Best Premium Bobby Pin Brands: MetaGrip, Frenchies, and More

When drugstore bobby pins cost pennies each, premium pins at 10-50x the price seem extravagant. But for anyone who uses bobby pins regularly, the performance difference justifies the cost. Premium pins grip better, last longer, and make styling noticeably easier.

This guide covers the best premium bobby pin brands, what makes them worth the investment, and which to choose for your specific needs.

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

Why Premium Bobby Pins Are Different

Grip Technology

Premium brands invest in coatings that dramatically improve grip:

• MetaGrip: Proprietary Japanese grip coating
• Frenchies: Flocked (textured fiber) coating
• Fromm: Professional matte finish
• Standard drugstore: Basic enamel coating

The difference is immediately noticeable. Hair that slips out of drugstore pins stays put in premium pins.

Construction Quality

Longevity

Drugstore pins: Replace every few weeks of regular use. Premium pins: Last months to years with same use frequency.

Cost comparison:

• Drugstore: $5 every month = $60/year
• Premium: $20 once = $20/year

Premium pins often cost less long-term.

The Best Premium Bobby Pin Brands

MetaGrip

Origin: Japan Known for: Exceptional grip technology, professional quality

What makes them special: MetaGrip's proprietary coating creates friction that holds even fine, slippery hair. Developed using Japanese manufacturing standards, these pins are favorites among professional stylists.

Best for:

• Fine hair that slips out of standard pins
• Professional styling work
• When grip is the priority

Price range: $$ (higher than drugstore, mid-range premium)

Sizes available: Standard, various colors

Frenchies

Origin: United States Known for: Flocked coating for maximum grip

What makes them special: The flocked (textured fiber) coating provides grip unlike any other pin. The tiny fibers catch hair strands, creating friction that prevents slipping. Particularly effective for thick hair.

Best for:

• Thick hair that overwhelms standard pins
• Styles that need maximum security
• Anyone frustrated with pins sliding out

Price range: $$ (mid-range premium)

Sizes available: Standard, jumbo

Fromm Style Artistry

Origin: Professional salon brand Known for: Matte finish, consistent professional quality

What makes them special: Salon-professional construction with a matte finish that provides grip without the textured feel of flocked pins. Consistent quality that professionals rely on.

Best for:

• Professional stylists
• All-purpose premium quality
• Those who don't want textured coating

Price range: $$ (salon professional pricing)

Sizes available: Standard, large, jumbo

Diane

Origin: Professional beauty supply Known for: Reliable professional grade at accessible prices

What makes them special: Professional-quality construction at prices below other premium brands. Ball tips, consistent spring tension, durable coating.

Best for:

• Entry into professional-grade pins
• Budget-conscious quality upgrade
• Salon and home use

Price range: $ - $$ (accessible premium)

Sizes available: Mini, standard, large

Conair Secure Hold

Origin: Mass market with professional features Known for: Grip coating at drugstore accessibility

What makes them special: Bridges the gap between drugstore and premium. Better grip coating than basic pins, widely available, affordable.

Best for:

• Upgrading from basic without premium prices
• Those who prefer drugstore shopping
• Testing improved grip before committing to premium

Price range: $ (higher-end drugstore)

Sizes available: Standard, large

Scunci No-Slip Grip

Origin: Mass market with grip technology Known for: Accessible grip pins, variety of sizes

What makes them special: Another drugstore-premium bridge option. The no-slip grip coating works well for the price, and they're available everywhere.

Best for:

• Everyday improved grip
• Wide availability preference
• Budget quality upgrade

Price range: $ (drugstore premium)

Sizes available: Standard, jumbo, curved

Brand Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Premium Brand

For Fine Hair That Slips

Best choice: MetaGrip The Japanese grip coating specifically addresses slippery hair. These pins hold when others won't.

For Thick Hair

Best choice: Frenchies The flocked coating grips volume that overwhelms other pins. The texture catches thick strands effectively.

For Professional Styling

Best choice: Fromm Style Artistry Consistent quality that professionals depend on. Matte finish provides grip without the extreme texture of flocked pins.

For Budget-Conscious Quality

Best choice: Diane Professional grade at more accessible prices. Excellent entry point into premium quality.

For Drugstore Availability

Best choice: Conair Secure Hold or Scunci No-Slip Grip Available at most drugstores while still providing better grip than basic pins.

When Premium Pins Are Worth It

Definitely Worth It

• You use bobby pins daily
• Standard pins consistently slip out
• You do elaborate updos
• You have fine or thick hair that challenges standard pins
• You're frustrated with replacing pins constantly

Maybe Worth It

• Occasional bobby pin use
• Standard pins mostly work for you
• You're curious about the difference
• You have a special event coming up

Probably Not Necessary

• Very rare bobby pin use
• Standard pins work perfectly for you
• Budget is very tight and drugstore pins meet your needs

How to Get the Most from Premium Pins

Storage

Store premium pins properly to protect your investment:

• Keep in dry location
• Use magnetic holder or container
• Don't leave in humid bathrooms
• Replace if dropped and bent

Use

Get maximum lifespan:

• Don't open prongs wide before inserting
• Remove gently without yanking
• Replace if spring weakens (don't force worn pins)

Match to Purpose

Use the right premium pin for the job:

• MetaGrip for grip challenges
• Frenchies for volume challenges
• Fromm for general professional work

Where to Buy Premium Bobby Pins

Beauty Supply Stores

Sally Beauty, Ulta, local beauty supply shops carry professional brands.

Amazon

Wide selection, read reviews carefully, ensure authentic products.

Direct from Brands

Many premium brands sell direct through their websites.

Professional Distributors

Some brands (Fromm, Diane) sell through professional beauty distributors.

What to Avoid

• Questionable third-party sellers
• Prices too good to be true (often counterfeits)
• Damaged packaging

FAQs

Are premium bobby pins really worth it?

For regular bobby pin users, yes. Better grip, longer lifespan, and less frustration. The per-pin cost is higher, but they last much longer.

What's the biggest difference between drugstore and premium pins?

Grip coating and longevity. Premium pins grip hair that drugstore pins can't hold, and they maintain quality for months instead of weeks.

Which premium brand is best for fine hair?

MetaGrip. Their Japanese grip coating specifically addresses fine, slippery hair.

Which premium brand is best for thick hair?

Frenchies. The flocked coating grips volume that overwhelms other pins.

Can I find premium bobby pins at regular stores?

Conair Secure Hold and Scunci No-Slip Grip are widely available at drugstores. True premium brands like MetaGrip, Frenchies, and Fromm typically require beauty supply stores or online purchase.

How long do premium bobby pins last?

With proper care, months to years of regular use. Compare to drugstore pins that often need replacement every few weeks.

Do professionals actually use premium pins?

Yes. Salon stylists, wedding hair specialists, and editorial stylists rely on professional-grade pins for reliability during important styling work.

The Bottom Line

Premium bobby pins are worth the investment for anyone who uses bobby pins regularly:

MetaGrip: Best for fine, slippery hair Frenchies: Best for thick hair and maximum grip Fromm: Best for professional all-purpose use Diane: Best value in professional quality Conair Secure Hold/Scunci No-Slip: Best accessible upgrades

The higher per-pin cost is offset by longer lifespan and dramatically better performance. If you've ever been frustrated by bobby pins that don't hold, premium brands solve the problem.

For complete bobby pin guidance, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins. For hair-type specific recommendations, explore our guides for thick hair, thin hair, fine hair, and curly hair.