What is a French hair pin, and how do you use it?
A French hair pin is a U-shaped pin: two straight prongs joined by a rounded bend, used to hold twists, buns and updos. A bobby pin clamps hair between two flat arms. A French pin slides into a twist or fold of hair and holds by the shape of the U and by friction. To use one, gather your hair into a twist or bun, slide the pin across the fold so both prongs pass through the hair, and adjust the angle until it feels firm.
What it looks like
A French pin, also called a U-pin or a hairpin, is a single piece of wire bent into a U. Longer pins are great for buns and French twists with plenty of hair. Shorter pins work for small sections and tucking in ends. Some are plain metal, some are coated or textured for more grip, and some are purely decorative.
French pin, bobby pin, hair stick, claw clip
- Bobby pin. Flat and sprung. Good for flyaways, pinning back sections and short jobs.
- French pin (U-pin). Slides into a twist or bun. Good for buns, twists and updos, and it sits flatter to the head than a clip.
- Hair stick. One long rod. Holds a bun by being pushed through it. It takes a few tries to get the hang of.
- Claw clip. Quick and easy for a casual style, but bulkier. A French pin gives a flatter, more controlled hold.
How to use a French pin
- Prep the hair. If your hair is very fine and freshly washed, add a little texturizing spray or dry shampoo so the pin has something to hold on to.
- Make the shape. Twist the hair into a coil and fold it up against your head, or gather it into a bun.
- Place the pin. Hold the shape with one hand. With the other, slide the pin across the fold so both prongs pass through the hair, with the tips following the line of the scalp.
- Check and add. Give your head a gentle shake. If you need more hold, add a second or third pin from a different direction.
A French twist is the classic example. One buyer on Amazon wrote that she used “a couple of long ones and a small one to put up my hair for a french twist style, within less than a minute” (Eduardo M., 5-star review, Brown (Verified Purchase on Amazon)).
Where Frenchies Hairpins fit
Frenchies are French pins with a soft velvet coating, in large and small sizes and five shades (grey, black, blonde, brown and red). The coating is there to add grip. Here's how we put it 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
Stylists have mentioned them in print:
“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
Honest limits
- It takes a try or two. Even a great pin needs a little technique. One buyer wrote that she “watched a youtube video on the updo” and the pins fell out at home, and that coated pins then stayed for her (customer review on frenchieshairpins.com).
- Hair length. French pins need enough hair to twist or fold, so roughly shoulder length or longer. For shorter styles, small pins or bobby pins are usually easier.
- Results vary. Hair type, style and technique change how any pin holds.
Ready to take a look? Here are Frenchies Velvet Hairpins.
Related questions
- French hair pins that actually stay in
- Are velvet-coated hair pins better than metal ones?
- Hair pins that don’t hurt your scalp
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a French hair pin and a bobby pin?
A bobby pin is flat and sprung and clamps hair between two arms; it is best for flyaways, sections and short jobs. A French pin is a U-shaped pin that slides into a twist or bun and holds the shape of the style. Many people use both.
Is a French hair pin the same as a hairpin?
People use the words loosely. In this context a French hair pin, also called a U-pin, is the U-shaped kind used for buns and twists, as opposed to a bobby pin or a decorative hair stick.
Can a French pin replace a claw clip for thick hair?
They do different jobs. A claw clip is quicker; a French pin gives a flatter, more controlled hold. With thick hair, the usual way to get a clip-like result is to use a large pin or two pins together.
Can I use French hair pins on short hair?
French pins need enough hair to twist or fold around them, roughly shoulder length or longer. For shorter styles, small pins or bobby pins are usually easier.