In addition to my future Hair Sticks...

1.  I bought a ludicrously expensive ($10!) elastic ponytail holder at Ann Taylor Loft. (Had a year-old gift certificate that I just hadn't been able to use.) It's made of black elastic with two black braided "beads" on each end. This is all done with fabric/elastic - no plastic involved.

Price aside, this turned out to be a great purchase, because now I finally have something nice-looking to wear at the end of my braid.

2. On the complete opposite end of the price spectrum: Goody has come out with some great barrettes that are held in place by plastic comb-like teeth, as opposed to the evil metal clips. Plus, they're done in subtle colors: matte black, a muted tortoiseshell. (The matte surface seems to mute the "Hey, I'm plastic!" effect.)

Anyway, I think I got two of those for a grand total of $3.00. They look great, and they don't slide out of my hair, so if I'm wearing a ponytail, I'm wearing one of those.

That's it for now!

Christine