
Bobby pins first originated in the 1920s when a San Francisco cosmetics manufacturer Luis Marcus invented them. Since then they have become a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. They are suitable for hairs of all types and textures. Many people often find themselves buying these pins because they are quite easy to lose.
Now we all understand how important these little guys are. And something this important cannot be purchased randomly. So, we decided to do the research and rounded up the top-rated bobby pins available in 2022. Take a look!
What Is/Are the Top Bobby Pins in 2022?
Goody Slideproof Bobby Pins – Best Overall

- No sharp edges to cause scratches
- High goods finish protects them from damage
- Curved edge means more staying power
- May be too short
MetaGrip Bronze Premium Bobby Pins – Most Durable

- Bronze color blends with brown hair
- Feature a protective tip
- Non slip texture improves their grip
- Not available in black and blonde shades
Laicky Bobby Pins – Best Value

- Available in three different colors
- Boast high-quality metal and rubber construction
- Come neatly packed inside a box
- Brown color leans more towards red
Super Grip Brown Bobby Pins – Most Secure

- Comes inside a reusable container
- Offer a secure grip over your hair
- Don’t aggravate your scalp or hair
- Coating flakes off after some time
IKOCO Hair Pins – Best Shape

- Holds a lot of hair
- Ball ends ensure scalp safety
- Finished in a protective coating
- Might not be anti-slip
Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Next Bobby Pins
Types of Bobby Pins
If you’re confused about the different kinds of pins available, read on for a detailed list.
Regular pins
These are the most common types of bobby pins. We all love to use them because they can be used on any type of hair, whether it is sleek or wavy. You can use these to hold your hair in place, and also when you want to decorate it. They are useful for keeping the bangs and fringes away from your face, and also for tidying up the stray hairs from a bun. If you have a habit of playing with your hair, a few of these bobby pins are a must-have in your bag.
Jumbo pins
Like the name suggests, jumbo pins are the largest one of the lot. They play the savior for people with long, unmanageable manes. These pins can successfully hold thick and unruly hair. Plus, they are also great for holding your bun securely in place. Their wavy design provides a tighter grip that ensures that the unruliest of the hair becomes manageable and doesn’t move out of place.
Hair pins
You can instantly recognise this type with its signature U-shaped design. This giant wavy pin is appropriate for elaborate buns, updos, and twists. You can also use these to rock a messy bun effortlessly. They are especially great for bad hair days when your hair outright refuses to stay put. When this happens you can whip out a few of these to put your hair up. Even if you make a loose hairstyle, these pins will prevent your hair from falling out.
Mini pins
This variation of the infamous bobby pin was created for people with thin hair. A full-size bobby pin will appear obvious when your hair is thin or short. The smaller ones work more efficiently to keep the fringe from falling on your face. Some of these also feature a rubber padding to prevent them from slipping down your hair.
How To Make Bobby Pins Stay in Place
Bobby pins may have been the first hair accessory that you ever owned, but have you ever learned how to properly use one? Most of us have always slid them inside our hair hoping for the best. They may not come with an owners manual, but there are some tricks that will ensure this awesome hair accessory never slips off your head again. Below we have discussed some tips to make your bobby pins stay in your hair.
Spray the pins to improve their grip
You may already know about this hack because the video went viral and still makes rounds on the internet. People with fine hair and slippery strands have a tough time making their hairstyle and accessories stay in position for long. If you belong to this category, know that you’ll have to increase the grip on both your hair and the pin to make them stay. Take some volume powder, salt spray, or texture spray and apply some of it to both your hair and the pin. Regardless of what hairstyle you have now, the pins won’t slip out of place giving you a polished appearance.
Lock them in place
It is simple to understand why a bobby pin falls off your hair in the first place. You push it into an updo and the weight of the hair causes it to slowly slide back out again. Why won’t it stay put? Because you forgot to lock it in place. You can do so by inserting it from the opposite angle. Meaning instead of sliding it up, push it down through the bun. Now hook some hair, flip the bobby pin, and re-insert it at the correct angle to make it stay.
Cross them
The tried and tested hack of making your bobby pins stay is to cross them for more reinforcement. We understand that the locking technique is a bit difficult to make out on your own, so if you don’t mind your pins showing, the criss cross technique is a surefire way to make them stay. Take two bobby pins, slide the first pin into position, then slide the second one in the opposite direction so they cross in the middle and interlock like an X. You can use pins of different colors to make a statement.
Uses of Bobby Pins
The main purpose of a bobby pin is to hold your hair in place. You can use these to hold your part in place, for securing buns, and for other styles when you want to achieve a sleek look. It slides up straight into your hair, and holds your hair in a desired position by pushing against it. But did you know a simple bobby pin serves other purposes as well?
- They are great for keeping head coverings in place. You can slide them into hair accessories like headbands, bandanas, yarmulkes, graduation caps, and nursing caps to hold them in a secure position over your head.
- Some bobby pins come with jewels and decorations. You can use these to add an element of beauty to your hair.
- If you find yourself locked out with the keys inside, two bobby pins when straightened out can be used to pick a lock.
- You can use them as a makeshift clothespin to dry lightweight clothes.
Short on paperclips? Use a few bobby pins. - It is also possible to use a bobby pin as a bookmark to mark the page that you are reading.
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