How Many Hair Pins Do You Need?

How Many Hair Pins Do You Need? The Definitive Guide

One of the most common questions we get at Frenchies: "How many pins do I actually need to order?" The answer depends on three things: your hair thickness, the hairstyle you want to create, and how often you wear your hair up.

This guide breaks it down hairstyle by hairstyle, hair type by hair type, so you can order the right amount the first time.

Quick Reference Chart

Hairstyle Fine Hair Medium Hair Thick Hair
Classic Low Bun 4–6 pins 6–8 pins 8–12 pins
Ballet / Ballerina Bun 6–8 pins 8–12 pins 12–15 pins
French Twist 5–7 pins 7–10 pins 10–15 pins
Full Bridal Updo 10–15 pins 15–20 pins 20–25 pins
Half-Up Hairstyle 2–4 pins 4–6 pins 6–8 pins
Chignon 4–6 pins 6‐8 pins 8–12 pins
Messy Bun 3–5 pins 5‐8 pins 8–12 pins

By Hairstyle

The Classic Low Bun (6–10 pins)

Gather hair into a low ponytail, twist, and coil around the base. Anchor with pins pointing inward — start with four (N, S, E, W), then add pins wherever the coil feels loose. Large pins work best for medium to thick hair; small pins for fine or slippery hair.

The Ballerina Bun (10–15 pins)

Higher, tighter, more structural. Needs pins all the way around the base to hold against gravity. Large pins for the outer ring; small pins for tucking in flyaways near the crown.

The French Twist (8–12 pins)

Classic, elegant, and the hairstyle Frenchies were literally built for. The twist itself needs 6–8 pins running vertically up the seam; add 2–4 more to secure the top and bottom.

The Bridal Updo (15–25 pins)

The most pin-intensive style. Bridal updos typically involve a base structure plus decorative elements (twists, braids, curls pinned in). Brides should plan for 15–20 pins minimum and 25+ for thick hair or a highly structured look. Many stylists order a Large Pro Pack for bridal season.

The Half-Up (2–6 pins)

Lightest pin load of any style. 2–4 pins anchor a half-up twist for fine to medium hair; 6 or so for thick hair that wants to pull down.

By Hair Type

Fine / Thin Hair

Use small 2" pins for most work — the smaller scale holds better in less hair. If pins still slip, backcomb lightly at the base, apply dry shampoo, or use one of our charm-finished pins for extra grip and visual weight.

Medium Hair

Mix small for precision and large for anchors. Most updos use 6–12 pins total. A starter set of 20 pins (both sizes) covers you for most styling needs.

Thick, Long, or Heavy Hair

Use large 3" pins as your primary pin. Plan for 50% more pins than the chart suggests — gravity works harder on thick hair. Consider a 100-count Pro Pack if you wear updos weekly.

Curly / Coily Hair

Curly hair needs fewer pins than straight hair of the same thickness — the natural texture creates its own friction. Large pins work beautifully. 4–8 pins usually hold a full curly updo.

How Often Do You Wear Your Hair Up?

  • Rarely (a few times a year): One set of 7–10 pins in your hair color is enough.
  • Weekly: A 20-piece starter set or two small sets in different colors.
  • Daily (or close to it): A 100-count Pro Pack — better per-pin pricing and you won't run out.
  • Professional hairstylist: Pro Packs in all three primary colors (blonde, brown, black) in both small and large.

Pro Tips from Working Stylists

  • Always pin into the style, not around the outside. Pins angle inward last longer.
  • Start with four anchor pins in a compass pattern (N, S, E, W) before adding more.
  • If a pin keeps wanting to slide out, rotate it 90° and re-insert — you've likely hit a slippery layer.
  • Keep a small set in your bag for all-day touch-ups.

Shop by Pin Count