10 Best Hairstylist-Approved Bobby Pins For Every Hair Type (2024)
Create flattering, stylish hairdos with must-have hair-styling products and Bobby pins.
Alexandro VasquezHairdresser 
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He special... more
medha debIntegrated MA Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
medha debIntegrated MA Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
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Whether you want to do a basic hair updo or some stylish hairdos, one item that you will definitely need is a bunch of some best bobby pins. Bobby pins stay hidden in your hair, and besides their versatile use, they are the force that holds it all together. They are staples of all hairstyles and work efficiently on all hair types and textures. Much like hair ties, they always have a place in every drawer, every purse, and sometimes, in pockets too. But unfortunately, we also lose bobby pins like popping soap bubbles which require us to buy them all over again.
Now, something that is so important cannot be picked without a lot of consideration. So, our team has done the research and review and has finalized the 10 best bobby pins that are also trusted by stylists and will be loved by the hairstyle too! Take a look!
In This Article
10 Best Bobby Pins To Create Flattering Hairstyles In 2024
1. Best Coated Ball Tips:Diane Assorted Hair Pins
Diane offers 3 sizes of bobby pins for hair to help you create all kinds of hairstyles. Each hair pin is made of high-quality metal and features a spiral wave design. You can count on them to secure thick hair strands in place, and they don’t break as easily as their conventional counterparts, perfect for discreet styling. With coated ball tips, inserting and removing the pins is easy as pie and your scalp will be safe. Diane’s pack of 100 will come in handy when you require different-sized pins for a single hairdo. This hair accessory works well on all hair types, especially straight hair, and for any hairstyle. Reviewers on Amazon love the sturdiness and durability of the pins.
Pros
- Invisible hold
- Travel-friendly
- 3 different sizes
- Ideal for all hair types
- Coated ball tips
- Non-damaging
Cons
- The black coating might flake off
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 612 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
2. Best Protective Coating:IKOCO U-Shaped Hair Pins
IKOCO’s U-shaped bobby pins are all your hair needs to stay in place. Made of durable metal, these salon-quality pins are comfortable and not easy to break. With ball ends and a protective coating, the pin holds heavy hair securely without scratching your scalp. The coating of plastic ensures that there are no worries about sharp edges poking the scalp. Reviews on Amazon mention that the wavy shape of the pins holds the hair in place without losing the shape. Available in 3 colors, this set of curved bobby pins is a must-have when you’re creating your next hairstyle. You can fit them in sections of hair for a cute hairstyle. You can create any bobby pin hairstyle with these pins.
Pros
- Ball-ends safe for scalp
- Protective coating
- Available in 3 colors
- U-shape for secure hold
- Pack of 80
Cons
- Might not be anti-slip
Pro Tip3. Best Non-Damaging:Sta-Rite White Bobby Pins
Sta-Rite’s white long bobby pins are ideal for those with grey or silver hair or if you’re looking for a change. The double-coating keeps the paint from flaking off and as these pins are rubber-tipped, your hair stays safe from damage. With a good grip and extra-long length, you can style your hair in an elaborate way or keep it simple. This awesome hair accessory can create a striped design on dark hair color with its contrasting color. Reviewers on Amazon note that this pack of 60 is a must-have in your purse for when you are on-the-go and want to tame a frizzy mane. If you are wondering how to use these versatile pins, you can watch a basic bobby pin styling video to help you out.
Pros
- Double coated
- Rubber tips
- Non-damaging
- Good grip
- Easy to insert and remove
Cons
- Might not be able to hold thick hair
RememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 2,201 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
4. Best High-Strength Metal:MORGLES Gold Bobby Pins
MORGLES’ decorative bobby pins come in gold and are ideal for when you want to dress up your hair with an elegant touch. Made with a thick high-strength metal that doesn’t deform, these gold-plated bobby pins don’t fade in color. This classy pin design is versatile and can be used for bun hairstyles and beauty tricks like drawing winged eyeliner. Reviews on Amazon mention that the ball ends are comfortable when sliding into and out of hair with no damage to the scalp. With 120 pieces in a recyclable pack, the wavy design of each can be used for pinning back hair for a stylish look.
Pros
- Doesn’t deform
- Recyclable packaging
- Made with high-strength metal
- Wavy design keeps hair secured
- Non-fade
- Comfortable ball ends
Cons
- Some users might find that they are not long enough
5. Best Grip:Kleravitex Jumbo Roller Pins
No matter what hairstyle you’re trying next, let these flat bobby pins be your companion for effortless styling. Suited for all hair types, the flat-style pins have rubber tips that have superior gripping power and secure the hair in places without snagging or pulling. Reviewers on e-commerce websites love that these jumbo bobby pins will carry curly hair through voluminous and crazy updos without bending out of shape. This pack of 100 comes in a reusable box and is ideal for when you put on some Velcro rollers and want to relax!
Pros
- Reusable container
- Don’t snag hair
- Rubber tips
- Maintains shape
- Suitable for all hair types
- Secure grip
Cons
- Might not be resistant to rust
6. Best Soft Tips:Beauty Rageous Super Grip Bobby Pins
With a whopping 400 pieces in a reusable container, we’re sure you’ll never run out of hair pins in the middle of a styling session again! These black open bobby pins by Beauty Rageous are sturdy and have soft tips that don’t aggravate your scalp or hair as you insert them in or take them out. Not only do you get a comfortably tight grip, these bobby pins for buns do not lose shape over time as well. These curved edges allow for a strong grip on coarse, textured hair and stay invisible on darker hair shades.
Pros
- Secure grip
- Reusable tin container
- Sturdy material
- Non-aggravating on scalp or hair
- Maintain shape
- Soft tips
Cons
- The coating might flake off with time
7. Best For Special Occasions:TecUnite Rhinestone Hair Clips
Life is too short for the same old black bobby pins, right? If you agree, you’ve got to get your hands on these decorative bobby pins for hair! Smooth and sturdy metal pins lined with rhinestones on top, we’re sure all eyes will be on you when you do your hair with these sparkling clips. This set of 16 is durable and helps you pull off a classy look when used for high teas or cocktail nights, and enhances hairstyles. Look up some simple hair tutorials with decorative pins to wear for a special occasion.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Smooth metal surface
- Gives an elegant look
- Suitable for special occasions
- Provide a secure grip
Cons
- Might snagl out fine hair
8. Best For Thick And Curly Hair:Goody XXL Bobby Pins
All the thick-haired beauties can now rejoice as Goody’s brings to you, what is, perhaps the best bobby pins for thick hair! In a pack of 16, these hair pins provide all-day wear to keep voluminous and unruly tresses in place. If you’ve got curly hair, these are the perfect pins as they are sturdy yet sleek. A couple are enough to rock any hairstyle and no matter how much you use them, they retain their shape without snapping in half.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Sleek design
- Ideal for thick and curly hair
- Provides an all-day hold
- Retains shape
Cons
- The tip might be uncomfortable
9. Best Easy To Open: Heliums White Extra Long Wavy Bobby Pins
The Heliums White Extra Long Wavy Bobby Pins have metallic white surfaces that complement and blend in seamlessly with light blonde or platinum hair. Each bobby pin is 2.5 inches long that provides medium hold to thin or medium-thick hair. They are easy to use and open, and their rounded tips prevent them from falling down. The crimp design of the bobby pins secures your strands while preventing them from getting stretched. The crimped design secures the hair with a comfortable grip and you can wear any complex hairstyle with comfort.
Pros
- Long
- Easy to open
- Offers medium hold
- Rounded tips
- Ideal for light blonde or platinum hair
- Sturdy
- Lightweight
Cons
- The paint may come off
10. Best Non-Slip:ScivoKaval Bobby Pins
Made with stainless steel, ScivoKaval’s pack of 100 strong bobby pins will definitely come in handy when you’re styling your tresses. Stored in a plastic case for convenience, these regular bobby pins are double-coated for long-lasting color. The ball ends give a firm grip and prevent the pins from constantly sliding down. As there are no sharp ends, your hair doesn’t snag and the pins are rust-resistant. This secure accessory forms an excellent base for easy or complex hairdos, making them comfortable bobby pins for wigs as well. You can wear this curved design with comfort and not worry about hurting your scalp or pulling your hair.
Pros
- Reusable container
- Soft ball ends
- Firm grip
- Non-slip grip
- Non-snag
- Sturdy
Cons
- Some may find them to be small
Now that we’ve looked at some of the choicest bobby pins out there, let’s look at how you can choose the best ones for yourself.
What To Look For When Buying Bobby Pins
- Length
If you have long or thick hair, you should opt for bobby pins that are longer in length. While a 2-inch long pin will be able to style fine or short hair, it’s probably not ideal for voluminous or curly hair types.
- Pattern
Bobby pins are available in 2 types of patterns: plain and jagged. Plain bobby pins are the best for a sleek, minimal, or an everyday look. On the other hand, jagged ones offer that extra grip that holds thick, long, and voluminous hair in place for various hairstyles.
- Color
You can use bobby pins to tuck away some annoying strands or they can also be used as a statement accessory. When you want to smooth stray hairs, choosing a bobby pin in the color that matches your hair would be ideal, as it forms a hidden design. However, if you want something dramatic, a metallic finish like gold or silver or those lined with rhinestones can elevate your look.
After you’ve bagged your favorite set of bobby pins, it’s time to learn how to use them for different hair types.
How To Use Bobby Pins For Every Hair Type
- If you have short or thin hair, slide in 2 standard bobby pins of choice on both of your fringes. This streamlined look not only holds the hair in place but is ideal for those on the hunt for a minimal or sleek look.
- A half-up, half-down hairstyle is timeless and you can use bobby pins to achieve that. Simply grab a tiny portion of your hair between two fingers on both sides and pull them back. At the back of your head, secure them in place with your favorite pins. Thick hair can be managed with a bunch of U-shaped pins.
- For thick or voluminous hair, you can create a chic look by slicking back one side of your hair and keeping it put by using a couple of bobby pins. For some flair, you can even criss-cross them or try out creative patterns!
- You can also add bobby pins as accents when your hair is used for securing braids or a ponytail. Simply scatter them in irregular places for a style statement or bunch them up near the hairline.
Hairdresser, Alexandro Vasquez, comments, “Hairdressers always need a pin near by and you never know when you are going to need them! This is a better be safe than sorry case. Also, a good tool to help you to make that glamorous blowdry with curls for a long lasting effect.”
Infographic: Tips To Store And Organize Your Bobby Pins
You may find a lot of bobby pins lying around your home. After all, they are small and easy to lose. This can be annoying and stressful, especially if you are in a rush to get dressed. Therefore, it is essential to keep your bobby pins organized and accessible to save time and effort. Check out the infographic below for tips.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Bobby pins are the real savers when it comes to taming our unruly locks! Some bobby pins secure thick hair strands in place without breaking them. You can try the Diane Assorted Hair Pins for its waved spiral design that looks sleek, the Beauty Rageous Super Grip Bobby Pins for its rounded soft tips that doesn’t hurt your scalp, or the Heliums White Extra Long Wavy Bobby Pins for its wavy crimp-like design that is most suitable for light blonde and platinum hair colors. Some of these products come in a pack of many, which makes it easier for us to use them even if we lose some pins. However, many brands understand that different hairdos require differently-sized pins! To make a fantastic hairstyle, you can easily get bobby pins that are not only safe for your scalp but also do not tend to slip out of your hair, no matter how thick your locks are. However, make sure that the bobby pins you are using have been tested for high-strength metal and that the color of the pins do not tend to fade away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bobby pins damage hair?
When used correctly, bobby pins won’t damage hair. If the pins you use are too tight, they might cause hair breakage due to the traction and might also irritate the scalp. Always ensure you open a pin widely before sliding into hair.
Do bobby pins cause hair loss?
If you use bobby pins with sharp metal ends, you might face some hair loss. This is because of the traction which can remove hair from the root.
Do bobby pins cause hair breakage?
When bobby pins are criss-crossed for a firmer grip, they can break hair when being inserted or removed. Pins that lose the protective plastic ends must not be used as they can scrape the scalp.
Do bobby pins cause split ends?
Not necessarily, as split ends are often caused due to hair damage resulting from heat or chemicals.
Are bobby pins and Kirby grips the same?
Kirby grips and bobby pins are one and the same but are referred differently in different countries. In the UK they are referred to as Kirby grips and in the USA they are called bobby pins.
What is the difference between a hairpin and a bobby pin?
Hair pins and bobby pings help hold the hair in place. The key difference is that hairpins are big, elongated, and “V” shaped, whereas bobby pins are smaller and bumpy on one side.
How do you secure bobby pins in your hair?
The easiest way to keep your bobby pin in place is to not wide open the pins. Instead, use the given opening to catch enough pieces of hair that fills the gap – that’s how the pin is secured.
What side of a bobby pin faces up?
Bobby can be used either way. If the smooth textured side of the pin is placed downwards, it might slip a bit but will smoothly tuck your hair. If the wavy edges of the pin are placed downwards it will hold the hair effectively but can make your hair slightly crisscrossed.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Medha Deb is a makeup enthusiast passionate about trying products that make hairstyling easy and fun. After analyzing the user feedback of several products available in the market, Sneha has handpicked some of the best-selling products and curated a list of the best bobby pins. These pins are sturdy, secure, do not damage the hair, and are comfortable to wear.
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