20 Pretty Bobby Pin Hairstyles

Posted on Apr 21, 2023

Bobby pins are, without a doubt, the most versatile and dependable hair tool out there (not to mention they’re incredibly straightforward and easy to use). Whether you have flyaways you want to tame, love experimenting with new hairstyles, or want to add some pizzazz to a boring ponytail, bobby pins are the one hair accessory you should always have on hand.

If you’ve shopped with us before, then you know our love for the humble bobby pin and our passion for elevating this hair staple to something that perfectly suits you, regardless of your hair color, texture, or length. But before you go stocking up on our color-matched bobby pins, you’ll want to find your new go-to bobby pin hairstyles too. (You know, the styles that make you look like you’re a celebrity hairstylist even when you’re not.)

Below, we’ve highlighted the 20 prettiest bobby pin hairstyles and tutorials you’ll be dying to try. All of which are stylish, modern, and relatively simple to do. If you need a refresher on how to use bobby pins the right way (yes, there is a right way), go ahead and read this article before you get started.

1. The Slicked-Back Pony

sleek ponytail

Ponytails are a classic hairstyle, one most of us have been rocking since childhood. Luckily, there are elevated, grown-up versions of this nostalgic style. The slicked-back pony is a go-to bobby pin hairstyle because it can work for any hair texture and most lengths.

All you need to do to achieve this look is start with styled or natural hair.
Pull your hair into a secure ponytail—it can be at the nape of the neck, at the top of your head, or anywhere else you find flattering.
Use a pomade, smoothing cream, or hairspray and a boar bristle brush to smooth back flyaways and create that sleek look.
Separate a one- to two-inch section of hair from the ponytail.
Wrap that section of hair around the base of your ponytail to conceal the elastic.
Bobby pin the hair in place.

Watch Dacey’s tutorial

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2. Pinned Baby Braids

baby braids

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Baby braids are one of the hottest hair trends of 2022. Not only are they adorable, but they’re a great one-minute hairstyle for both short, medium, and long hair. Give them a Bobi twist by pinning the baby braids behind your ears or pulling them back into a half-up, half-down style with a few color-matched bobby pins.

Watch the Harper’s BAZAAR tutorial

3. Exposed Bobby Pins

image credit by @stinavision_

This versatile hairstyle has a range of variations. You can use bobby pins to add shape and dimension to your updo or add interest to straight hair by adding stacked bobby pins above the ears.

Exposed bobby pin hairstyles are transforming the way people use bobby pins (and we are here for it). It’s an especially fantastic styling option for women embracing their natural hair.

Watch Kellee’s tutorial

4. Early 2000s Half-Up Hairstyle

If you’re a Y2K girl, then you need a hairstyle that matches your crop tops, miniskirts, and low-rise jeans. Enter this iconic early 2000s bobby pin hairstyle. In the tutorial below, Amanda shows you how to get a playful half-up hairstyle that perfectly embodies the 2000s aesthetic.

Grab your Bobi bag and color-matched bobby pins for this tutorial; you’ll want to have plenty of bobby pins on deck!

Watch Amanda’s tutorial

5. Mini Space Buns

Mini space buns, aka the cutest bobby pin hairstyle for short and medium hair. It’s the perfect style for getting hair out of your face or if you’re running out of ideas on how to style your short strands. Nichole shows you how to achieve the ‘out of this world’ hairstyle below.

Watch tutorial

6. Low Bun

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Running short on time? Have fourth day hair? Want to look polished and put together? The low bun has you covered. This sleek, timeless hairstyle is perfect for every season, rain or shine, and can go from day to night.

Watch Lydia’s tutorial

7. Totally Easy Twists

This might be one of the easiest bobby pin hairstyles—and one of our all-time favorites. The simple twist works for nearly all hair lengths and textures, perfect for bobby pin novelists who are just learning how to use this iconic hair accessory.

Part your hair down the center.
Gather a small front section of hair and twist.
Pin the section with one or two color-matched bobby pins.
Repeat on the other side.

Watch Yana’s tutorial

8. Box Braid Bun

If you have box braids, a bun is one of the best bobby pin hairstyles. Simply wrap the braids at the top of your head and secure them with a few bobby pins. You can also modify this style by putting the top half of your hair into a bun for an Instagram-worthy half-up, half-down look.

Watch Karis’ tutorial

9. Trendy Side Part Pony

Supermodels like Bella Hadid have rocked this trendy bobby pin hairstyle, and so can you! To get the look, you need a couple of hair ties, hairspray, a boar bristle brush, and color-matched bobby pins. The style is quick, easy, and super chic—what more can you ask for?

Watch Sagonia’s tutorial

10. Flat Twist Updo

This timeless updo is made for 4C natural hair. The flat twist is simple to do and doesn’t require any gel or hair extensions—but you will want to grab some bobby pins to pin your hair in place.

Watch Glory’s tutorial

11. Model Off-Duty Sleek Bun

Perfect for medium to long hair, the ‘90s model off-duty sleek bun is one bobby pin hairstyle we can’t get enough of. It’s best for those days when you can’t be bothered to wash your hair but still want to look polished. Try it on straight hair for an ultra-sleek look.

Watch Sagonia's Tutorial

12. 90's Ponytail Hair Flip (Short Hair)

This one’s for the short hair girls (though any hair length can rock this trendy half-up, half-down style). Similar to the ‘Trendy Side Part Pony,’ this version is ideal for girls with short hair that can’t pull their hair back into a high ponytail. To say we’re obsessed is an understatement.

Watch Rachel’s tutorial

13. Pin-Up Pouf

The 2000s are making a comeback! And with that comes some of the era’s most iconic hairstyles, including the pinned back hair pouf that celebs like Beyoncé, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and the Olsen twins made famous back in the early 2000s. As seen on it-girl Matilda Djerf, this throwback bobby pin hairstyle might just be the newest, easiest hair trend on our list.

Watch Olivia’s tutorial

@oliviarosedemuro Thoughts on bringing back the poof hairstyle #hair #hairstyles #hairtransformation #transformation #hairhacks #hairhacksandtips #fypシ ♬ original sound - Olivia

14. Braided Top Knot

image credit: femina

An upgrade to your basic bun, the braided top knot is a surprisingly simple bobby pin hairstyle that looks more complicated than it is. (You don’t have to be a hair styling queen to pull it off.) Plus, it’s perfect for those with long hair who want to pin back their luscious locks.

Start by gathering your hair and pulling it back into a high ponytail. You can use a smoothing brush and products to tame flyaways and create a sleek look.
Secure your ponytail with an elastic.
Braid your ponytail and secure it with a thin, clear elastic.
Wrap your braid around the base of the ponytail to create a bun.
Pin it in place with color-matched bobby pins.
Finish with a spritz (or two) of hairspray for a long-lasting hold.

Watch the Refinery29 tutorial

15. Classy Curly Girl Hairstyle

Curly girls, this one’s for you. This super chic updo highlights your perfect curls while framing your face and showing off your gorgeous features. It’s formal enough for weddings and other events, but you can also wear it on a date or night out.

Watch Jayme’s tutorial

16. Bobi Braid

Image via All Things Hair

An enchanting twist to the traditional braid, this bobby pin hairstyle is perfect for long hair. Bonus, it’s super simple. First, you’ll want to create a fishtail side braid (you can watch a tutorial here). Lastly, add a dozen or more bobby pins into the braid, pinning them in the same direction as the strands.

This style is surprisingly versatile. You can wear it with bobby pins that match your hair color exactly or go a shade lighter to add some highlights. If you want to go bold, opt for contrasting bobby pins (white if you have dark hair, black if you have light hair).

17. Bobby Pin Bangs

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Another variation of the exposed bobby pin trend we’re obsessed with. We’re calling this style Bobby Pin Bangs. Essentially, you use bobby pins to pin down the front section of hair, pinning all the way down to your ears. The style creates a headband effect that’s runway ready.

You can use color-matched bobby pins that blend seamlessly into the hair or add a pop of contrast with black and white pins. Oh, and did we mention that this bobby pin hairstyle works for all hair lengths and textures? From straight to kinky and everything in between.

Watch Mairaly’s tutorial

18. Milkmaid Braid

image credit from @kersti.petri

Pretty and bohemian, the milkmaid braid is a bobby pin hairstyle you’ll want to wear all spring and summer long. It’s ideal for medium to long hair lengths and can be dressed up for a wedding or special event or kept casual for dinner with your friends. And don’t worry—this style is easier than it looks!

Watch Alex’s tutorial

19. 90's Inspired Pin Curl Bun

Your 90's prom hairstyle but with a modern flare. This bobby pin hairstyle lets your natural curls shine, but you can also create bouncy pin curls with your styling products to achieve this youthful ‘90s-inspired updo. Leave out your bangs to add a playful touch.

Watch Taylor’s tutorial

20. Half-Up, Half-Down

half up half down hairstyles

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Can’t decide whether to leave your hair down or tie it up? Try something in the middle. The classic half-up, half-down is the best of both worlds. It shows off your length and keeps your hair out of your face. There are endless variations of this top-rated hairstyle, but we love the classic pulled-back look, pinned back with (you guessed it) bobby pins.