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  4. 10 Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair in 2023 (Goodie, Conair, and More)
  • 10 Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair in 2023 (Goodie, Conair, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair in 2023 (Goodie, Conair, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair in 2023 (Goodie, Conair, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair in 2023 (Goodie, Conair, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair in 2023 (Goodie, Conair, and More) 5

10 Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair in 2023 (Goodie, Conair, and More)

Tired of using bobby pins that slide right out of your thick and luscious locks? Bobby pins are pretty flimsy, especially for those with thick hair. But some updos, buns, braids, and other styles just require them. So we did our research to find ones that actually stay in place, like MetaGrip Black Premium Bobby Pins!


These pins are longer, come in larger packs, and are either for pinning hair down or supporting updos–but not both. Some other factors that are important to keep in mind are your individual hair type and color.

Last updated 06/15/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Bobby Pins for Thick Hair – Buying Guide

Here, we'll be introducing the following five important points to check when you choose a healthy jelly. 


Points to Consider:

  1. The Longer the Pin, the More Hair it Holds
  2. You’ll Probably Need More Pins Than You Think
  3. Ridged or Flat Depends Largely on Your Hair Type
  4. Use Different Shapes for Different Parts of Your 'Do
  5. For an Effortless Looking Updo, Find a Color that Matches Your Hair

① 1. The Longer the Pin, the More Hair it Holds

1. The Longer the Pin, the More Hair it Holds
A thick head of hair doesn’t just mean you have a larger quantity of hair, but also that each individual strand is fatter. So a lot of the time, normal 2-inch bobby pins just aren’t going to cut it. Instead, look for bobby pins marked as “jumbo” or “roller pins.” These are around 3 inches in length and hold significantly more hair.

② 2. You’ll Probably Need More Pins Than You Think

2. You’ll Probably Need More Pins Than You Think
Here’s one reason your bobby pins keep sliding out of thick hair: you’re trying to put too much hair in them. An easy way to get pins to stay is simply to use more of them. Plus, because we all know how easy it is to lose bobby pins, it’s best to look for larger packs that include 30 or more pins.

③ 3. Ridged or Flat Depends Largely on Your Hair Type

3. Ridged or Flat Depends Largely on Your Hair Type
Most standard bobby pins come with ridges or waves on one side. While this can work for some, others might want to consider fully flat pins. If you have straight hair, ridged bobby pins can offer some grip for your hair to hold on to, which helps them stay in place.


On the other hand, flat pins, by virtue of both sides lay flat against each other, tend to have tighter grips and can better keep thick hair in place (granted your hair is textured enough to grip on to the pin).

④ 4. Use Different Shapes for Different Parts of Your 'Do

4. Use Different Shapes for Different Parts of Your 'Do
There are two main types of bobby pins: closed and open. Thinner haired folks can often get away with just using closed pins, but for those with thicker hair, it’s best to differentiate. Closed pins should basically only be used to hold hair to your head, to tuck away the fly-aways and baby hairs that don’t quite make it into your updo.


Open pins are able to grab a lot more hair and are great for keeping your bun or twist in place. Don’t try to use a closed pin for this, as it won’t hold very much, and you’ll end up using quite a lot of pins.

⑤ 5. For an Effortless Looking Updo, Find a Color that Matches Your Hair

5. For an Effortless Looking Updo, Find a Color that Matches Your Hair
Most people use bobby pins because they’re small and inconspicuous, and it appears as if your hair is held effortlessly in place. It’s a whole lot easier to disguise the pins when they match the color of your hair. Black or brown pins are common, but lighter-colored pins might take a little more searching.
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10 Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair

Here are some of our favorite products, for use in all kinds of styles and updos.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

MetaGrip

MetaGrip Black Premium Bobby Pins

MetaGrip MetaGrip Black Premium Bobby Pins 1枚目

Our Best Pick! Reliable and Solid Hold Pins

2

Marilyn Faye's

Marilyn Faye’s U-Shaped Crinkled Hair Pins

Marilyn Faye's Marilyn Faye’s U-Shaped Crinkled Hair Pins 1枚目

Sturdy Open Pins for Every Hair Color

3

Yishenyishi

Yishenyishi Curved Jumbo Bobby Pins

Yishenyishi Yishenyishi Curved Jumbo Bobby Pins 1枚目

Great for Holding Down Flyaways

4

Rocst

Rocst Professional Ballet U-Shaped Hair Pins

Rocst Rocst Professional Ballet U-Shaped Hair Pins 1枚目

Pins That Can Hold Massive Amounts of Hair

5

Goody

Goody Black Roller Pins

Goody Goody Black Roller Pins 1枚目

Perfect for Those Who Like Their Bobby Pins Straight

6

Marilyn Faye's

Marilyn Faye’s U-Shaped Straight Hair Pins

Marilyn Faye's Marilyn Faye’s U-Shaped Straight Hair Pins 1枚目

Excellent Open Pins for Very Textured Hair

7

Fromm

Fromm Matte Wide Bobby Pins

Fromm Fromm Matte Wide Bobby Pins 1枚目

Matte Pins for a Tight Grip That’ll Last All Day

8

Karina

Karina Rubberized Bobby Pins

Karina Karina Rubberized Bobby Pins 1枚目

For Those with Silky Smooth Hair or Nickel Allergies

9

KangSong

KangSong Gold Metal Hair Clips for Styling

KangSong KangSong Gold Metal Hair Clips for Styling 1枚目

Best Pins for Decoration and Functionality

10

Conair

Conair Color Match Bobby Pins

Conair Conair Color Match Bobby Pins 1枚目

A Great Option if You’re Looking for a Ton of Pins for Cheap

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No.1

MetaGripMetaGrip Black Premium Bobby Pins

MetaGrip Black Premium Bobby Pins Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.78

Our Best Pick! Reliable and Solid Hold Pins

Features:
  • comes in 3 colors: bronze, black, and blonde
  • strong grip
  • durable

Recommended for:

  • matches natural tone hair colors and holds well and for a long time

These bobby pins have been hailed by reviewers as basically the holy grail of bobby pins. They’re extremely durable and have a surprisingly strong grip–particularly when you use two together in an X formation.


They come in three different shades to match almost all (natural) hair colors, and the paint holds up through a fair amount of abuse. Note that the container it comes in might arrive cracked, but the pins inside should be fine.
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No.2

Marilyn Faye'sMarilyn Faye’s U-Shaped Crinkled Hair Pins

Marilyn Faye’s U-Shaped Crinkled Hair Pins Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$7.99

Sturdy Open Pins for Every Hair Color

Features:
  • classic U-shape
  • comes in the 10 colors: black, green, pink, yellow, and more
  • 4 different lengths to choose from 

Recommended for:

  • sturdy, classic stainless steel pins in various colors for you to get creative

These U-shaped hairpins are super sturdy, and you’ll probably find yourself needing fewer pins than you normally use. They’re snag-resistant and come in 10 different colors, just in case your hair is neon green.


That being said, because they’re so robust, if your hair isn’t extremely thick, you might want to get a shorter option (this pin comes in three other sizes) that isn’t so heavy.
No.3

YishenyishiYishenyishi Curved Jumbo Bobby Pins

Yishenyishi Curved Jumbo Bobby Pins Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99

Great for Holding Down Flyaways

Features:
  • curved design
  • extra long (3.4 inches) with a metal finish
  • comes in 5 colors: red, black, navy, brown, and gray

Recommended for:

  • adding an elegant, golden touch to any hairdo

These bobby pins are curved to better fit against your head–goodbye, awkward sticking-out bits! They’re long and strong and sure to rein in thick, unruly hair.


However, don’t expect these pins to be wholly inconspicuous. Although the main portions are colored, the pin itself is gold, and the gold will show. But if you’re looking for just a little bit of bling, these are your guys.
No.4

RocstRocst Professional Ballet U-Shaped Hair Pins

Rocst Professional Ballet U-Shaped Hair Pins Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.99

Pins That Can Hold Massive Amounts of Hair

Features:
  • angled and wide U-shape
  • 2 lengths: 2.5 or 3-inch
  • flexible and sturdy

Recommended for:

  • making tight, ballet buns for sports, professional wear, or casual days

These hairpins are uniquely angled to offer a wider area for holding hair. Each pin is made from an elastic yet resilient stainless steel that retains its shape regardless of hair thickness.


However, it only comes in black, so if you have lighter hair and want something inconspicuous, you may have to look elsewhere. For those that do buy it, if you have any issues with the quality of the product, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
No.5

GoodyGoody Black Roller Pins

Goody Black Roller Pins Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$8.59

Perfect for Those Who Like Their Bobby Pins Straight

Features:
  • straight design, with one bump on the back
  • long length
  • works on all hair types
Recommended for:
  • best for those with voluminous hair to keep stray hairs out of sight

These roller pins are meant to keep curling rollers in place, but they’re functionally the same as large bobby pins, which makes them ideal for those with more volume. These are sturdy and great for medium to thick hair.


However, some reviewers report that these pins might not hold particularly thick locks and may not be grippy enough for those that don’t have a bit of texture in their hair.
No.6

Marilyn Faye'sMarilyn Faye’s U-Shaped Straight Hair Pins

Marilyn Faye’s U-Shaped Straight Hair Pins Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$7.99

Excellent Open Pins for Very Textured Hair

Features:
  • straight, untextured design
  • comes in 8 colors: red, pink, green, black, white, and more
  • 4 lengths: 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3-inch

Recommended for:

  • creating loose and tighter buns with no snagging

Like their ridged cousins above, these U-shaped bobby pins are sturdy, strong, and come in a variety of colors sure to match basically any (natural or not) hair color.


However, because they’re straight, they might be too slippery for those with straight hair. But those with particularly textured hair might find that they snag less.
No.7

FrommFromm Matte Wide Bobby PinsNHC004

Fromm Matte Wide Bobby Pins Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$3.99

Matte Pins for a Tight Grip That’ll Last All Day

Features:
  • comes in 4 colors: metallic, black, blonde, and brown
  • flat design: wide with a thin opening
  • super strong hold

Recommended for:

  • when a traditional pin doesn't work and you need extra strength hold on untreated hair


These pins are significantly wider than most and have an extremely strong hold. Once you get them in place, they will not budge, no matter how thick your hair is.


However, some may find them a bit too strong as reviewers note that they’re difficult to remove from their packaging and might damage weak hair. So if you have chemical- or color-treated hair, you might want to steer clear of these.
No.8

KarinaKarina Rubberized Bobby Pins

Karina Rubberized Bobby Pins Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$5.99

For Those with Silky Smooth Hair or Nickel Allergies

Features:
  • rubberized coating (safe for nickel allergies)
  • doesn't pull on hair when taken out
  • comes with 30 in a pack

Recommended for:

  • holds decently and pulls out painlessly

These bobby pins have a rubberized coating to prevent slipping, which makes them ideal for those with smoother hair that tends to slip out of other pins. Despite their grip, they come out easily without pulling.


On a side note, these are also great for those who have a nickel allergy as the metal parts are completely covered. However, they only come in black, which might not be what lighter haired folks are looking for.
No.9

KangSongKangSong Gold Metal Hair Clips for Styling

KangSong Gold Metal Hair Clips for Styling Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$7.99

Best Pins for Decoration and Functionality

Features:
  • wavy ridging
  • beautiful, golden color
  • 3 shiny colors: gold, silver, and rose gold

Recommended for:

  • adding a little bit of sparkle to your hair

These bobby pins aren’t meant to be hidden and are best for those looking to add a little bit of sparkle to their hair. However, despite their decorative look, they’re also quite functional and hold hair snugly thanks to their wavy ridging.


The gold coloring is electroplated and won’t peel off. However, it might start to dull after several uses. It's a good thing it comes in a fairly large pack!
No.10

ConairConair Color Match Bobby Pins

Conair Color Match Bobby Pins Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$4.34

A Great Option if You’re Looking for a Ton of Pins for Cheap

Features:
  • pack of 75 pins
  • ball-tipped safety ends
  • includes a small and convenient carrying case

Recommended for:

  • if you need a lot of pins, this pack is good value for the cost

Sometimes you’re doing an elaborate updo and you just need a ton of bobby pins. This is the pack for you. At just $4.34 per 75, you can buy basically as many as you want without worrying about the price.


However, they aren’t the sturdiest pins, and you’ll likely find yourself using more of these than you would with a stronger option. However, if you’re looking for sheer numbers, this one’s got it.

Will Bobby Pins Damage My Hair?

Will Bobby Pins Damage My Hair?
In a nutshell, it depends on how you use them. You’ve probably heard that criss-crossing the pins into an X shape gives them more grip–this is true, but it also concentrates a lot of pressure in one area, which can cause breakage. There a few other things you can do to make sure the pins stay in place.


If you’re using closed ridged pins, put them in with the ridged side against your head so that the ridges grip your hair. Don’t try to overload each pin–it won’t hold. Instead, just use more of them.


Don’t open them up too wide (or at all!). Just slip them onto your hair—this will keep you from straining the pin and bending it out of shape. If you’re still having trouble getting them to stay in place, try using little hairspray to help them stick.


Also, ever notice the little balls on the ends of bobby pins? Those are meant to protect your scalp. If the edges of the pin are sharp and unprotected, it can pull on your hair or snap it right off. Therefore, once the coating on your bobby pin has worn off, make sure you throw it out.

More Hair Products to Achieve the Perfect Look

Top 5 Bobby Pins For Thick Hair

No. 1: MetaGrip | MetaGrip Black Premium Bobby Pins

No. 2: Marilyn Faye's | Marilyn Faye’s U-Shaped Crinkled Hair Pins

No. 3: Yishenyishi | Yishenyishi Curved Jumbo Bobby Pins

No. 4: Rocst | Rocst Professional Ballet U-Shaped Hair Pins

No. 5: Goody | Goody Black Roller Pins

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