it: that show-stopping hair tie, front and centre!

Enough was enough. I was so fed up with the daily battle between function and fashion that I decided to do something about it.

Enter: The Gypsea Loop Hair Tie Bangle (well, the idea of it anyway!).

I had no product design experience and a very tight budget. But like most mums, when we want something done properly, we roll up our sleeves (red mark and all) and figure it out right?! After scribbling my design ideas on paper I scoured the internet and found a designer on a website called Upwork, (he was located in Uzbekistan, of all places).Then, I roped in a mate’s 12-year-old and his trusty 3D printer to make me a plastic printed bangle prototype.

I wore those ‘not so lovely’ plastic prototypes obsessively, tweaking the shape and features until it was just right. Then, once I found the courage (and the funds), I sent the design off to be brought to life.

Finally, after months of hard work and determination, drum roll please – the Gypsea Loop Hair Tie Bangle was born. It’s a sleek gold or silver bangle with a hidden groove that holds your hair tie stylishly and securely. No more cut-off circulation. No more “ugh, I forgot to take that off.” And most importantly, no more ugly wrist elastics photobombing your memories!

What started as a simple fix for me has grown into something so much bigger. Since launching just under a year ago, Gypsea Loop has been embraced by women everywhere – especially fellow mums. I’ve had messages saying it’s saved their photos, their wrists, their routines and even eased sensory discomfort from tight elastics. ( …Not crying, ok totally crying!!).

And the wildest part? Social media is blowing up over this! One of our TikToks went viral with over a 1 million views and counting! We’ve had some pinch-me moments, from features in Woman’s Day and New Idea, to shoutouts on popular fashion podcasts as well as 2 award nominations!! We’ve even had to restock multiple times just to keep up with the demand. It’s been a wild, wonderful 12 months… and honestly, I’m still wrapping my head around it.

At the end of the day, I’m still just a mum trying to juggle work, life, and a never-ending stream of snack requests – but now with a little bangle that’s made a surprisingly big impact.

Speaking of impact, every Gypsea Loop bangle sold also supports ocean conservation projects. So, while we’re helping mums level up their fashion game, we’re also doing our bit to care for Mother Earth too.

So if you’re still sporting that stretched-out black band on your wrist (no shade – we’ve all been there), just know there’s a prettier, comfier, and more purposeful way with a gorgeous Gypsea Loop bangle.

As a little gift from me to the Mums Lounge crew, we’d love to include a surprise gift with every bangle order. Simply use code: MUMSLOUNGE at checkout at www.gypsealoop.com

Why Mums Love their Gypsea Loop:

Waterproof and tarnish-free – made for everyday, wear it in the shower, at the gym, inthe ocean and it won’t tarnish.
No more tight hair ties cutting circulation & marking your wrist
Discreet hair tie storage – looks like jewellery, functions like magic
Mix & match hair tie colours with your outfit – it like a new accessory each day
Hypoallergenic & nickel-free – gentle on sensitive skin
Supports ocean conservation projects – stylish and sustainable
Designed by an Aussie mum – made for women, by women
The perfect gift for mums, friends, or yourself – because you deserve it
Comes with free shipping Australia wide, free size exchange and free extra hair ties

You can follow Tracy and her Gypsea Loop journey on their socials @gypsealoop.

Before launching her jewellery brand, Gypsea Loop Hair Tie Bangles, Tracy Morris worked as a travel journalist and presenter. She’s the founder of the award-winning travel blog The Blonde Nomads, which saw her travelling full-time with her husband Rob and their two kids for over a decade – showcasing incredible destinations and brands across Australia and around the world.

These days, she’s traded van life for business life, juggling a growing brand while wrangling two salty-haired beach kids. Tracy is passionate about ocean conservation and has pledged to donate a portion of every bangle sale to marine protection projects. Follow her journey at gypsealoop.com or on Instagram @gypsealoop and @theblondenomads.