21 Unexpectedly Stylish Ways to Wear Bobby Pins

So now that we've all been hit by the bobby pin revelation (that the wavy part is actually supposed to be underneath, not the flat part), it's time to put that knowledge to use and use those babies in new, unconventional ways. Gone are the days of shoving semi-concealed pins into your head! Here are some fantastic new ways to use the bobby pin; whether it's to hide something, keep something up, or stand out loud and proud to make a fashion statement all on its own. Enjoy!

Painted Pins

Make a bold statement by displaying your bobby pins in an interesting style: simply paint them with nail polish in whatever design you can think of. You can even customize them to match specific holidays.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – BLDG25 and LoveFeastTable

Embellished Pins

You can go a step further from merely painting your pins – you can use some embroidery floss to really make something pretty (and very friendship bracelet-esque). I just love the boho feel of it!

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – GoldfishKiss

Hidden Pin

We're all very used to the regular way of sliding in a bobby pin, but if you want to conceal that pin, simply slide it in the opposite direction (opening pointing towards your face) so that your hair hides it.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Cosmopolitan

Chevron

When wearing your hair to the side, use that open space on the side as a canvas to create a trendy chevron shape with some colored bobby pins. Just slide them in in the shape of a 'V', in as many rows as you want.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Yet Another Beauty Site.

Half-Up Half-Down

You just need a handful of bobby pins to create this beautiful weaved, overlapping half-updo. It's so chic, yet so easy to do, and will work with absolutely any hair type.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – MakeupGeek

Braid Finish

Finish off your braid or fishtail in a more elegant manner without that pesky hair elastic. At then of the braid, tie your hair into a knot, hold the ends together, and then slide the pin vertically up the middle of the knot. It'll secure your look!

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Cosmopolitan

Crown

Create a cool, punky little fan crown around your bun by sticking a few pins halfway into the bun o that they stand out. Of course, this looks best with gold pins so that it actually resembles a crown, but use whatever color you like!

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Self 

DIY Pearl Pins

Since I always have what seems like millions of bobby pins lying around my house, it seems silly to spend money on more. So instead of buying these stunning pearl pins, simply make your own and stick them in your hair for any stylish occasion!

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Honestlywtf

Extra Grip

If you're worried about your bobby pins sliding out of your hair and ruining that beautiful 'do halfway through the night, here's a trick: spray those babies with hairspray to make them sticky before use.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Makeup

Hashtag

Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying Twitter's massive success and following. And if you are one of the loyal tweeters, I've found this cool way to show your love of the hashtag by incorporating it to your hairstyle.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Cosmopolitan – Heyguysheyphoto

Triangle

For a really cute half-updo, secure your hair with three bobby pins strategically placed in the shape of a triangle. Make sure that you get all the ends to touch each other so that it is a closed shape.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – MuchoMuchoBuenoBueno

'X' Marks the Spot

A simple 'X' shape can also give you an added little twist of fun, and crossing the two pins over each other is also more likely to keep your hair in place for longer.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – MarieClaire

Faux Headband

Create a series of 'X's around the entire back part of your head to make this awesome boho-style headband. It's super easy, and so effective!

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Brit+Co

Zig-Zag

Create a cool zig-zag pattern practically anywhere on your head. Not only does it look funky, but the use of more than one bobby pi also gives you added security. The red-on-black combo here looks so striking!

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – MarieClaire

Multipin Madness

This one makes a bold statement and I absolutely love it! Sweep your hair to the side and slid in a few pins vertically in a row. After that, crisscross them and go crazy with a few more to create this unconventional and quirky look.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Refinery29

Propped Ponytail

Prop up your ponytail and give it some extra body by placing some bobby pins vertically and downwards underneath your actual ponytail. This will ensure that your pony doesn't sag or droop!

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – TheHowToMom

Starburst

Take a regular ponytail or bun from day to night by sliding in some silver or gold bobby pins all around the 'do in a starburst pattern. You can even use some shimmery pins for extra effect.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Brit+Co

Temporary Bob

As women, we usually want what we don't have: if your hair is curly, you wish it was straight, and if it's dark, you wish it was light. Well, if your hair is long as you're contemplating a chop but don' have the guts to go through with it, give yourself a faux bob with the help of a few bobby pins.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Elle

Secure Your Braid

After a few hours, you may find that some of your shorter hairs may start to stick out from your braid. You can keep them in place with a few bobby pins; that extra pop of color will look like intentional style instead of a necessity for neatness.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Cosmopolitan

Wrapped Ponytail

For an instant glamification of the traditional ponytail, take a section of hair, wrap it around the elastic and secure it with a bobby pin at the base.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Cosmopolitan

Quick Bun

For some annoying reason, I never seem to have a hair elastic with me, but if I dig deep enough in my bag, I know I'll find at least two bobby pins. Thankfully, that's all you need to make this quick and easy bun when you're out and about and want to get your hair out the way.

Hairstyle Tutorial and Instructions – Irrelephant