Are Bobby Pins Bad for Your Hair? What Stylists Say

You've heard concerns about bobby pins damaging hair. Maybe you've experienced breakage or noticed some hair on a pin when you remove it. Is the worry justified?

The evidence-based answer: bobby pins are not bad for hair when used correctly. They're actually one of the gentler styling tools available. The damage that does occur comes from specific, fixable issues.

This guide explains when bobby pins can cause damage, when they're perfectly safe, and how to use them without any hair health concerns.

For general bobby pin information, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins.

The Quick Answer

Are bobby pins bad for your hair? No, not inherently.

Can bobby pins damage hair? Yes, but only through:

• Damaged pins with sharp edges
• Rough removal technique
• Repeated tight styling in the same location
• Low-quality pins that snag

Are bobby pins safe for daily use? Yes, with quality pins and proper technique.

How Bobby Pins Could Cause Damage

Understanding potential damage helps you avoid it.

1. Damaged Pin Edges

The issue: Chipped coating or bent pins can have sharp metal edges that catch and cut hair strands.

The result: Individual hair breakage during insertion or removal.

Prevention:

• Replace pins when coating chips
• Discard bent or damaged pins
• Use quality pins with durable coating

2. Rough Removal

The issue: Pulling pins out quickly or while still clamped causes friction and pulling on hair.

The result: Breakage at the point where hair was trapped in the pin.

Prevention:

• Open pins before removing
• Slide out gently
• Never yank

3. Tension from Tight Styles

The issue: Styles that pull tightly on the hairline or concentrate tension in one area can stress follicles over time.

The result: Traction alopecia (hair loss from repeated tension) in severe cases.

Prevention:

• Keep styles comfortably loose
• Vary pin placement day to day
• Don't ignore discomfort

4. Wearing Pins for Extended Periods

The issue: Sleeping in bobby pins or wearing them for very long periods increases friction and tension exposure.

The result: Increased breakage risk, scalp discomfort.

Prevention:

• Remove pins before sleeping
• Give hair breaks from pinned styles
• Don't wear the same tight style for days on end

How Bobby Pins Compare to Other Accessories

For context, here's how bobby pins stack up against common alternatives:

Bobby pins rank among the gentler options when used correctly.

Why Bobby Pins Are Gentler Than Elastics

Elastic hair ties wrap around hair multiple times, creating:

• Friction at the same spot daily
• Constant tension while worn
• Breakage when removing

Bobby pins:

• Don't wrap around hair
• Can be removed without friction
• Don't create a specific weak point

Signs of Bobby Pin Damage (and Other Causes)

If you're experiencing hair issues, bobby pins might not be the culprit.

Probably Bobby Pin Related

• Breakage specifically where you typically place pins
• Hairs caught in pins when removing
• Damage from visible chip in pin coating

Probably Not Bobby Pin Related

• General breakage throughout hair
• Thinning at hairline (more likely ponytail tension)
• Overall hair damage (check heat tools, chemical treatments)
• Hair loss (usually unrelated to styling accessories)

How to Check

Remove bobby pins from your routine for 2-3 weeks:

• Does the breakage stop? Pins may have been the issue.
• Does it continue? Look for other causes.

How to Use Bobby Pins Safely

Choose Quality Pins

• Smooth, intact coating
• Ball tips or protected ends
• Strong spring that closes firmly
• No rust or visible damage

Use Proper Technique

• Wavy side toward scalp
• Don't open wide before inserting
• Insert without forcing
• Remove by opening first, then sliding out

See: how to use bobby pins: 15 essential techniques.

Maintain Your Pins

• Replace pins with chipped coating
• Discard bent or misshapen pins
• Don't use rusty pins
• Store in dry conditions

Vary Your Styles

• Don't wear the same tight style daily
• Alternate pin placement
• Give your hair breaks between heavily pinned styles
• If something hurts, loosen it

Remove Properly

This is where most damage actually happens:

1. Open the pin first (spread prongs slightly)
2. Slide out slowly following the insertion path
3. Stop if you feel resistance (pin caught on something)
4. Never yank or pull quickly

Skip the Overnight Wear

Unless pins are specifically designed for sleeping:

• Remove before bed
• Use silk pillowcase for overnight protection
• Consider sleep-friendly alternatives for overnight hair containment

Who Should Be Extra Careful

Fine or Fragile Hair

Fine hair is more susceptible to breakage:

• Use smooth-coated pins
• Remove especially gently
• Use fewer pins when possible
• Consider alternatives for daily styling

See: best bobby pins for fine hair.

Curly Hair

Curly hair can snag on textured coatings:

• Use ball-tip pins
• Choose smooth coatings
• Pin at roots, not through curls
• Remove by gently untwisting

See: best bobby pins for curly hair.

Damaged or Treated Hair

Already-compromised hair needs extra gentleness:

• Use the highest quality pins
• Be especially gentle with removal
• Keep styles loose
• Limit frequency of heavily pinned styles

FAQs

Do bobby pins cause hair breakage?

They can if you use damaged pins or remove them roughly. With quality pins and gentle technique, breakage risk is very low.

Can bobby pins cause hair loss?

Temporary hair loss from repeated tight styles in the same location is possible (traction alopecia). This requires consistent tight styling over time. Normal bobby pin use doesn't cause hair loss.

How often can I use bobby pins?

Daily use is fine with quality pins and proper technique. Vary your styles and placement, don't pull too tight, and remove gently.

Should I worry about bobby pins pulling out hair?

A few hairs coming out with pins is normal. You shed 50-100 hairs daily; some may be in your pins. Significant clumps or pain indicate a problem with pins or technique.

Are expensive bobby pins safer?

Quality pins with durable coating and smooth edges are safer than cheap pins that chip and develop sharp edges. Premium pins often (not always) have better construction.

Is sleeping in bobby pins bad?

Yes, avoid it. Night movement creates friction and pressure on pinned areas. Remove pins before bed.

Are bobby pins worse than claw clips for hair?

No, both are gentle. Claw clips have a slight edge because they don't squeeze individual strands, but properly used bobby pins are safe.

See: bobby pins vs claw clips.

The Bottom Line

Bobby pins are not bad for your hair. They're actually one of the gentler styling options available. Damage occurs from:

1. Damaged pins: Replace chipped, bent, or rusty pins
2. Rough removal: Open before removing, slide out gently
3. Tight repetitive styles: Vary placement, keep comfortable
4. Extended wear: Remove before sleeping

With quality pins and proper technique, bobby pins are perfectly safe for daily use. Most hair damage attributed to bobby pins is actually from other causes.

For complete bobby pin guidance, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins. For troubleshooting hold issues, check why do my bobby pins fall out.