Apparatus, systems and methods related to hair ties. In a first illustrative embodiment, a securing apparatus, such as a hair tie, has a middle section formed as an elongated pliable member. At a first end, a fastener body is attached to the elongated pliable member. At a second end, two connection loops may be disposed. In use, the fastener body may be passed through one of the two connection loops to configure the pliable member as a relatively large loop. This relatively large loop may be tightened, by drawing the pliable member further through the loop, until it is drawn tight on material to be retained therein. The pliable member may then be wrapped around the retained material until secured with the fastener body adjacent the connection loops. The fastener body may then be passed through the second connection loop to be retained therein.