I tought the current in style was don't fight your NATURAL STYLE. So, if your hair is naturally curly (Not just small waves, if it takes one hour to straighten your hair, then you've got curly hair...), work with that, if its straight with that too. When you fight your hair, it damages them in the long run, so you end up with no so great hair.
Scrunchies, Yeah, 80's, but I use them once in awhile. I'm not a victim to fashion, if something looks good on you, use it.