Move over claw clip, there’s a new hair accessory in town that’s stealing the show, cue the French pin. You might have spotted it scrolling through Instagram, it’s a sleek, minimalist tool that oozes Parisian vibes and promises to elevate even the messiest of buns. The best part is this simple little accessory takes mere seconds to use and transforms your hairdo from 0 to 100 in no time. Be it the revival of Y2K trends or a growing love for laid-back, low-maintenance style, hair accessories are having a major resurgence. While the claw clip trend was huge for a while, the French hairpin has made its way into the limelight—and for good reason.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed with the French Hair Pin
The appeal of the French hairpin is its je ne sais quoi. It’s the accessory that says, “I woke up like this,” while also keeping your hair perfectly in place. This delicate, yet sturdy piece of metal gives you a soft, romantic look that’s polished, but never too fussy. Think soft pink makeup, glossy lips, and loose, undone updos, the kind you can whip out and redo in the back of an Uber without needing a second mirror check. When I first saw this pin doing its rounds on Instagram, I was sceptical. Could a single piece of metal really hold my hair up all day? (Spoiler: Yes, it can.) But the real magic lies in its versatility, there are so many ways to wear it, and it’s ridiculously easy to master once you get the hang of it.
If you’ve been eyeing the French pin but aren’t sure how to incorporate it into your daily routine, here are four fun and flirty ways to rock it.
1. The Classic French Pin Bun
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The French pin bun is the simplest and most iconic way to style your hair with this trendy tool. Gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist it around your finger, and wrap it into an elegant bun at the nape of your neck. Slide the pin into the bun, twisting it slightly as you secure it. Voilà! In less than 30 seconds, you have a chic updo that looks like you spent ages perfecting it. It’s a versatile look that works for brunch, date night, or even a fancy event. My pro tip: If your hair is on the finer side, give it a quick spritz of texture spray beforehand to make sure it holds all day.
2. The Half-Up, Half-Down Pin
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If you’re looking to add a little oomph to your usual half-up, half-down style, the French pin is your new best friend. Sweep the top half of your hair back, twist it loosely, and secure it with the pin. Leave the bottom half flowing freely for a carefree, boho vibe. This is one of my go-to styles for when I want to look put-together but not too formal. It gives your hair a bit of structure without pulling everything back, and it works equally well with beachy waves or straight hair.
3. The Messy French Twist
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This is a French girl’s answer to “I only had two minutes to do my hair.” Start by gathering your hair at the base of your neck, twist it upwards, and fold the ends down. Secure the twist by sliding the pin in horizontally, letting some tendrils fall out for that tousled, lived-in look. It’s a great choice for dates or a fun night out.
4. Twist & Tumble
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This is one of those hairstyles that looks like it requires a hairdresser’s expertise, but it’s shockingly easy. Start by creating two sections, like when you do a half up half down hairstyle, gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it like you’re making a bun, and tuck the ends in. Now, grab two French pins, and slide one in from the top and the other from the bottom, securing that twist. Repeat the same with the top section and let a few strands fall loose for that perfectly undone, “Oh, I just woke up like this” vibe. Feel free to add a few more French hair pins to jazz it up.
It’s the perfect blend of minimal effort with maximum impact and who doesn’t love that? Give it a whirl and let your hair do the talking!
Image Credits: Instagram @kimberlycannon, The Hair Edit
