Spin Pins vs Bobby Pins: Which Holds Better for Updos?

Spin pins (also called spiral pins or screw pins) promise to replace handfuls of bobby pins with just one or two pieces. Bobby pins have secured hairstyles for a century. Which actually works better?

The answer depends entirely on what you're styling. This comparison breaks down when each excels, how they work differently, and which to choose for specific situations.

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

Quick Comparison

How They Work Differently

Bobby Pin Mechanics

Bobby pins grip through friction and pressure:

• Two prongs squeeze hair between them
• Wavy side creates friction against scalp
• Spring tension holds prongs together
• Each pin secures a small section

Strength: Precision control, versatility Limitation: Each pin holds limited hair, needs many for security

Spin Pin Mechanics

Spin pins grip through continuous spiral contact:

• Corkscrew shape twists into hair
• Entire length contacts hair simultaneously
• Mechanical grip rather than friction
• Anchors in place through weaving

Strength: Holds large amounts with few pins, fast for buns Limitation: Only works for certain styles (primarily buns)

When Spin Pins Win

For Buns

Spin pins were designed specifically for buns, and they excel:

Why they work better:

• One spin pin grips continuously through the bun
• No individual pins to work loose
• Distributes hold throughout the structure
• Faster than placing 10+ bobby pins

Best bun types for spin pins:

• Messy buns
• Top knots
• Low buns
• Ballerina buns
• Quick everyday buns

For Thick Hair Buns

Spin pins solve thick hair's common bun problem:

• Standard bobby pins often can't handle the volume
• Spin pins accommodate thick hair naturally
• Fewer pins needed (2-3 maximum for most buns)
• Stronger overall hold than multiple bobby pins

For Speed

When you need a bun in under a minute:

• Twist hair into bun shape
• Insert spin pin at edge, twist in toward center
• Done

Compare to bobby pins: arrange bun, pin all around edges, check for loose spots, add more pins.

For Simplicity

Spin pins have essentially one technique:

1. Twist into bun
2. Done

No learning wavy-side-down, X-crossing, directional placement, or other bobby pin techniques.

When Bobby Pins Win

For Non-Bun Styles

Spin pins literally cannot do:

• Half-up styles
• French twists
• Pinned bangs
• Side sweeps
• Decorative placement
• Any style that isn't a bun

Bobby pins handle all of these plus buns.

For Precision Control

When you need to secure specific small sections:

• Bobby pins offer placement precision
• Spin pins secure large areas but can't target specifics
• Detail work requires bobby pins

For Flat Styles

Spin pins create a spiral within the hair. For styles that need to lie flat:

• Bobby pins pin against the scalp
• Spin pins create a slight raised area
• Flat styles (sleek looks, pinned sections) need bobby pins

For Elaborate Updos

Professional updo work requires bobby pins because:

• Multiple sections need individual control
• Structural anchors need X-crossing
• Floating pins support volume
• Spin pins can't accomplish these tasks

For Fine Hair

Spin pins often don't grip fine hair well:

• The spiral needs texture to catch
• Fine, slippery hair slides through the coils
• Bobby pins with grip coating work better for fine hair

Direct Comparison by Use Case

Simple Everyday Bun

Winner: Spin pins (faster, easier, holds well)

Half-Up Twist

Winner: Bobby pins (spin pins can't do this)

French Twist

Winner: Bobby pins (only option)

Thick Hair Top Knot

Winner: Spin pins (dramatically better)

Fine Hair Low Bun

Winner: Bobby pins (spin pins don't grip fine hair well)

The Combination Approach

Many people use both:

Spin pins for:

• Daily quick buns
• Thick hair updos
• When speed matters
• Simple bun styles

Bobby pins for:

• Everything else
• Fine-tuning spin-pinned buns
• All non-bun styling
• Professional/elaborate looks

Choosing Between Them

Choose Spin Pins If...

• You primarily wear buns
• You have thick hair
• You hate dealing with many pins
• You want the fastest possible bun
• Bobby pins have never worked well for your buns

Choose Bobby Pins If...

• You wear variety of styles
• You need precision placement
• You have fine hair
• You do elaborate updos
• You need versatility

Get Both If...

• You want the right tool for each job
• You wear buns sometimes and other styles other times
• You have thick hair but also do detail work

FAQs

Can spin pins completely replace bobby pins?

No. Spin pins only work for buns and similar styles. Bobby pins are needed for half-up styles, twists, decorative pinning, and any style that isn't fundamentally a bun.

Do spin pins work for thick hair?

Yes, spin pins actually work better for thick hair buns than bobby pins. The spiral accommodates volume naturally, and 2-3 spin pins can replace 15-20+ bobby pins.

Do spin pins work for fine hair?

Not always. Fine, slippery hair can slide through the spiral without gripping. Bobby pins with grip coating often work better for fine hair buns.

How many spin pins do I need for a bun?

Typically 1-2 for thin to average hair, 2-3 for thick hair. Much fewer than the 6-20 bobby pins you'd need for the same bun.

Which is better for wedding updos?

Bobby pins. Professional updo work requires the precision and versatility that only bobby pins provide. Spin pins might supplement but can't replace bobby pins for elaborate styles.

Which is faster?

For buns: spin pins are significantly faster. For other styles: bobby pins are the only option.

Are spin pins bad for hair?

No more than bobby pins when used correctly. Remove spin pins by twisting in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise if you inserted clockwise), not by pulling.

The Bottom Line

Spin pins and bobby pins serve different purposes:

Spin pins: The bun specialist. Fast, effective, excellent for thick hair, but limited to buns only.

Bobby pins: The versatile all-rounder. Handle any style, require more technique, essential for non-bun styling.

The best approach? Own both. Use spin pins when you want a quick bun. Use bobby pins for everything else and when precision matters.

For complete bobby pin mastery, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins and how to use bobby pins: 15 essential techniques. For thick hair specifically, check best bobby pins for thick hair.