13 Best Bobby Pins For Thick Hair (2024), According To A Hairstylist
Flaunt your favorite hairstyle and fancy accessories with these handy little clip-ons.
Simon Constantinou is an accomplished hairstylist with over five decades of experience. He is the proprietor of an award-winning hair and beauty salon, renowned for its comfortable ambiance and a team of innovative hairdressers and beauticians who are both welcoming and supportive.
Read full bio of Simon Constantinou
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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Lush, beautiful thick flowing hair looks absolutely gorgeous and is sure to break a few hearts! But styling it requires a bit of skill and a whole lot of product! This is where the hair clips and bobby pins for thick hair come into use. These nifty, unassuming little pins can be an absolute life-saver in a fashion emergency and are a must-have in your purse if you have thick hair. Heavy-duty bobby pins are strong and versatile and can take your 9 to 5 look and extend it for a solid 12 hours. Apart from being functional, they also need to look fashionable and make you look chic. In this article, we’ve listed some of the best bobby pins for thick hair that are fashionable and functional at the same time. We have selected these pins after carefully analyzing the reviews left by customers who have tested these hair accessories. Go check them out now!
In This Article
Top 13 Best Reviewed Bobby Pins Of 2024 For Thick Hair
1. Best For Secure Hold: Conair Secure Hold Bobby Pins
This tub of 500 bobby pins is the best investment you can make towards controlling your thick mane. With 500 bobby pins, you won’t have to hunt for extra pins in the middle of a hair-styling session; we all know how annoying that is! The plastic-coated tips allow you to smoothly insert and remove the pins without any hair breakage. “Rounded, plastic-coated tips are a must for any bobby pin or Kirby grip. Make sure you discard any pins that have lost their tips to avoid hair damage.” says hairstylist Simon Constantinou. The coated tips also help secure your thick hair to stay in place for extended periods by providing extra grip and support.
Pros
- Strong hold
- Travel-friendly
- Value for money
- Ideal for all hair textures
- Reusable container
Cons
- Only available in black
"These bobby pins are so convenient to use. They come in a portable container that is perfect for on-the-go use or for travel. They blend well with my hair and maintains my hairstyles discretely."
Quick tip2. Best Sleek Shape: Goody Bobby Pins For Thick Hair
These 3-inch bobby pins are the stuff of your dreams. They are sturdy, strong, and sleek, all at the same time. These pins’ flat appearances are perfect for any slick hair up, controlling the unruly hair and all those little flyaways! A few of them are more than enough to rock any hairdo of your liking for hours on end. They maintain their shape despite excessive use. Available in a variety of packs and 2 different colors to choose from, this 18-piece set will help you create memorable hairstyles. These pins have received multiple positive reviews on Amazon owing to their sturdy construction.
Pros
- Long
- High-strength
- Maintains shape
- Available in 2 colors
- 18 pieces
Cons
- No rubberized ends
"These bobby pins have just the right length. They secure well in my thick, long hair with minimal effort. They have a sturdy design and can maintain their shape for a long time."
3. Best For Thick Hair: MetaGrip Black Premium Bobby Pins
Here’s, literally, a jar full of bobby pins for all our readers who somehow manage to lose every bobby pin they have ever used. These bobby pins for thick, curly hair are the solution to your vanishing and thick-hair-getting-out-of-control problem. They don’t poke you or rip your heavy hair out. Ideal for all hair types, including frizzy and curly hair, these extra-long bobby pins are real lifesavers!
Pros
- Rubberized tips
- Value for money
- Reusable container
- Rust-resistant
- Long-lasting spring
Cons
- Fragile container
"These bobby pins work great on my thick Afro curls. They have a strong grip and seem durable as well. I can re-use them as many times and they won't lose their shape."
4. Best Rust-Resistant: Maorulu Hair Bobby Pins
If you don’t end up buying these pins for just how great they are, you will definitely buy them for the packaging they come in. 200 of these bobby pins are packed in a sleek tin container that is an absolute delight to look at! According to numerous reviewers, these pins do not hurt your scalp. They provide a firm grip for thick hair or untameable stray hair. They are also lead-free. Moreover, they are double-coated for smoothness and are rust-resistant.
Pros
- Ball tips
- Smooth texture
- Rust-resistant
- Enhanced long-lasting spring
Cons
- Available in only one color and packaging
"These bobby pins are so solid. They come in a quality coated metal, which doesn't flip over during placement. They are quite sturdy and helps keep my hair in place without needing too many pins."
Pro Tip5. Best Durable: Loneedy Curved Jumbo Bobby Pins
If you are looking for quality not quantity, these bobby pins for thick hair are your best bet for holding down the stray hair. These non-plastic 3.4-inch bobby pins are made from metal with a baked finish that will last you a series of haircuts without complaining. The electroplated alloys ensure that the pins don’t fade and maintain their color. These jumbo bobby pins are thick-hair friendly and offer strong tension. They are also slightly curved to contour the curve of your scalp.
Pros
- Long
- Durable
- High-quality
- Ideal for thick hair
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Some users may find them slightly rigid.
"These hair pins are long and strong. They blend in nicely with my thick hair. They look elegant and stay secure throughout the day without causing damage."
6. Best Long-Lasting Hold: JustBuy KangSong Metallic Bobby Pins
Available in silver, gold, and rose gold, these minimalist style pins for thick hair can be your go-to hair styling tool or accessory! With the 90s coming back, these straight hair management tools give you the perfect opportunity to experiment with your look. The premium metal bobby pins offer a sturdy grip and a long-lasting hold. With 72 pieces in total, you can choose to go all out or use it as a minimal accessory.
Pros
- 72 pieces
- Jagged-body
- Invisible hold
- All-day hold
- Electroplated color
Cons
- The color may fade after extended periods of use.
"These bobby pins come in beautiful colors and have a great design. They have a sturdy grip and a decorative twist that adds a little flair to my hair styles. They slide in easily and stay put throughout the day."
7. Best With Non-Scratching Round Tips: YHmall Spiral Bobby Pins
Thick or thin, once you bind your hair using these pins, there is no way it will move an inch. Ideal for a sleek hairstyle or a messy bun, these spiral pins with wavy design disappear into your straight hair, giving you an anti-gravity look that is to die for. They are easy to use and all you have to do is rotate them clockwise to lock your hair and anti-clockwise to free your mane at the end of the day.
Pros
- 16 pins
- Non-scratching round tips
- Does not show through the hair
- Made from durable alloy metals
Cons
- May not be ideal for extremely short hair
"These spin pins are perfect to secure the hair effortlessly. They seem to work well on my thick, curly hair. They make it easy to secure my buns and updos."
8. Best High-Quality Material: Amariver Rhinestone Bobby Pins
These high-quality bobby pins go beyond their original utility purpose and ascend into the realm of glamour. With the perfect amount of bling, these rhinestone-encrusted bobby pins take your hairdo from one level to another in a matter of seconds and help in hair control or securing braids and textured hair. This pack is the ideal product choice for securing a sleek wedding hairdo. Made from high-quality materials, you don’t have to worry about the metal or rhinestones fading.
Pros
- Long
- Durable
- Polished tips
- Electroplated process
Cons
- The rhinestone may snag fine hair.
"These clips look very pretty. They are sturdy and can make a simple lazy hair day look instantly chic. They can easily add a touch of style to any outfit. They are durable as well."
9. Best Electroplated Material: Dlesot Premium Hair Bobby Pins
With a subtle twist at one end, these bobby pins for thick hair act as an elegant, stylish accessory for your hair. You can wear it to the office, school, and even a night out with the girls. Equipped with a smooth surface and rubberized balls at each end, these twisty bobby pins are gentle on your hair and scalp and give a sleek appearance. One pack of these bobby pins comes with 60 pins in 3 different colors, an affordable option for daily hair styling.
Pros
- High-quality electroplated material
- Pack of 3 colors
- 60 pieces
- 20 bobby pins in each color
Cons
- Some may find it too short.
"These bobby pins are such sleek-looking. They truly add a subtle elegance to my hairstyles. They are perfect to wear for special occasions or even daily wear. They are sturdy and good for my thick hair."
10. Best Professionally Designed: ROCST Professional “U” Shaped Hair Pins
These long and thick, professionally designed pins are specially made to bend in a manner that exaggerates their power to hold your hair together. It is an amazing option to hold your hair bun in place without showing a glimpse of themselves. A few of these large bobby pins for thick hair can last your look for a day, if not days. They come in a sturdy container to keep all your pins in one place after use.
Pros
- Large size
- Available in 2 colors
- Comes with a container
- Available in 2 long sizes
- Maintains shape due to elasticity
Cons
- No protective coating at the tips
"These curved hairpins are perfect for securing buns in my thick, long hair. They are quite sturdy but not too heavy. Their design prevents them from poking out weirdly or digging into the scalp."
11. Best Extra-Long Pins: Heliums Cyndibands Extra-Long Wavy Bobby Pin
These extra-long bobby pins for thick hair come in 3 eye-catching colors that are extremely hard to dislike. With a warm metallic finish that comes close to a matte finish, these pins subtly complement your overall outfit without adding an overbearing look. As stated by many reviewers, they are easy to open compared to other standard-sized bobby pins.
Pros
- 24 pieces
- Extra-long
- Rounded tips
- Available in 3 unique colors
Cons
- The color may fade over time.
"I love using these extra long bobby pins. They are quite versatile and have a thoughtful design. They come in a matte finish and have a smooth metal. They are sturdy as well."
12. Best Color-Range: Cyndibans Large 4-Inch U Shaped Bobby Pins
These oversized ‘U’ shaped hairpins are made from carbon steel to hold onto the thickest of hair without a hint of worry. Available in multiple colors, you can find one that matches your hair tone the most. It meets all your hair bun and chignon needs and the round tip ends to ensure that they hold on tight without causing any traction.
Pros
- Sturdy hold
- Rounded tips
- Strong carbon steel
- Available in 10 colors
- Enamel-coated colors
Cons
- Not ideal for very short hair.
"These large hairpins are great for my thick, long hair as they keep my updos secure even when I use just a few pins. They are quite sturdy, given my unruly hair. They have a matte finish that looks clean."
13. Best Heavy Duty Pins: Mia Square-Shaped Bobby Pins
These super long, square-shaped bobby pins for thick hair are the ideal accessory to help you pull-off elaborate updos. They hold your hair together, no matter how wild you get at a party. They are reliable and durable, making them the best investment for your hair. The good quality bobby pins meet all styling needs for all our long, thick hair readers.
Pros
- Long
- Heavy-duty bobby pins
- 12 pieces
- Rounded tips
Cons
- Some users found that it tends to get loose over time.
"I love using these pins to keep my long, thick hair securely up. They offer a sturdy hold and a unique bend for extra stability. I use just a few of these and they manage to keep my bun intact all day."
Now that you have seen our list of the best bobby pins for thick hair, here are some points to keep in mind while buying one.
How To Choose Bobby Pins For Thick Hair?
Thick hair has more density, and therefore needs extra non-slip grip, strength, and length. Keep the following things in mind when you shop for bobby pins for thick hair:
- The length of pins
The longer the pin, the more hair it can hold. This is a key point to remember when it comes to thick hair because each strand of thick hair is denser than normal hair types. A small 2-inch bobby pin may not provide adequate hold to keep the look together. This is why it is best to invest in long pins that can lift the weight of thick hair.
- Number of pins
Since thick hair has more volume and is denser, it needs more weight control. Using many pins help distribute weight and therefore maintain the hairdo for a longer time.
- Pin pattern
Traditional bobby pins usually come in 2 patterns. One with plain slides and the other with jagged sides. If you are looking for added grip, jagged grips are best suited. However, if you are looking for a sleek, minimal look, plain pins are likely to give you the best outcome.
- Pin shape
Apart from the traditional bobby pins, you can opt for spiral pins, ballerina pins, or square pins. If you are looking for something that supports versatile updos such as messy buns, twist buns, or space buns, we recommend spiral pins. If you are looking for a sleek ballerina-like bun with no ends showing, opt for square-shaped pins.
- Pin color
Bobby pins can be used as hair tools that hide your stray baby hair or as an accessory. If you want unnoticeable bobby pins that keep your look together without showing, match the color of your hair with the pin you buy. If you want to accessorize, look for a contrasting color or a rhinestone-studded hairpin.
How Do You Use Bobby Pins With Thick Hair?
The most common way of using bobby pins is to criss-cross them in an “X” pattern to hold your loose hair strands together. After securing them, ensure that they aren’t pulling your hair too hard before you proceed to style your hair. With non-traditional bobby pins such as screw pins, all you have to do is twist them clockwise into your hair bun to secure your bun and twist them anti-clockwise to remove them.
Infographic: 5 Unique Ways To Use Bobby Pins
Bobby pins are literal lifesavers when it comes to any hairdo. They come in handy if you want to set baby hair in place and tame your flyaways. You can use simple ones or ones that are elaborate and ornamental. But did you know that bobby pins can also be used in several other quirky ways? Check out the infographic below to find out.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Thick hair is magnificent! But, at the same time, you need to have special skills to style thick hair. So, bobby pins come as a great savior and promote quick fixes. The Conair Secure Hold Bobby Pins offer a comfortable hold, while the MetaGrip Black Premium Bobby Pins come with their crimped design and rubberized tips for thick curly hair. The Cyndibans Large 4-Inch U Shaped Bobby Pins are U-shaped and come in a range of shades to match your hair tone. Besides being versatile, these pins are functional and fashionable. Thus, consider professional-grade pins that are gentle on all hair types. Also, ensure that the pins are rust-resistant. However, avoid pins that become loose after regular usage. These pins can be your hair’s best friend when used skillfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bobby pins safe for hair?
Bobby pins are rumored to be bad for hair if used incorrectly. They may also cause traction and lead to hair breakage. The correct way to use bobby pins is to always open them wide before and after putting them on.
Can bobby pins hurt your scalp?
If used without rubberized or round tips, bobby pins can hurt the scalp and cause hair breakage. If that is the case, make sure the tips are not touching your scalp when you put them on.
What is the difference between bobby pins and hairpins?
The difference between bobby pins and hairpins is their shape and usage. Bobby pins are double-pronged pins, which are ridged on one side and flat on the other. These pins provide better hold for different hairstyles. Hairpins have open prongs in a “U” shape. They are light and can secure buns and other delicate styles. Unlike bobby pins, hairpins are used inside hair buns and disappear altogether.
Why do bobby pins give me headaches?
It is a misconception that bobby pins cause headaches. It is a combination of things that pull the nerves in your scalp, causing a headache. If you are wearing a long ponytail with multiple bobby pins incorrectly, it is likely to cause a headache due to all the stress on your scalp. The best way to avoid a headache is to wear a comfortable hairstyle with multiple bobby pins that run parallel to each other and ensure that they don’t pull or snag your hair.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Medha Deb, is a hair care enthusiast with a driving passion for reviewing haircare products worth noting. After going through several products and user ratings and reviews, she has carefully selected the best bobby pins for thick hair. The shortlisted products reviewed in this article are designed to be heavy-duty so that hairstyles can be held in place for extended periods, and at the same time, also be fashionable.
Read full bio of Simon Constantinou
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