The Best Bobby Pins
From pinning back fly-aways, securing buns, and saving your butt when you get locked out, bobby pins are truly an essential accessory. As much of a staple as they are, bobby pins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. And while we can't tell you where lost pins end up every week (that will forever remain a mystery), we can point you in the direction of some awesome options to help you restock. Read on to discover a list of the best bobby pins we could find.
Goody Ouchless Bobby Pin
The Classic Choice
These bobby pins by Goody are an absolute must-have. They have wider openings and curved ends to ensure comfort and ease when securing those annoying stray hairs. Each pack comes with 48 bobby pins, and you can choose to purchase a pack of one or a pack of three. They’re designed to be durable, pain-free, and are perfect for all hair types — even those blessed with gorgeous, thick locks. We’d recommend these for anyone looking for pins that are functional and easy to use.
Pros:
- Made of carbon steel for durability
- Choice of black or brown
Cons:
- They are shiny rather than matte, which may stand out more when in your hair
Beauty Rageous Super Grip Bobby Pins
They're Not Goin' Anywhere
Need some extra hold? These can handle it all. They have a traditional design of one flat side and one wavy side with rounded edges to prevent any discomfort. And if you’re like the rest of us and start to lose these little guys as soon as you get them, have no fear. You’ll receive a pack of 400 bobby pins that come in their very own storage container. Put your faith in Beauty Rageous’s pins — they’ll hold on tight to even the most elaborate updo.
Pros:
- Comes with a reusable tin for storage
- Great value for the cost
- Offers all-day hold
Cons:
- These only come in black
Hawwwy Spiral Bobby Pins
The Reinvented Bobby Pin
Spiral bobby pins are not only super cute, but they are actually really useful. Best for curly hair, 2 spiral bobby pins can easily do the work of 20. Also known as spin pins, these prevent the need of being pried and held open like traditional bobby pins. All you need to do is style your hair as usual, then twist the pin in like a screw where you would normally put a bobby pin. These reinvented bobby pins are a real game-changer.
Pros:
- Easy to insert and remove
- Choice of black, brown, or gold
- There’s an option to purchase a container
Cons:
- These are better for buns and other hairstyles where the spiral can be hidden
- They are a bit shorter than expected but still get the job done
Jocelyn-L Colorful Bobby Pins
Fun & Functional
Looking to add a pop of color to your everyday hairstyle? These beauties by Jocelyn-L are perfect for kids and kids at heart. You’ll receive 200 bobby pins in bright, assorted colors like pink, yellow, and blue. The pins are made from high-quality metal and won’t rust or fade very easily. Plus, they come in a nifty, clear box for storage. These multi-colored bobby pins are sure to add a little fun to your day.
Pros:
- Vibrant, non-fading colors
- Made from durable materials
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- They do not have round edges, so be careful when placing them in your hair
- We wish they included basic colors like black and white
Lizzie Kay Decorative Bobby Pins
For a Dazzling Hairdo
Simply gorgeous in design, this set offers 5 different bobby pins with unique embellishments. We love that you can choose between gold and silver as the base pin color. Although modestly priced, the quality of the crystals is surprisingly impressive and the designs are quite stylish. The pins themselves are durable and have a sturdy hold for all-day wear. We recommend these pins for those who love to stand out.
Pros:
- Choice of silver or gold
- Beautiful designs for special occasions
Cons:
- They are a bit larger than expected
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called bobby pins anyway?
Bobby pins were created in the 1800s by Luis Marcus, a San Francisco cosmetic manufacturer. Being the flapper era, most women wore their hair in a short style or a “bob”, which Luis Marcus then named the bobby pins after.
Are bobby pins recyclable?
Yes, defintely. Bobby pins are mainly metal with a little plastic, they are perfectly fine to be recycled and it is recommended to do so.
Are there any useful tips to make bobby pins stay in my hair better?
Absolutely. One great tip to help bobby pins keep your hair in place is to use them in a criss-cross shape over the area you need better hold (plus, it’s just a really cute design). You should also be sure that you are placing them properly in your hair.
Although highly debated, we find the best way to use a bobby pin is with the wavy side facing down against your scalp. Another great tip is to not give too much hair for your pin to hold. If your bobby pin is holding too much hair, then the hair forces the pin over and pushes the hair out. And finally, it goes without saying that you should choose a bobby pin color that matches your hair in order for it to blend in.
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