Hair clips and Pins+How to Style Them

Hair pins and clips go a long way back. Our ancestors used various things to keep their hair out of their faces. This hair accessory has evolved ever since: from metal sticks and twigs, hair clips soon became more complex, functional, and decorative.

Because of the excessive use of hair accessories, different types of hair clips have become a staple in styling.

From claw clips, comb clips, and alligator hair clips to French pins, banana clips, and even duckbill clips — yes, it gets overwhelming! Since they all look the same can I use any type of hair clip?

Well, the pins come in various styles, shapes, and colors. And when you will know how to use different hair clips the right way, you can broaden your styling techniques. You’ll have the magic to transform your hair from a plain mane to an impressive one!

Hair clip vs Hairpins: What is the difference?

Both of them are used for styling hair, but there is a bit of difference between them.

Hair pins work “backstage“. Their main function is to secure the hairstyle and let the hairstyle be the star of the show. These pins appear invisible.

Hair clips offer additional pizzazz to the hairstyle. These pins are visible and work as faster on the hair. These pins are ornamental.

Types of hair clips and pins:

You are going to find lots of names of hair clips and pins all around. Some of them may be referring to the same thing.

This can be a lot of confusion. So, we will help you through this article to identify them.

Hair Clip Types

1- Claw clip:

The Claw clip is made up of two combs with very large teeth hinged together with a spring. You can use this clip to tie your hair back.

It’s a replacement for hair ties because it’s more comfortable and won’t snag your hair.

2- Sanp clip:

If we talk about the ’90s, here’s a trend that keeps on coming back. You might have seen many celebrities sporting this look recently.

Snap clip is made up of a signal piece of metal and it uses an easy snapping mechanism to fasten the hair. The main purpose of a snap clip is to keep hair out of the face.

These clips are best for any hair length. Aside from being easy to use, it also comes in bright colors and different sizes, so it’s great for kids.

3- Comb Clips:

Another vintage accessory that is coming back is the comb clip. It looks and works like a comb but is placed on the hair to create a sleek hairstyle.

This clip is functional and it’s also stylish because it usually has jewel embellishments. Brides usually have these on!

4- Duckbill Clip:

Do you get your hair done at a salon? Then you might have seen this clip used on your hair a lot. It has a pointed end that makes it easy to section hair without a comb.

This clip is the best friend of a hairdresser. In salons, it is used as a sectioning clip while cutting or hair coloring.

Hair Pin Types

1. Bobby Pin:

The pin you might be most familiar with is the bobby pin. Bobby pin is the smallest and simplest pin to use. It’s such a versatile tool because it helps put up different hairstyles.

One side of this pin is smooth and straight and the other is grooved so it works well in securing the strands.  Its ends are rounded so you can easily slip them into your hair.

2- U-shaped pin:

bobby pins are not the original hairpins used in the early days. The pins that were used the Regency and Victorian eras for their elaborate hairstyles are not bobby pins but these U-shaped pins.

Though these were called “bobbing pins” they’re not the same. Just like what the name says, this pin is shaped like a long U.

No need to open this pin it can slide through the hair.

3. French Pin:

A larger and more decorative version of a U-shaped pin is a french pin. It can lift more hair so you can use it to style creative buns. 

However, using this pin takes some practice because you don’t simply slide it into the hair. There are flips and turns that you have to do to secure the hair.

4- Spin pins:

Have you styled your hair using too many bobby pins and felt your hair get so heavy? You can use the spin pin to avoid that issue again.

This spring-looking pin is a versatile hair accessory that has the power of at least 10 bobby pins!

Perfect for creating buns and French twists.

Style your hair in different ways:

Now that you know the different types of hair clips, you can experiment with more gorgeous hairstyles. Your hair won’t be boring anymore!

There are specific kinds for every styling need, as well as different shapes and sizes to fit every personality.

So, don’t underestimate the power of these little things because they can absolutely make a huge difference to your look.