Hair Fix Bobby Pin Basics

It’s high time for a bobby pins basic video here on the blog.

So many of my tutorials require pins and over the years I’ve gotten several requests for a basic bobby pin video. So today you won’t learn a new tutorial, but I hope you learn how to use bobby pins better!

Ever wonder what the difference is between a hair pin and a bobby pin?

A hair pin typically isn’t closed at any point in the structure. It’s a long “U” shape and used to hold hair in place just like bobby pins. Hair pins are good for soft styles that may not need a whole heck of a lot of hold. A master hair pin user, though, could probably get a hair pin to work as well as a bobby pin. They are more challenging to work with, but have their own specific purpose.

Bobby pins are a “U” shape that are clamped together in order to hold the hair more firmly. Typically one side has ridges and one side is flat. Always insert the bobby pin into your hair with the ridge side against your scalp as it will hold the section of hair being worked with much better. It will also look much more polished once you complete the style.

It’s important to note that there is huge difference in drug store versus professional pins.

Occasionally, when I had a bridal client, they would offer to provide bobby pins for me and I always kindly declined. Drug store, or non-professional grade, bobby pins simply don’t hold as well. They typically have a slick coating of plastic along the metal that allows the hair to slide into the pin more easily, but that also means the hair will slide out of the pin more easily as well.

If you even remotely enjoy styling your hair, do yourself a favor and invest in professional pins. Since they are stronger and tighter than the others, it’s very likely that they can be used more than just one time. It’s a worthwhile purchase that will only make your hairstyles better.

My favorite brand is Diane. Diane pins can be purchased at professional hair supply stores, and I’ve also seen them on amazon.

Learning to use bobby pins may take a bit of practice, but as soon as you figure out how to work them with your hair texture, it should make hair styling a lot easier.

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• Hairstyles