The French Pin: A timeless Hair Accessory Experiences a Modern Revival
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A sleek, understated hair accessory with roots stretching back to antiquity is experiencing a surge in popularity, offering a cozy and elegant option to claw clips and scrunchies.
The beauty world is awash in trends, but the most impactful shift in one writer’s routine isn’t a new serum or a viral contour technique-it’s the humble French pin. This simple, U-shaped accessory secures a chignon with ease and lies discreetly within the hair.
While the French pin is currently trending on social media, its origins are far more extensive. One individual recalls their first encounter with the pin over two decades ago, noting that it was a staple for their flight attendant stepmother, who needed a swift and airline-approved hairstyle.This need for efficiency-achieving a polished look in under five minutes-highlighted the pin’s practicality.
However,the history of hair pins extends even further back,with versions crafted from wood and bone dating back to ancient civilizations. Its use isn’t limited to France; variations of the pin have been worn globally for centuries.
The appeal of Understated Polish
The current resurgence in popularity is likely driven by a desire for polished yet effortless beauty routines, a style perfectly embodied by the chignon. “French pins are gaining popularity as they are a more elegant alternative to a claw clip,” explains hairstylist Hollie Rose Clarke. The pin’s discreet nature also makes it suitable for more formal occasions, offering a level of refinement that claw clips and scrunchies may lack.
Beyond aesthetics,the French pin is a practical solution for extending the life of a hairstyle. “It’s very connected to the fact that most French women wash their hair only once a week,” says French hairstylist David Mallett, adding that the pin allows them to “make undone hair look great” on subsequent days.
A Return to Timeless Glamour
The renewed interest in the french pin aligns with a broader trend towards retro-glamorous looks, as seen on recent red carpets. Celebrities like Raye and Pamela Anderson have embraced classic styles, signaling a shift towards enduring elegance.
One writer describes the aesthetic as a blend of “Rachel Green meets Catherine Deneuve,” capturing the pin’s nostalgic,’90s appeal.
Mastering the French Pin technique
Using a French pin is surprisingly straightforward. Clarke outlines a three-step process:
- Twist yoru hair upwards as if creating a chignon with a claw clip, ensuring a tight twist. Secure the twist and grab your French pin.
- Hold the pin horizontally with the curve facing upwards. Pierce the twist near the top, guiding the pin to graze the scalp. Push the pin down and then outward, mimicking a sewing stitch. Ensure the tension is comfortable and doesn’t pull on the hair.
- alternatively, twist hair into a regular bun and pierce the pin through both the bun and the hair close to the scalp.
Choosing the Right Pin
The type of pin matters. Experience has shown that lighter pins, no longer than the length of an iPhone, work best for bobs and medium-length hair, as heavier metal pins tend to slip out.Thicker, longer hair may benefit from a slightly larger pin.
One individual consistently reaches for The Good Pine Brush, praising its curve for securely holding fine, slippery hair. Mallett’s own pin design is particularly effective for extending time between washes.A texture spray can also be used to add grip. Clarke recommends pins from Kitsch and Fiona Franchimon No. 1 Hairpin, noting their unique design creates a pinch point similar to a bobby pin, but larger and less damaging.
Ultimately, the French pin offers a compelling combination of practicality and style. It’s a small accessory that delivers a significant impact, transforming a simple updo into a polished and effortlessly chic look. Once mastered, it’s a hair tool you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
