Have you ever asked yourself why some hairpins work while others don’t? It’s because hairpins and their designs differ! So, what is the best way to decide which one suits your style and hair?
From basic bobby pins to elegant pearl-adorned clips, this guide will help you understand the types of hairpins and when to use each.
1) Types of Gair pins
Every hairpin comes in various shapes, styles, and types. In this section, we will check out hairpins so you can select the best fit for you and your hair.
i) Classic Hair Pin Types
To start off, the first hairpin type we can look into is the most common and simple one. These classic styles are easy to use and great for keeping hair tidy daily.
➔ Bobby Pin
To begin, let us discuss bobby pins. Their shape is flat and small, with one straight edge and one wavy edge. The wavy side helps grip hair more effectively. Usually, bobby pins are metal and are coated with paint in colors that match hair, such as black, brown, or blonde.
A few may even come with a bonus of a plastic tip on them that helps not to scratch your scalp. As an example, bobby pins can be used to hold back stray hair, secure braids, or form a tidy bun. They work well with all types of hair and can be worn daily.
➔ U-Shaped Hair Pins
Moving on to focusing on U pins, commonly known as traditional hair pins. Just like bobby pins, U-shaped pins are more open and flexible but take the shape of the letter “U”. While U-shaped hair pins are predominantly crafted from metal, they can also be made from plastic or even wood for more formal or decorative styles.
As compared to bobby pins, these pins are less likely to pull hair, as they slide into it quite smoothly. Therefore, they are primarily used to support soft and airy buns or any sophisticated updos. So if your hairstyle requires a dash of elegance, U-shaped pins offer gentle support, making them an ideal choice.
ii) Decorative and Styling Hair Pins
Now you are familiar with the basic types, let’s discuss decorative and styling hair pins. These pins secure hair while making the hairstyle look cute and stylish. Most of them are colorful, shiny, or made into pretty shapes.
➔ Snap Clips
The small, flat hair snap clips are simple to use as they “snap” open and shut. Moreover, they are quite easy to use as one merely has to press one side to open it and press once more to close. Snap clips can be made from either metal or plastic and come in multiple colors, patterns, and even fun shapes, like hearts, stars, and animals.
Due to their ease of use, snap clips are mostly worn by children or used for informal hairstyles. They are great for getting hair out of the face and adding a touch of style to the look.
➔ Barrettes clip
These are hair clips that range from basic and small to large and elaborate, coming in numerous shapes and sizes. Often, barrettes are crafted from metal or plastic, sometimes adorned with beads, pearls, or stones.
Compared to snap clips, barrettes can hold a greater volume of hair and are usually used to secure hair at the back or to the side. They serve a dual purpose, both as beauty accessories and as functional tools for hair, making them ideal for everyday wear and special occasions.
➔ Banana Clip
Lastly, we have banana clips, which are long and curved in the shape of a banana, which is how they got their name. They are made of plastic and usually have small teeth on the inside to grip the hair.
Banana clips help achieve thicker and more voluminous ponytails. Therefore, if you want to give your hair more shape and lift, braid or twist it with banana clips. Users with medium to long hair will benefit most from these clips.
iii) Functional and Specialized Hair Pins
We have examined simple and decorative hairpins. Let us now discuss some task-oriented hairpins. They help you in quickly style your hair, securely holding it, or they help during professional hair treatment procedures.
➔ Spin Pin (Twist Pins)
First up are spin pins, which are also referred to as twist pins. These types of pins look like small metallic springs or spirals. You use them by twisting them into your hair, and they secure your bun without needing a hair tie!
They typically come in sets of two and are crafted from a metallic material. With a flick of your finger, a spin from the top, and another from the bottom, your bun will remain perfectly in place, neat. Due to the strong grip, these accessories are ideal when you need a bun that lasts all day.
➔ French Hair Forks and Sticks
Next up are pairs of hair sticks and forks. These items are more refined as well as longer in shape. These pins are more elegant and longer in shape. Hair sticks are smoother and straight, while forks have two or more prongs. All of them can be made from wood, plastic, or even metal.
These are different from other clips in that they are suitable for people with long hair who wish to create tidy twists or buns. They are comfortable and provide a delicate, yet classic form to the hair. Thus, they are very popular for elegant and formal hairstyles.
➔ Claw Clips
Another handy option is the claw clip. These clips are designed to curve around your head and have teeth that grip your hair firmly. They use a spring mechanism to open and close easily. Claw clips are made from plastic and come in various sizes and colors.
Due to their simple design, they work well for quick styles, whether you are at home or on the go. They have also recently become very fashionable and are worn casually and in a more formal style.
➔ Duckbill Hair Clips
At last, the name was derived from their shape as they are long and thin, which resembles a duck’s beak. They are often constructed with plastic or metal and are widely used in salons. Hairdressers utilize them to divide the hair into sections during cutting, blow-drying, or coloring.
While you won’t be wearing them in a finished hairstyle, capes are very useful during the styling process.
iv) Trendy and Fashion Hair Pins
These hairpins are stylish and fun all at once. They will add a twinkle to your look, ensure that you stand out, and shimmer to your style. Perfect for special occasions or for self-expression.
➔ Rhinestone or Pearl Hair Pin
These are embellished with small pearls or glittering stones that twinkle when light hits them. They are available in various forms such as clips, bobby pins, and even U-pins. However, what sets them apart is their beautiful shape.
They are usually made of metal and embellished with glass rhinestones, pearls, or even crystals. These pins are sparkling, which makes them ideal for weddings, parties, or fancy outings. If you wish to achieve an elegant or dressy look, then you should opt for pearl or rhinestone pins.
➔ Letter Hair Pins
The pins or clips are flat, and they can be arranged to form “LOVE,” “QUEEN,” or even your name! Their shape can be in the form of bobby pins, snap clips, or barrettes. All of which can be decorated with metal, rhinestones, pearls, or other bright colors.
They can be used to express your emotions, names, or fashion, which makes them very entertaining. In other words, they transform your hair into a playful display.
3) How to choose the Right hairpin?
3) How to choose the Right hairpin?
After learning about different forms of hairpins, you may be asking yourself, “Which one should I get?” Well, worry not and stress none! Picking the proper hairpin is simple once you consider the factors. Here we will discuss the factors on which you can choose the right one:
i) Based on Hair Type
To start with, consider your hairstyle.
- Light pins, such as snap clips and small barrettes, work best for those with thin or fine hair as they do not weigh hair down.
- Those with thick or curly hair will require stronger pins, such as spin pins and claw clips, that can hold slick back more hair without slipping, and therefore are larger in size.
ii) Based on Hairstyle
To continue, choose a pin that is appropriate for your hairstyle.
- For bun hairstyles, you can use U-shaped pins, spin pins, or even hair forks to keep everything tidy.
- Barrettes, snap clips, and decorative pins work well for half-up styles, too.
- For a ponytail, you can use banana clips and claw clips to give more volume and style.
iii) Based on the Occasion
Last but not least, think about the destination and where you are going.
- For everyday use or school, simple snap clips or bobby pins work best.
- For work or meetings, sharp-looking, neat barrettes or claw clips can smarten your look effectively.
- To add some sparkle to your hair for parties and weddings, use shiny hairpins embellished with rhinestones or pearls.
Conclusion
In short, Though hairpins are tiny, they can assist in styling and securing your hair. You can remain stylish and comfortable by selecting the right type that matches your hair and hairstyle, and the event you are attending. Whether you want to go for classic, decorative, or trendy pins, each style has something for everyone.
So go on, pick your favorite and have wonderful hair days!
