Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair That Actually Hold

If you have thick hair, you've probably watched bobby pins slide right out of your updos while friends with fine hair use two pins for the same style. Standard bobby pins weren't designed for thick hair, and no amount of technique will make them work reliably.

The solution isn't more pins. It's better pins. This guide covers what makes bobby pins work for thick hair and which ones actually deliver.

For general bobby pin information, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins. If your pins keep falling out regardless of type, see why do my bobby pins fall out.

Why Standard Bobby Pins Fail on Thick Hair

Understanding the problem helps you choose the right solution.

The Physics Problem

Standard bobby pins are 2 inches long with a spring designed for average hair density. Thick hair presents three challenges:

1. Volume: More strands per section means more to grip
2. Weight: Thicker hair is heavier, creating more downward pull
3. Resistance: Dense hair pushes back against pin tension

A standard pin simply can't grip enough hair or hold it firmly enough. For thick hair, the MORGLES 3.15 Inch Jumbo Bobby Pins provide the length and spring strength you actually need.

Common Frustrations

What Thick Hair Actually Needs

Key Features for Thick Hair Pins

When shopping for bobby pins, look for these specific characteristics.

Length (Most Important)

Minimum: 2.5 inches Ideal: 3+ inches for very thick hair

Extra length means:

• More hair captured between prongs
• Better leverage against the scalp
• More secure anchor points
• Fewer pins needed overall

Spring Tension

The bend at the closed end creates spring tension. For thick hair, you need:

• Reinforced bend that doesn't weaken with use
• Tight closure that resists being pried open
• Firm resistance when opening

Test by squeezing: quality thick-hair pins should feel firm, not easy to open.

Grip Coating

The surface finish dramatically affects hold:

Wire Gauge

Thicker wire (lower gauge number) means:

• Stronger overall structure
• More resistance to bending out of shape
• Better durability over time
• Firmer grip

Tip Design

For thick hair, look for:

• Ball tips (prevent scalp scratching with firmer pressure)
• Coated tips (smooth insertion through dense hair)
• Rounded ends (won't catch or snag)

Best Bobby Pins for Thick Hair

Based on the features thick hair requires, these pins consistently perform well.

Best Overall: Frenchies Flocked Bobby Pins

Why they work: The flocked coating grips like nothing else. Tiny fibers catch each strand, creating friction that prevents sliding. At 2.5 inches, they're long enough for substantial updos.

Best for: Thick hair that tends to be slippery or freshly washed

Considerations: The textured coating can catch on very dry or damaged hair

Best Value: Conair Secure Hold Bobby Pins

Why they work: Longer than standard Conair pins with a matte finish designed for grip. Available in most drugstores, these are the accessible option for thick hair.

Best for: Everyday styling, first upgrade from standard pins

Considerations: Not as strong as professional-grade options

Best Professional Grade: Fromm Style Artistry Jumbo Pins

Why they work: Salon-quality construction with extra length (2.75") and strong spring tension. The matte finish provides excellent grip without snagging.

Best for: Elaborate updos, professional styling, all-day hold

Considerations: Higher price point, may need to order online

Best for Very Thick Hair: Scunci No-Slip Grip Jumbo Pins

Why they work: At 2.75 inches with a curved design, these pins follow the shape of your head better. The no-slip coating lives up to its name.

Best for: Very thick or coarse hair, heavy updos

Considerations: Curved shape takes adjustment if you're used to straight pins

Best for Updos: MetaGrip Premium Bobby Pins

Why they work: Japanese manufacturing with exceptional grip technology. The coating actually improves hold rather than just protecting the metal.

Best for: Special occasions, wedding styles, elaborate updos

The MetaGrip Premium Bobby Pins are available on Amazon with their signature Japanese grip technology.

Considerations: Premium price, but they last for years

Comparison Table

Techniques for Thick Hair

Even the best pins need proper technique.

The Foundation Layer

For thick hair updos:

1. Section hair into manageable parts (don't try to pin all at once)
2. Twist or roll each section before pinning
3. Pin the foundation sections first
4. Build up layers, pinning each before adding the next

The X-Cross Method

For maximum security:

1. Insert first pin at a diagonal angle
2. Insert second pin crossing over the first in an X
3. The cross prevents both pins from sliding in the same direction
4. Use this at every stress point in your style

The Anchor Technique

For heavy sections:

1. Twist hair section tightly
2. Insert pin pointing toward your face
3. Rotate pin 180 degrees while pushing in
4. The rotation catches more hair and creates a stronger anchor

How Many Pins for Thick Hair?

Using quality jumbo pins reduces these numbers by about 30%.

For more detailed techniques, see how to use bobby pins: 15 essential techniques.

Common Mistakes with Thick Hair

Using Too Many Standard Pins

More isn't better when the pins themselves are wrong. Twenty weak pins create more failure points than ten strong ones. Upgrade pin quality before increasing quantity.

Not Sectioning First

Trying to pin a large mass of thick hair at once overwhelms any pin. Section your hair and work in manageable chunks.

Expecting All-Day Hold Without Hairspray

Even the best pins benefit from hairspray. For thick hair:

• Spray before pinning (creates texture for grip)
• Light spray after styling (sets the style)

Using Pins Upside Down

The wavy side goes toward your scalp, always. This is doubly important for thick hair because you need every bit of grip.

Ignoring Pin Placement

Pin placement matters more than pin quantity:

• Identify where hair wants to fall
• Pin against the direction of movement
• Create resistance at stress points

Alternatives for Thick Hair

Bobby pins aren't the only option. Consider these for specific situations:

Spin Pins

Corkscrew-shaped pins that twist into buns. One spin pin can replace 10+ bobby pins for thick hair. Excellent for quick buns.

See comparison: spin pins vs bobby pins.

U-Pins (Hair Pins)

For anchoring buns, U-pins weave through hair rather than gripping it. The Goodofferplace U-Shaped Hair Pins are excellent for securing the base of thick hair buns.

See comparison: bobby pins vs hair pins.

Jumbo Claw Clips

For casual styles, a large claw clip handles thick hair in seconds. Less precision, but faster and often more comfortable.

See our guide: best claw clips for thick hair and bobby pins vs claw clips.

FAQs

How long should bobby pins be for thick hair?

Minimum 2.5 inches, ideally 3+ inches for very thick hair. Standard 2-inch pins are too short to grip adequately.

Why do my bobby pins keep sliding out of thick hair?

Most likely causes: pins are too short, you're using them upside down (wavy side should face scalp), or the coating is too smooth. Try jumbo pins with matte or flocked coating.

How many bobby pins do I need for a thick hair updo?

With quality jumbo pins: 15-25 for an elaborate updo. With standard pins, you'd need 25-35 or more. Better pins mean fewer pins needed.

Are expensive bobby pins worth it for thick hair?

Yes. Premium pins for thick hair (Frenchies, MetaGrip) outperform drugstore pins dramatically. They grip better, last longer, and create more secure styles. The difference is especially noticeable with thick hair.

Should I use hairspray with bobby pins?

Absolutely, especially with thick hair. Spray sections before pinning to create texture that helps pins grip. A light finishing spray helps set the final style.

Can I use regular bobby pins if I use enough of them?

This rarely works well. The problem isn't quantity. Standard pins lack the length and strength thick hair requires. You'll end up with headaches, pins poking through, and styles that still fall.

What's the best bobby pin brand for thick hair?

Frenchies (for their flocked grip coating) and MetaGrip (for overall quality) are top choices. For a budget option, Scunci No-Slip Grip Jumbo pins work well.

The Bottom Line

Thick hair needs bobby pins designed for thick hair. The key features:

1. Length: 2.5 inches minimum, 3+ inches for very thick hair
2. Grip coating: Matte, flocked, or textured, not smooth
3. Strong spring: Should feel firm when you open them
4. Quality construction: Professional or premium brands

Stop fighting with standard pins. The right pins make thick hair styling dramatically easier, and you'll use fewer pins for better results.

For more thick hair solutions, see best jumbo bobby pins for thick updos. For general bobby pin mastery, visit our ultimate guide to bobby pins. And if you're considering alternatives, compare bobby pins vs claw clips or explore claw clips for thick hair.