How to Use a Hair Pin According to Hairstylist
Published: 1 May 2025
Tired of your hairstyle falling apart? Hair pins are here to save the day! These tiny but mighty tools keep your hair in place, whether you’re rocking a sleek bun, a fancy braid, or just taming those annoying flyaway.
Ever struggled with loose hair that just won’t stay put? Hair pins can help! They’re simple to use once you know the right tricks, and they work for all hair types short, long, thick, or thin.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use a hair pin the right way so you can say goodbye to messy hair for good! Let’s get started.
Types of Hair Pins
Not all hair pins are the same! Some hold better, some look prettier, and some work best for certain styles. Let’s break down the most common types so you can pick the right one for your hair.
Bobby Pins
These are the classic hair pins you’ve probably seen before. They have a flat side and a wavy side that grips your hair tightly. Bobby pins are great for holding small sections or securing updos without slipping.
- Best for: Fine to medium hair, half-up styles, tucking away flyaways
- Pro tip: Insert with the wavy side down and it holds better!
U-Shaped Pins
These pins look like little “U”s and are super strong. They’re perfect for thick hair or heavy styles like buns and braids because they lock hair in place without bending.
- Best for: Thick hair, updos, securing buns
- Pro tip: Criss Cross two pins for extra hold
Decorative Pins
Want to add some sparkle? Decorative pins come in fun shapes like flowers, pearls, or rhinestones. They’re cute but don’t hold as well, so use them for light styling or as finishing touches.
- Best for: Special occasions, accent pieces over simple hairstyles
- Pro tip: Pair them with bobby pins so your style stays put
How to Insert a Hair Pin Correctly (Step-by-step)
Using hair pins might seem simple, but there’s a trick to making them actually hold your hair all day. The secret? It’s all about how you place them. Let me walk you through it so your hairstyle stays put.
Step 1: Hold It Properly
Most people don’t realize bobby pins have a right way up! The wavy side should always face downward toward your scalp. This gives it way more grip so it doesn’t slide out.
- Wavy side = down (against your head)
- Flat side = up (visible part)
Step 2: Slide It In Smoothly
Don’t just stab it in! Gently open the pin slightly, then slide it into your hair in the direction you want it to hold. Think of it like sewing – you want to follow the “grain” of your hairstyle.
- For updos: Point toward the center of the bun
- For flyaways: Slide flat against your head
Step 3: Lock It In Place
Once the pin is where you want it, push it in just until it feels snug. You shouldn’t feel any pulling on your scalp. If it hurts, you’ve pushed too hard!
- Pro tip: Spray a little hairspray on the pin first for extra hold
- If it won’t stay, try crisscrossing two pins
See? It’s easy once you know these little tricks. Your pins will actually work now instead of just dangling there!
3 Smart Ways to Use Hair Pins Like a Pro
Hairpins are tiny magic wands for your hair – they can fix almost any hairstyle problem when you know how to use them right. Let me show you the three most useful tricks that’ll change your hair game.
1. Locking Down Buns & Updos
That messy bun that keeps falling apart? Solved. The trick is to cross your pins instead of putting them all the same direction. This creates a little net that holds everything tight.
- For sock buns: Use 4 pins in an X-shape
- For French twists: Slide pins vertically
- Pro tip: Hide pins under a layer of hair for invisible hold
2. Silencing Annoying Flyaways
Those little baby hairs that stick up after you put your hair up? Tame them by gently pressing them down with a bobby pin, then hiding it under your top layer of hair.
- Spray flyaways with hairspray first
- Use mini bobby pins for tiny hairs
- Works great for polished ponytails
3. Creating Instant Half-Up Styles
Want that cute half-up look in seconds? Just gather a section at your crown, twist it back, and secure it with 2 crossed pins. So easy!
- Great for second-day hair
- Add volume by gently pulling the twist looser
- Dress it up with a decorative pin
See? With just a few pins, you can fix almost any hair emergency.
Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there – you think you’ve pinned your hair perfectly, only to find loose strands everywhere an hour later. Don’t worry, these mistakes are super easy to fix once you know what to look for!
Being Too Shy With Pins
That single bobby pin holding your entire bun? Yeah, that’s not gonna work. More hair needs more support!
- For medium buns: Use at least 4-6 pins
- For thick hair: Space pins every 1-2 inches
- Pro tip: It’s better to use extra pins than have your style fall apart
Putting Pins In Upside Down
Remember – the wavy side goes down! When pins are backwards, they just don’t grip as well.
- Test it: A properly placed pin should feel secure when you gently tug
- If pins keep sliding out, flip them!
- Bonus: Right-side-up pins are easier to hide
Leaving Pins Exposed
Visible pins can make even the prettiest hairstyle look messy. Take an extra second to tuck them under a top layer of hair.
- For updos: Slide pins in horizontally under the style
- For half-up looks: Insert pins vertically along your part
- Quick fix: Use pins that match your hair color
The good news? Now that you know these tricks, your pinned styles will last all day.
FAQs
1. How to pin up hair for beginners?
Start with clean, dry hair and gather it where you want it secured. Insert pins wavy-side down, pushing gently until snug. For better hold, crisscross pins instead of placing them parallel.
2. How to use a hair claw pin?
Twist your hair into a bun or ponytail first. Open the claw, place it over your hair, then snap it shut. Position the wider side against your head for better grip.
3. What is the purpose of a hair pin?
Hair pins help secure hairstyles in place. They tame flyaways, hold updos, and keep braids neat. Different types work best for specific styles and hair textures.
4. How do you use a hair pin as a lock pick?
Note: We don’t recommend this! Hair pins aren’t designed for lock picking and may damage locks. Always use proper tools instead of hair accessories.
5. Why do my bobby pins keep falling out?
You might be using too few pins or inserting them wrong. Make sure the wavy side faces your scalp. For heavy styles, try crossing pins for extra security.
6. Can I reuse bent hair pins?
Yes, but bent pins lose their grip over time. Gently straighten them with pliers if needed. Replace any pins that won’t stay closed properly.
Conclusion
Now you know how to use a hair pin like a pro! Whether you’re securing a bun, taming flyaways, or creating a cute half-up style, these simple tricks make all the difference. Remember: wavy side down, crisscross for hold, and always hide pins under your top layers for a polished look.
Ready to put these tips to work? Grab some hair pins and practice at home you’ll be amazed how quickly you improve! Which hairstyle will you try first with your new pin skills? Share your favorites in the comments!
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
