Best Jumbo Bobby Pins for Thick Hair and Elaborate Updos

Thick hair demands pins that can handle volume and weight. Standard bobby pins are designed for average hair, and when you try to use them on thick hair, they bend, spring open, and ultimately fail. Jumbo bobby pins solve this problem.

This guide covers what makes jumbo pins different, which ones perform best, and how to use them for thick hair updos that actually hold.

For general bobby pin information, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins. For more thick hair solutions, check best bobby pins for thick hair.

What Makes Jumbo Pins Different

Size Comparison

Why Length Matters for Thick Hair

Longer pins provide:

• More surface area to grip hair
• Better leverage against the scalp
• Ability to capture more strands per pin
• Stronger overall hold

Additional Jumbo Pin Features

Beyond length, quality jumbo pins have:

• Stronger springs: Reinforced bends that don't weaken
• Heavier gauge wire: Won't bend under pressure
• Wider opening: Accommodates thick sections
• Grip coating: Extra hold for heavy hair

Best Jumbo Bobby Pins

Best Overall: Scunci No-Slip Grip Jumbo Bobby Pins

Length: 2.75" Why they work: The curved design follows head shape, and the no-slip coating holds thick hair that slides from standard pins.

Features:

• Curved shape for comfort
• Grip coating
• Strong spring
• Affordable

Best for: Everyday thick hair styling, buns, general updos

Best for Very Thick Hair: Frenchies Flocked Jumbo Pins

Length: 2.5" Why they work: The flocked coating provides unmatched grip for the thickest hair. The texture catches every strand.

Features:

• Flocked (textured) coating
• Extra grip surface
• Strong construction
• Professional quality

Best for: Very thick hair that defeats other pins, elaborate updos

Best Professional Grade: Fromm Style Artistry Jumbo Pins

Length: 2.75" Why they work: Salon-professional quality with matte finish for grip. Consistent construction that stylists rely on.

Features:

• Matte professional finish
• Strong spring tension
• Durable coating
• Ball tips

Best for: Professional styling, wedding updos, special occasions

Best Budget Option: Conair Jumbo Bobby Pins

Length: 2.5" Why they work: Affordable jumbo length with decent grip. Good entry point into jumbo pins.

Features:

• Accessible pricing
• Widely available
• Reasonable spring tension
• Multiple color options

Best for: Testing jumbo pins, daily use, backup pins

Best Extra-Long: Marianna Jumbo Bobby Pins

Length: 3.4" Why they work: The longest commonly available pins. For extremely thick or long hair that needs maximum grip length.

Features:

• Extra length (3.4")
• Professional quality
• Strong spring
• Smooth coating

Best for: Extremely thick hair, very heavy updos, long thick hair

Comparison Table

When to Use Jumbo Pins

Always Use Jumbo For:

• Thick hair buns
• Heavy updos
• French twists on thick hair
• Structural anchor points
• Wedding and formal styling on thick hair
• Any style that standard pins have failed

Mix Jumbo with Standard For:

• Elaborate styles (jumbo for structure, standard for details)
• Layered updos (jumbo at base, standard higher)
• Styles with some fine detail work

When Standard Pins Are Fine:

• Detail work and finishing
• Pinning small loose pieces
• Thin sections within a thick-hair style

Techniques for Jumbo Pins

The Foundation Technique

For elaborate updos on thick hair:

1. Divide hair into sections
2. Use jumbo pins for the base/foundation
3. Build upward, securing each layer with jumbo pins
4. Use standard pins only for finishing details

The Jumbo X-Cross

The X-cross technique scaled for jumbo pins:

1. Insert first jumbo pin at a diagonal
2. Cross second jumbo pin over first
3. Creates extra-strong anchor point
4. Use at every major stress point

The Weight Distribution

Thick hair is heavy. Distribute pins to share the load:

1. Don't concentrate all pins in one area
2. Create multiple anchor points
3. Let different sections support each other
4. Check balance of pin placement

The Weave-Through

For maximum hold in thick sections:

1. Insert jumbo pin through the section
2. Weave through hair beneath
3. Continue into hair at scalp
4. Creates multi-layer grip

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

Updos for Thick Hair

Thick Hair Low Bun

Pins needed: 10-15 jumbo Key technique: Pin in circle pattern with jumbo pins, X-cross at base

Thick Hair French Twist

Pins needed: 15-25 jumbo + 5-10 standard for finishing Key technique: Anchor line with jumbo pins, secure roll with jumbo pins throughout

Thick Hair Braided Updo

Pins needed: 8-12 jumbo Key technique: Pin braids at base with jumbo pins, secure coiled braid with jumbo pins at intervals

Thick Hair Romantic Updo

Pins needed: 15-20 jumbo + 5-10 standard Key technique: Jumbo pins for structural sections, standard pins for loose accent pieces

Common Mistakes with Jumbo Pins

Using Standard Pins Instead

The problem: Standard pins can't handle thick hair volume. The fix: Switch to jumbo for structural work.

Not Enough Pins

The problem: Even jumbo pins need adequate quantity. The fix: Thick hair updos need 10-25 jumbo pins typically.

Wrong Technique

The problem: Jumbo pins without proper technique still fail. The fix: Use X-crossing, weaving, proper foundation building.

Mixing Sizes Incorrectly

The problem: Using standard where jumbo is needed. The fix: Jumbo for structure and heavy sections, standard only for details.

FAQs

How many jumbo bobby pins do I need for thick hair?

Depends on style: simple bun needs 8-12, French twist needs 15-25, elaborate updo needs 20-40. Always have extras.

Are jumbo pins uncomfortable?

They shouldn't be if positioned correctly. If pins dig in, adjust placement. The increased comfort from styles that actually hold is worth it.

Can I use only jumbo pins?

For most thick hair styling, yes. Use standard or mini only for fine detail work and finishing touches.

Why do my jumbo pins still slide out?

Check: Are you using them wavy-side-down? Are you adding texture to clean hair? Is the grip coating adequate? See why do my bobby pins fall out.

What's the difference between 2.5" and 3.4" jumbo pins?

About an inch of grip length. 3.4" pins are for extremely thick hair or very heavy styles. 2.5-2.75" works for most thick hair.

Where can I find jumbo bobby pins?

Beauty supply stores, Amazon, professional beauty distributors. They're less common at regular drugstores than standard pins.

The Bottom Line

For thick hair and elaborate updos:

1. Always use jumbo pins for structure: 2.5"+ length
2. Choose quality: Grip coating and strong springs matter
3. Use enough pins: 10-25 jumbo for most thick hair styles
4. Apply proper technique: X-crossing, weaving, layering
5. Reserve standard pins for details only

The right jumbo pins transform thick hair styling from frustrating to manageable. Stop fighting with standard pins that can't handle your hair.

For complete thick hair guidance, see best bobby pins for thick hair. For premium options, check best premium bobby pin brands. For general bobby pin mastery, visit our ultimate guide to bobby pins.