If you ask armchair hair critics who complain about Meghan Markle [1]'s "messy" buns, hair grips are easy to use. But if you talk to anyone who's actually used the hair clips, the reality is not so simple. Lost in a drugstore aisle maze full of pins and not sure where to turn? Keep reading to learn how to use the staple product the right way — finally.
Regular Bobby Pins
The OG, no-frills bobbies [3] ($3 for 80) won't help you with an intricate updo (unless you use a million), but they're perfect for pinning back a moderate amount of hair. Use these for a half-up style, to secure the end of a braided crown, or to roll short hair up into a faux bob [4].
Mini Pins
Get a stray strand or cowlick the f*ck off your face with a mini bobby pin [5] ($4 for 36). Again, these won't stand up to a hefty updo, but they work wonders in a pinch.
No-Slip Pins
If you've got fine hair that can't hold a curl and loves slipping out of every accessory, keep it in check with a no-slip pin [6] ($4 for 45). The rigid coating makes these puppies extra strong, and they can stand up to just about any style.
Jumbo Pins
For thick or coarse hair, opt for a jumbo bobby pin [7] ($1 for 18). These will keep hair in place for the longest, and the elongated design ensures it will hold even the most unruly of hair.
Fancy Pins
These bobby-pins-but-make-it-fashion are cute, but they're notoriously weak. Use these as accent pieces to hold back bangs or for other easy styles. If you really want to put your bun up with a star-shaped pin, we advise you to fake it until you make it. That means, secure the actual bun with a no-slip pin, then pop your pretty one over the updo to make it look like that's what's doing the heavy lifting.