This little bathroom organizer solves one of those tiny daily annoyances I know too well: hair ties somehow end up everywhere until you need one, and then suddenly there are none in sight. By clipping a small carabiner inside a glass jar and sliding the elastic bands right onto it, you get a holder that's tidy, easy to use, and nice enough to leave out on the counter.

I love projects like this because they take about as much effort as setting up a spice jar, but the payoff is outsized. If you want a fast, practical organizer that keeps hair ties dry, visible, and contained without becoming a tangled pile, this is a smart one to make.

Materials for a glass jar hair tie organizer laid out on a countertop
Materials for a glass jar hair tie organizer laid out on a countertop

Materials

1 clear glass apothecary jar with lid, 1 to 1.5 quart capacity, about 8 to 10 inches tall
1 small rose gold carabiner, 2 to 2.5 inches long
35 to 45 elastic hair ties, standard size, mixed colors or all one color
1 clear removable adhesive hook, small size, rated for at least 0.5 pound
1 isopropyl alcohol wipe, or 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol with 1 cotton pad
1 microfiber cloth, small hand size

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the glass jar and lid, then polish the inside where the hook will go so the glass is completely free of dust, soap film, and moisture.

2. Wipe a spot high on the inside wall of the jar with the alcohol wipe, aiming about 1 to 2 inches below the rim so the carabiner will hang freely without dragging on the bottom.

3. Press the clear adhesive hook firmly onto the cleaned spot inside the jar, following the package direction for pressure and wait time so it bonds well to the glass.

4. Clip the rose gold carabiner onto the hook and check that it hangs straight in the center area of the jar with enough room to open and close easily.

5. Open the carabiner and slide on the hair ties one at a time, mixing colors as you go so they stay easy to see and don't bunch too tightly in one section.

6. Fill the carabiner generously with 35 to 45 hair ties, stopping before it becomes crowded so you can still remove one smoothly with one hand.

7. Set the lid on the jar if you want a cleaner look and extra dust protection, or leave it off if you reach for hair ties constantly throughout the day.

8. Place the organizer on the bathroom counter, vanity shelf, or beside a makeup mirror, and keep the carabiner opening turned slightly forward for the easiest grab-and-go use.

Finished bathroom hair tie organizer inside a clear glass apothecary jar
Finished bathroom hair tie organizer inside a clear glass apothecary jar

Variations & Tips

Use a different jar shape: A straight-sided mason jar, a lidded canister, or a wide apothecary jar all work well, as long as the opening is wide enough for your hand to reach in comfortably.

Match your bathroom finish: I like rose gold for a softer look, but brushed gold, white, black, or stainless carabiners can coordinate better with your faucets and mirror hardware.

Keep it easy to use: Don't overfill the carabiner. In my kitchen I'd call this the difference between storing and cramming; a little breathing room makes the organizer function much better day to day.

Add categories: If you use a lot of hair accessories, make a second jar for black elastics only, or one for kids' mini bands and another for standard adult-size ties.

Make it extra polished: Set the finished jar on a small tray with a comb or claw clip nearby so it looks intentional instead of like a loose bathroom extra.

Check the adhesive first: If your jar has heavily curved sides, test the hook placement before committing. A flatter area near the upper wall gives the strongest hold and keeps the carabiner from twisting.