I got a chance to test out a new product: The Wrapter, helpful for keeping your hair under control while riding, playing sports, exercising, or anywhere that your hair can blow all over the place and drive you crazy. I received three to try out, two unpackaged prototypes and one in retail packaging.  The design is still being developed however, and is not perfected yet. 


My first impression was that I like it. I actually first wore one of the prototypes at my desk at work on Friday when I received the package. It stayed put all day, as well as during exercise on the elliptical that evening. 


Getting it on was a bit tricky at first, but by the third time I pretty much had it down. The instructions on the back of the package are clear and very helpful. At first I found it easier to put a second elastic band around the end of my ponytail to hold it together while getting it through the Wrapter, but by the third time I didn't need that anymore.  The first time I wore it with my helmet, I wore a higher ponytail because I was afraid the Wrapter would fly off (see picture below), so I wanted the helmet to hold it in place. After riding for a couple of hours, it hurt a little bit (not much), so I decided after the next stop (which was at lunch) I would make a lower ponytail to see if that would help. However, when that happened I don’t think I got it low enough. That time it actually caused my helmet to be pushed back and I got a splitting headache from the helmet being pulled back on my forehead. The answer might be to place the ponytail low enough where it comes down under the back of my helmet, but I don’t know if it will stay in place if I do that. More experimentation is needed. The designer, Andrea, states that wearing it low is the best way. 


I gave the other two to my friends (Lauren and Jenn). Lauren wore hers below the back of the helmet, but it flew off as were riding (probably about 55-60mph). However she doesn’t have very long hair so it’s possible the Wrapter didn’t have much to hold on to. Jenn made it home with hers in place. She was wearing one of those big cloth scrunchie ponytail holders, so the Wrapter had a solid base to hold on to. She also said she experienced no pain or discomfort with hers, so again perhaps I need to experiment more with mine.


Overall, I really like it. It does work wonders for keeping your hair clean and tangle-free. If there were fun patterns and designs, I'd probably have several, so I'd always have one to match my mood. How about a Na'vi Braid design?


There are plans to have them in retail stores at some point in the future for around $7.00 a piece, or if you can’t wait you can order by going to their website at www.wrapter.com