We’ve all been there: you spend twenty minutes perfecting a hairstyle, secure it with a dozen bobby pins, and within an hour, they’re sliding out like a sundae in the sun, watching your hairstyle slowly melt away.
Stop the meltdown. If you want your hair to stay put without the metal showing, follow these four simple rules.
How to Use Bobby Pins
Most of us were never actually “taught” how to use a bobby pin—we just figured it out. But as it turns out, there is a right way or rather, more effective ways to use bobby pins. If you want your hair to stay put all day without a messy cluster of metal showing, follow these simple tips.
01. Don’t Open the Pin
This is the biggest mistake people make. When you use your teeth or fingers to pry the pin wide open, you lose the tension. Bobby pins are designed to pinch the hair. Instead, just tuck them in. Slide the pin directly into the hair without opening it. It will find its own path and maintain a much stronger grip on your style.
02. Wavy Side Up or Down?
This is a classic tip! Make sure the wavy side of the pin is down against your scalp. Those ridges are designed to catch and hold thin sections of hair.
03. Anchor Them In
Before sliding the pin in, catch a tiny bit of the hair that is against your scalp first, then push the pin through the rest of the section. This anchors the style to your head rather than just pinning the hair to itself.
04. Conceal for a Polished Look
Unless you’re going for a specific “exposed pin” trend, the goal is usually to hide the hardware. Instead of pinning across the hair on top where the metal is visible, try “weaving” it. Push the pin in the opposite direction of the hair you are trying to secure, then tuck it underneath the bulk of the hair so it’s completely hidden from view.
Bobby Pin Tips for Every Hair Type
Whether your hair is fine, thick, or short, the key is matching your technique to your texture. By adjusting your pin size or using simple tricks like the “X-anchor,” you can ensure your style stays secure and comfortable all day long.
For Thin Hair
The struggle: Pins slide out immediately because the hair is so smooth.
- The Pro Grip Tip: Lay your bobby pins out on a paper towel and give them a quick blast of dry shampoo or hairspray. Let them get a little tacky before you put them in your hair. This creates friction that helps lock the pin in place.
- The “X” Marks the Spot: If one pin won’t stay, slide a second pin across it to form an “X” shape. The point where they intersect creates a mechanical lock that fine hair can’t escape.
For Thick or Curly Hair
The struggle: Pins “pop” open or fly out because there is too much hair density.
- Section Smaller: The biggest mistake with thick hair is trying to fit too much into one pin. Use more pins, but take smaller bites of hair with each one.
- Use Jumbo Pins: Standard bobby pins aren’t always enough for heavy lifting. Invest in “Jumbo” or “Roller” pins, which are longer and thicker to hold more weight. These are especially helpful when styling wet hair!
For Very Short Hair
The struggle: Not enough length to “hide” the pin or keep the twist tight.
- Mini Pins: Standard 2-inch pins are often too long for short hair and will poke out the other side. Look for 1.5-inch “mini” pins for a much cleaner, more discreet finish.
Best Bobby Pin Organizers
We’ve all experienced the “disappearing bobby pin” phenomenon—you buy a pack of fifty, and somehow, a month later, you can only find two. To master the art of at-home hairstyling, you need your tools within reach.
Magnetic organizers have been my absolute favorite for styling over the years. They don’t just keep your vanity tidy; they make the process of grabbing a pin (without using your teeth!) seamless. Here are my top three picks:
1. Scünci Magnetic Quartz Pebble ($10) – It looks like a polished marble stone on your counter, but it’s actually magnetized. It’s pretty, compact, and holds just enough bobby pins for your daily styling needs.
2. Kitsch Magnetic Bobby Pin Tray ($12) – If you’re like me and tend to buy pins in bulk, you need a “home base.” This large magnetic tray from Kitsch is a lifesaver. It’s powerful enough to catch pins if you drop them nearby, keeping your collection from migrating into the depths of your bathroom drawers or onto the floor.
3. Magnetic “Slap” Bracelet ($10) – This is a game-changer for anyone who does intricate styles or twists. It’s a classic slap bracelet that fits most wrist sizes and features a strong magnetic plate. By keeping your pins on your wrist, you’ll never need to hold a bobby pin in your teeth ever again—which is better for your enamel and much more hygienic!
Grab some pins!
Don’t let a few runaway pins keep you from trying new looks. With the right grip and a simple “tuck,” you can master styles that actually stay put from morning until night. Grab a few pins, try that side twist, and see how much easier styling becomes when you aren’t fighting your tools. You’ve got this!
Leave a Reply