Preparation
If you’re hoping to style a classic chignon or dress up a simple updo, the U-shaped French hair pin is a tool you need in your beauty arsenal. This two-pronged styling accessory, also known as the chignon pin or hair fork, can be used to secure your strands when you want to sweep them up and away into a look that goes beyond the traditional ponytail or bun.
And while you may have seen many iterations of this accessory recently—it’s making waves in the hair world—it can be difficult to know which French pins will actually keep your hair in place. To help, we went straight to the source and asked celebrity hairstylists to share the pieces they personally recommend and how to use them so they stay exactly where you place them.
French hair pins are made from a myriad of material types and often boast fun designs. It’s no wonder, then, that these unique pieces are trending: They’re one of the best styling accessories to try, especially if traditional hair ties tend to cause breakage—and it doesn’t hurt that they are particularly stylish. “A French pin allows for more creative styling, mainly in updos,” says Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Andrew Fitzsimons Hair. “It’s also a healthier option for the hair, as it prevents damage that other pins [and ties] can cause, such as pulling the hair [back or] down.”
Celebrity hairstylist Matthew Collins agrees, noting that these pins “are meant to be visual.” They add to your overall look, “rather than being hidden like most hair pins,” he says.
Kristin Ess Full-Size French Pin SetMadewell Machete French Hair PinThe Hair Edit Sleek Chignon PinWillbond 6 Pieces Metal Rose Gold U-Shaped Hair PinsOribe Geometric Gold-Plated Metal Hair StickScϋnci Metal U Pins
If you’re in the market for one of these accessories, you have come to the right place. We asked both Collins and Fitzsimons to share their picks—and even threw in some of our own editor-approved suggestions—for the very best French hair pins to buy right now.
