French Hairpins Are the Rich Girl Replacement for Your Claw Clip
Effortlessly tousled updos have never been so easy—or chic.
I'm a beauty girl through and through, but I'll take any shortcut I can in my morning haircare routine. Case in point: I use my Dyson Airwrap for curls that last all week, a tried-and-true hair gloss to extend my salon dye job, and a trusted claw clip to create a chic, quick hairstyle. However, I realized that switching out my regular clip for a rich-looking French hairpin could elevate my go-to updo.
It came to my attention that French hairpins were gaining steam in the beauty space when my TikTok became flooded with clips of hair-fluencers using them to create their elegant updos. However, the slender accessory reached must-buy status after Taylor Swift and her French twist saw the light of day at a Chiefs game. Now, I can spot at least one U-shaped pin on the head of a stylish New Yorker while I'm out and about—and it's not hard to see why.
"I think it's following a trend of looser hairstyles," says Kimberly Gueldner, celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Voël Hair Studio in New York City. "People are opting for a more relaxed look that is also voluminous." They come in different sizes, so the styling options are wide-ranging—think: chignons, half-up, half-downs, sleek twists, and more.
It's a hair trend that anyone can get in on, too—Gueldner assures that a pin works well with all hair types. However, she adds that you should test options in different sizes or styles to find the best fit. Plus, you get more holding power out of your style by putting your hair in a ponytail first or using a texturizing spray to keep the pin in place. If your hair is not holding up well with a metal hairpin, Gueldner recommends switching to a lighter material like cellulose acetate for thinner hair types.
Ready to get on the French hairpin bandwagon? Below, find 17 elevated options that will make you forget all about your old claw clips. From affordable picks for everyday styles to investment-worthy options to amp up your special-occasion hairdos, you're bound to upgrade your haircare game with one of these Instagram-worthy finds.
Simple, sleek, and affordable at just $10, this is the French hairpin for anyone looking to test the trend.
Who knew Madewell had such cute hair accessories? The simple addition of a twist elevates this pin even further.
What's better than one hair pin? Three! This on-sale set has three shades to match your winter wardrobe, plus it breaks down to just $4 for one, so it's a steal of a deal.
When you feel the urge for some added sparkle, twist your hair up with the pearl and rhinestone pin, then keep the unadorned version in your bag for quick updos on the go.
This pick may be covered in plenty of crystals, but I'd say it works for any occasion. It'll add sparkle to your daytime looks and be the perfect finishing touch for your date-night outfits.
Leave it to Jennifer Behr—the queen of hair accessories—to create the most fabulous French pin. Do yourself a favor and visit the brand's website to see how good this pin looks in hair.
If you're a fan of the natural look, Anthropologie has got you covered with this set. Coming in at just $9 per piece, this is an affordable way to ensure you can keep a pin wherever you may need an emergency updo, like at your desk or gym.
These big and bold pins can act as an additional piece of jewelry, so I'm naturally obsessed. I would match them to my favorite chunky hoop earrings or dainty necklaces.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so why not get into the spirit with a subtle and sweet hair accessory? This luxe pick would make for a memorable gift, too.
For all of my crystal girlies, this hairpin features a real Amazonite, A.k.a the "Stone of Hope," which is known to promote harmony, love, and self-expression.
The crystal on this pin is just big enough to peek out from your style and draw everyone's attention. The next time your outfit looks a little casual, add this pin to your hair and see what a difference it makes.
Machete offers over 30 different colorways in its classic pin. From this pretty pearlescent shade to crystal-like shades of purple and green, you will find whatever color you want on the brand's site.
Inspired by the '60s Space Age, this maximalist pin is all you need for a pop of color in your look. But if the shade is too bright for your style, it comes in classic white.
With a gold, silver, and black pin, this heirloom-quality set covers all of your bases. They're also made from durable stainless steel, so you can bet they won't tarnish, bend, or break.
This tortoiseshell design is the way to go if you're going for a more subtle look. As a brunette, I love the look against my dark hair, but I bet it'll look even better against lighter blonde hair.
Hair bows were the biggest hair trend at Copenhagen Fashion Week last season, so combine two trends at once with this find. It's plated in 14K gold, so it's a well-worthy addition to your collection.
You may know Oribe as one of the best-ever haircare brands, but lo and behold, it makes pretty hair accessories, too. The proof is in this pin, which reviewers note holds long hair surprisingly well and offers a minimalist glint of gold to your updo.
Meet the Expert
Fueled by a successful salon and freelance career – working with renowned hair artist Danilo as well as a client list including Gwen Stefani, Faith Hill, Scissor Sisters, Katy Perry, and Amy Schumer – Kim developed a love-hate relationship with extensions: loved the idea; hated the way they looked. Kim began working with hand-tied wefts and beaded extensions, experimenting with making her own wefts and finding new solutions to styling challenges. She is the owner of Voël Hair Studio and the creator of Voël Natural Hair Extensions.
