Hairpins (or bobby pins) are one of the most common items in bathrooms and handbags around the world. They’re cheap, tiny, and often taken for granted — but did you know most people have been using them the wrong way their entire life?
Let’s uncover the surprising secret behind this humble beauty tool.
🎯 The Purpose of the Wavy Side
Most people slide a bobby pin into their hair with the wavy side facing out, thinking the curves are for decoration or grip on top.
🛑 That’s actually backwards.
✅ The correct way to use a bobby pin is with the wavy side facing down, against your scalp.
Why?
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The waves help grip the hair better and prevent slipping.
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The flat side acts like a smooth anchor to hold everything in place.
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It results in tighter, more secure styling.
This small adjustment can completely change how effective the pin is, especially for holding up buns, twists, and updos that normally fall apart.
🧠 Other Hairpin Secrets You Didn’t Know
1. They Can Lock in Place
Try this:
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Insert one pin with the wavy side down.
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Cross a second pin over it to form an “X”.
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This crisscross locks them in place, giving your hairstyle extra strength.
2. Hairpin Hacks Go Beyond Hair
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Bookmark pages
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Nail holder while hammering
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Toothpaste tube clip
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Reset phone buttons (gently!)
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Unclog glue bottles or salt shakers
These little tools are surprisingly versatile.
🧴 Pro Tip for Better Grip
Want your hairpins to hold even better? Spray them with dry shampoo or hairspray before inserting. It adds texture, reducing the chance of slippage — especially useful for silky or freshly washed hair.
🧵 In Conclusion
Now you know: the wavy side goes down, and with a few clever tweaks, hairpins become a mini powerhouse in your daily routine. The best part? You probably already have a dozen of them lying around!
