10 Genius Ways To Wear Bobby Pins In 2023

Ever wondered what the most popular hair tool in the world is? We’ll give you a hint: You’ve had them in your beauty drawer for years, and you’ve probably misplaced a few dozen of them in your lifetime. If you guessed bobby pins, you’re correct! Although the tiny accessory is often overlooked, they’re the most versatile (and practical) way to accessorize your look. If you’ve only ever used them to hold back your bangs or tame flyaway strands, you might not be getting the most out of them.

If you’re looking to make bobby pins a part of your styling routine, you’ve come to the right place! From August 10 to August 16, you can get our exclusive Hair.com Bobby Pin Set as part of the 4-Piece Styling Gift with any $65 purchase using code SUMMERSTYLE. The gift also includes deluxe sample sizes of Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Blow Dry Primer, Redken Guts 10 Hairspray, and L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray.

Searching for the best ways to wear bobby pins in 2020? Cassi Pinder, L'Oréal Professionnel artist, shares a few of her favorite bobby pin hacks and hairstyle ideas that make using them easier (and more fun) than ever before. Whether you’re looking to enhance your updo or add a bit of flair to your ponytail, read on to find out how to make bobby pins work for every hair type and length.

What is the difference between bobby pins and hairpins?

Bobby pins and hairpins are both useful styling tools, but there are a few key differences between the two. Bobby pins are pressed together tighter, with one side being ridged for added grip. Bobby pins are typically added to hair after styling to add extra security and tame any flyaway strands. Hairpins, on the other hand, are typically a U-shaped tool that is more open and used to keep hairstyles like buns and updos in place.

Are bobby pins bad for hair?

While bobby pins aren’t necessarily bad for your hair, the tiny styling tools can get tangled in your strands easily, which may lead to breakage or knotting. That’s why if you’re planning to use bobby pins when you style your hair, we recommend being as gentle as possible while removing them.

Tips For Styling Hair With Bobby Pins

Create a flat surface.

Want to make sure your bobby pins stay put throughout the day? Here’s an easy trick you can try, courtesy of Pinder. Using the hand you aren’t inserting the bobby pins with, apply pressure to keep the surface of your hair as flat as possible.

“The flatter and more dense the surface, the tighter the bobby pins get in there and the less likeliness you have for them to pop up or spread away from the hair,” Pinder says.

Insert them the right way.

Even if you’ve been using bobby pins for years, you may be surprised to learn that there’s a right and wrong way to use them. Since the flat side of the bobby pin is sleek, insert your bobby pins with the wavy side against your scalp to get the best hold possible.

Let your hair completely dry before using them.

As much as we love bobby pins, we can do without those awkward bumps and creases that appear after you remove them. To prevent this, be sure that your strands are completely dry before inserting them.

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Use products for added grip.

Fine-haired ladies, we know the struggle of getting any hair accessory to stay put—and bobby pins are no exception. If you’re struggling to keep your bobby pins in place, we recommend applying a few spritzes of hairspray like L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Infinium 4 High-Hold Hairspray on the inside of the bobby pin before using it to give your bobby pin extra grip and ensure your style lasts all night long. You can also use a dry shampoo like L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Morning After Dust Dry Shampoo to give your strands some grit.

Upgrade your ponytail.

Feel like switching it up from your regular ponytail? Use a few bobby pins to create a wrapped ponytail look. Once you’ve secured the pony, take a one-inch section of hair and wrap it around the base, completely covering the hair tie. Insert a bobby pin into the base of the ponytail to secure the look.

Pin your curls up to make them last.

Struggling to keep your ringlets from falling flat? This bobby pin trick works like a charm. As you finish curling each section of your hair, simply roll the curl back up and pin it to your head. Once you’ve pinned all of the sections, wait for your hair to completely cool down and remove the bobby pins. This will allow your curls to set and keeps them from falling out as you style.

Looking to get creative with bobby pins? Keep scrolling for 10 of our favorite ways to wear them.

The Best Hairstyles With Bobby Pins To Try Now

Geometric Accent

Looking to upgrade your accent braid? Give this triangle bobby pin design a try. While it might look like you put a lot of effort into your hairstyle, it only takes minutes to achieve.

“Whether you’re going out or going to your workplace, it’s very clean-looking,” Pinder says.

Begin by crafting a three-strand braid along the front of your hairline. Slide a bobby pin horizontally through the end of the braid to hold it in place. Then, secure two bobby pins at an upward angle to create the shape of a triangle.

#BeachWaves

Searching for a look that’s #hairgoals? This bobby pin design paired with beach waves is worthy of your next Instagram selfie. If you don’t have a hashtag-shaped hair clip, you can create one using four bobby pins.

To create this look, simply insert two bobby pins next to each other horizontally at the front of your hairline. Once those are in place, slide two more through the center of the bobby pins already placed in the hair. Complete your look with a few spritzes of hairspray like Redken Wind Blown 05 Dry Finishing Texturizing Spray.

Embellished Middle Part

According to Pinder, you can pull your strands off your face and give your look a stylish twist by adding a few bobby pins to your ‘do.

“The three bobby pins on each side is a nice way to hold your hair back...If you have bangs that you’re growing out or just want to add some style or accentuate a certain color from your outfit, you can use bobby pins,” Pinder says.

To create this look, hold your hair flat and secure three bobby pins parallel to each other on each side of your head.

Photo Credit: @bliss312.

Messy Bun

Messy buns have a reputation for being basic—but they don’t have to be! Add a few bobby pins to the mix to give your look a bit of panache. Complete your look with a few spritzes of light-hold hairspray like Pureology Style + Protect Soft Finish Hairspray.

Photo Credit: @emily.alders.

Half-Updo

Looking to enhance your half-up hairstyle? Swap out your traditional hair tie and lock in your look by using bobby pins to create a triangle design. Start by taking two even sections of hair from each side of your head and crossing them over each other at the back of your head. Take two bobby pins and slide them in horizontally over the crossed section.

Then, take two more bobby pins and place them diagonally facing upward to hold the right side in place. Repeat this step on the left side to complete the triangle.

Photo Credit: @ruthroche.

Half-Up Twist

To begin, take a two-inch section of hair from the middle of your head. Backcomb for volume and secure it at the top of your head with a few bobby pins. Then, take two-inch sections of hair from each side of your head. Working with one section at a time, twist the entire segment until you reach your ends. Repeat this step on the other side. Bring both sections of hair to the back of your head and secure the look with a few bobby pins and a splash of hairspray.

Photo Credit: @yd.beauty_.

Slicked Back

Instead of concealing your bobby pins, let them be the star of the show. We love the look of slicked back, textured hair with bobby pins as an accent.

High And Tight

Looking for a fun way to accessorize your party pony? Once the style is secured, place a few stylish gold bobby pins on each side of the ponytail.

Bedazzled Bobby Pin Fan

If you’re a girl who loves sparkles, this one’s for you. Pick up rhinestone bobby pins and use them to create a fan-like shape for a look that’s seriously eye-catching.

Clustered Bobby Pins

The best bobby pin hairstyles aren’t uniform at all. Case in point: This deep side part with clustered bobby pins. Use a humidity-resistant hairspray like Mizani HRM Humidity Resistant Mist to keep flyaways at bay.

Looking for more expert tips and tricks? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.