Why You Should Trade in Your Hair Ties for French Pins
A lazy-girl upgrade.
According to Pinterest, one of its biggest hair trends of the moment is the "banana bun," which is essentially a messier, lazier French twist. All you need for the oblong-shaped style is dirty hair, some twisting prowess, and U-Pins AKA French pins. Fitting, right?
U-pins, and others like them, have been used since ancient times to hold hair into place, but over the past few decades, they've been largely outnumbered in households by hair elastics. And while using hair ties for ponytails and top knots is useful—especially for the gym or times when we can't even—they're making us a liiittle lazy. In fact, we're basically intimidated by any hair accessory that we can't wear on our wrist...and missing out because of it. French pins are so much more versatile in the range of styles they can create for ALL textures.
The banana bun is a shining example of a style that feels elevated, isn't stiff, and is actually ridiculously easy to achieve. It just comes down to twisting or rolling the hair and popping in the pins, according to Pinterest's in-house stylist Amanda Switzer. And it's always good to use your pinky to pull out strands for good, not-too-done-looking measure.
French pins don't just suit low-situated hairstyles either. Back in February, Bumble and bumble's global artistic director Laurent Philippon showed us the French take on a top knot: A twisted knot with "ends" sticking out. It really is as simple as twisting it onto the top of the head and pinning it. But, what really added polish to the look was the Parisian waves that Philippon created—so that's another thing to keep in mind. A great base, like bendy waves (whether just-rolled-out-of-bed natural or simulated), makes a style that much cooler.
When it comes to choosing what kind of U-pins to go for, keep in mind that most versions fall into the two to six inch range based on the length of the hair you'll be working with. And be sure that they have kinks at the ends, as that's what will will keep them from slipping. Material-wise, we love everything from an all-business metal to classic tortoise. The latter of which skincare founder/all-things-goals-lady Linda Rodin swears by—and we tend to everything/anything she says so...
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Prince Harry Reveals How Meghan Markle Is Different From Other Royal Women in Viral TikTok
The Duke of Sussex is always ready to defend his wife.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Do Princess Kate and Prince William Take George, Charlotte, and Louis Trick-or-Treating?
Here's how the royals celebrate Halloween.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Is Kaia Gerber Hiding a Halloween Costume Under Her Chic Black Blazer?
The model attended Billie Eilish's Halloween party in a seriously sleek outfit.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to Experts
It's also less painful than some alternatives.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
13 Best Drugstore Concealers That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious
Great things *do* come with small price tags.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
Starface Founder Julie Schott Shares Her Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneur spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Last updated
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Beauty Experts Called Out Youthforia's New Foundation in May. The Founder Apologized Four Months Later
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated