What hair pins do professional hairstylists recommend?
There's no single pin that every hairstylist uses. Most pros carry a mix of pin types and choose by the hair and the job. What we can share are the words of stylists and beauty writers who have mentioned Frenchies Hairpins, our velvet-coated U-shaped pins, in six articles in British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar UK, Stylist and The Tease. We quote them word for word below. The common thread is grip.
How pros tend to choose pins
- Grip over force. Pros work with hair that has product in it, hair that's freshly washed, and hair that just won't stay. A pin that holds by friction is easier to work with than one that has to be squeezed in.
- Shade. On set and at weddings, the pin should disappear on camera.
- Speed and count. A pin that holds a twist in one move means fewer pins and less time in the chair.
- Volume. Stylists go through a lot of pins, so bigger packs matter.
What stylists have said about Frenchies
These are individual stylists and writers sharing their own experience, quoted from published articles. It's not a survey or a ranking.
“I also love Frenchies, which come in all different hair shades, including grey, black, blonde, brown and red, because they don’t move.”
Halley Brisker, hairstylist, in “The Sculptural Bun Is The Chicest Summer Hair Look,” by Hannah Coates, British Vogue
“securing with Frenchies velvet hair pins; these [U-shaped pins] are a game changer in keeping an up-do in place all night without using a thousand pins.”
Christian Wood, celebrity hairstylist, in “This undone ’90s up-do is the ultimate party season hairstyle,” by Katie Withington, Harper’s Bazaar UK
“My favourite brand is Frenchies. Using just two or three of these pins will give you the most secure bun of your life.”
Christian Wood, celebrity hairstylist, in “How to do a slicked back balletcore bun,” by Chloe Burcham, Stylist
“my favorite black velvet frenchies for hair security”
Sophie Rose Gutterman, hairstylist, on recreating Malika Andrews’ bridal curls, The Tease
“secured to the head with Frenchies Velvet Hair Pins”
Bridget March on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Cannes hair, Harper’s Bazaar UK
“securing with Frenchies Brown Velvet hairpins for a comfortable way to hold the hair in place”
Medina Azaldin, on recreating the Princess of Wales’ half-updo, Harper’s Bazaar UK
You'll find all six articles, with links, on our press page, along with what professional ballet dancers have said about Frenchies.
A customer who is a celebrity hairstylist also wrote this in a review on frenchieshairpins.com:
“They are flocked so they hold the hair perfectly and are virtually undetectable to the eye (or digital camera)”
Customer review on frenchieshairpins.com (the reviewer is a celebrity hairstylist)
More stylists using Frenchies in our Instagram highlights: Hair stylists, more stylists and hair educators.
Where Frenchies Hairpins fit
Frenchies are U-shaped French pins with a soft velvet coating, in five shades (grey, black, blonde, brown and red) and large and small sizes. ProPack sets hold a larger number of pins and are made with professionals in mind. Here's how we describe the hold on our About page:
“The velvet-soft finish grips hair through micro-friction instead of tension — meaning the pin stays exactly where you put it, without squeezing, scratching, or slipping.”
From the Frenchies Hairpins About page
Honest limits
- We haven't asked every stylist. The quotes above are the ones that have been published. Other stylists prefer other pins, and a good stylist picks whatever suits the hair in front of them.
- Price. Frenchies cost more per pin than basic metal pins.
- Match and hair type. Color match varies, and very fine hair may need a little prep.
Buying for a salon, studio or boutique? Take a look at Frenchies ProPack or our wholesale page on Faire.
Related questions
- Best hair pins for a bridal updo
- Best hair pins for a ballet bun
- French hair pins that actually stay in
Frequently asked questions
Which hair pins do hairstylists use?
It varies by stylist, by hair type and by the job. Many keep several pin types in their kit, such as bobby pins and U-shaped pins, and choose per client. Several stylists have named Frenchies in print; their quotes, with links, are on this page.
Are Frenchies used by professional hairstylists?
Stylists have named them in published articles, including Halley Brisker in British Vogue, Christian Wood in Stylist and Sophie Rose Gutterman in The Tease. These are individual opinions, not a survey of the profession.
Where can salons and stylists buy Frenchies in bulk?
Frenchies ProPack sets hold a larger number of pins per pack and are made with professionals in mind. They are available on frenchieshairpins.com, and wholesale accounts can order through Faire.