How to Dress Up Bobby Pins

Looking for a fancy hairpin that won’t cost you an arm and a leg? Instead of dropping big bucks on a designer clip at a retail store, why not make your own using what you have at home? Depending on what you want the bobby pin to look like in the end, all you need is some nail polish or a fancy button and some glue. If you really want to go all the way, however, you can always dress up a plain old bobby pin with some fancy beads and a bit of wire instead!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Nail Polish

1
Get some bobby pins, and slide them over the top of a sheet of paper. Thicker paper, such as cardstock or an index card would work best for this, but you can use plain printer paper too. If you plan on painting several bobby pins the same color, consider separating them into small groups based on the color you will be painting them.
- If you want to create a "color blocked" look, get some black bobby pins, and lay down strips of tape over them at various angles.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Paint the top of your bobby pins using a single stroke. Don't worry if the nail polish looks see-though in places; you can always add another coat or two. You can paint either the flat side or the bumpy side—whichever one you plan on wearing on top!
- The bobby pins don't have to be all one color. You could even paint stripes!
- To create sparkly bobby pins, use either glitter nail polish, or shake some fine, scrapbooking glitter onto the nail polish instead.
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Some shades of nail polish only need one coat, while others may require up to three.^{[2]XResearch source}
This may not be necessary for regular nail polish, but if you added any glitter, it would be a good idea. If you'd like a twist, you can use glitter nail polish or a "matte" top coat instead.
5
Wait for the nail polish to dry overnight.^{[3]XResearch source} Nail polish may feel dry to the touch in under an hour, but it might still be soft underneath. To prevent any chips or dents, wait for the nail polish to dry completely.
- If you color blocked your bobby pins, carefully peel the tape off after the nail polish dries.
You may notice bits of paper or excess nail polish sticking to the bobby pins. If this happens, simply scratch the paper/nail polish off with your fingernail.^{[4]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Coat Buttons

The loop or shank on the back of the button needs to be big enough for one of the prongs on the bobby pin to slide through.
Wearing the bumpy side against your head will give you a better grip, but you can wear the bobby pin with the bumpy side facing out.^{[5]XResearch source}
Make sure that the top of the button is facing you.
Do not let the button settle into the curve. You want it to be facing up, and resting against the flat/bumpy side of the bobby pin.
5
Secure the button with a drop or two of hot glue or super glue. This will keep the button from wobbling around too much. Simply put a line of glue along the bobby pin where the button will cover it. Then, press the button down, and wait for the glue to set.^{[6]XResearch source}
- If the button is hallow, add a drop or two of glue into the loop/shank part of the button instead.
If you used hot glue, your bobby pin will be ready to wear as soon as the glue sets; this usually only takes a few minutes. If you used super glue, this may take a little bit longer.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Gemstones and Other Findings

1
Slid your bobby pin(s) partway onto an index card.^{[7]XResearch source} Leave about ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) sticking out over the edge. This way, you won't risk accidentally gluing your bobby pin to the paper. The paper will help keep the bobby pin from rolling around while the glue dries.
- If you can't find and index card, a piece of cardstock or even ordinary printer paper will do.
The flat side of the bobby pin is technically the top, but many people like to wear bobby pins with the bumpy side facing out. Choose a side to work on, then set your sheet of paper with the bobby pin on it down.
3
Choose something to glue to your bobby pin. Gemstones and rhinestones are popular, but you can also use other small items, such as: cabochons, vintage earrings, flat buttons, fabric flowers, and so forth. Whatever you choose to use, make sure that it is small or lightweight. A large, fabric flower should not be a problem, but if you are going to use something heavy (like an earring or cabochon), choose something that is ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) or smaller.
- If you are using a vintage earring, use a pair of wire cutters to cut the post off.
- Create your own design! Glue a cabochon to a filigree button, or glue a few beads together to make a flower.
^{[8]XResearch source} The best glue to use for this would be an industrial-strength glue, super glue, or epoxy glue. Ordinary craft glue is not recommended, because it is not strong enough. Hot glue may work in a pinch, but your gemstone may break off.
^{[9]XResearch source} It would be best if you pres it against the flat/bumpy side, and not the curved/looped part of the bobby pin. This way, your gemstone will be less likely to fall off. If you really want to, however, you can glue your decoration to the very tip, but be aware that it may break off.
How long you wait will depend on the type of glue you are using. Super glue may dry in just a few minutes, while an industrial-strength glue may take up to several hours. Read the label on your glue for specific drying times.
At this point, your bobby pin is now ready to wear! If the gemstone you added is still loose, consider cutting a small scrap of fabric, and then gluing it to the back of the gemstone. This will help anchor the gemstone to the bobby pin.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Beads and Wire

Make sure that the wire is thin enough to go through your bead.
Bring the wire 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of the way through the looped part of the bobby pin.
Twist the wire only 2 to 3 times. Next, use a pair of wire cutters to snip the stub off as close to the twists as possible.
Move the bead to the bumpy side of the bobby pin. This is technically the underside of the bobby pin, but the grooves will give the beads and the wires something to hold on to.
5
Wrap the wire around the bumpy part of the bobby pin. You may have to push the bobby pin open so that you can get the wire between the two prongs. Do not wrap the wire around both prongs, or you won't be able to use the bobby pin.
- The bead may start to shift as you wrap the wire. If this starts to happen, use your fingers to hold the bead in place.
Give the wire a gentle tug first, then thread the bead onto it. Hold the bead in place as you wrap the bead through the bobby pin once more.
7
Keep adding beads and wrapping the wire until you are one bead's width from the end of the bobby in. How many beads you use will depend on the side of your bobby pin as well as the size of the beads. The smaller the beads are, the more beads you will need.
- The beads can be different colors, but they should all be the same shape and size.
Wrap the wire about three times, as tightly as you can. This will seal your beadwork shut.
9
Pass the wire back through or under 2 to 3 beads, then snip it off. If the beads have large enough holes, you can wrap the wire back through the beads and under the bobby pin prong. If the holes are too small, simply pull the wire under three beads (keep it between the beads and the top of the bobby pin). Snip the excess wire off with a pair of wire cutters.
- For added security, add a drop of glue under the wrapped wire at the tip of your bobby pin. Use jewelry glue; it dries clear and is suitable for metal.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
How do I make my hair pins look good?
Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments.
Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Answer
My favorite way to accessorize with bobby pins is to make a deep part on one side, then pull back the other side with a few pins, creating a “fan” of pins. To do that, secure the hair and add 3 or 4 pins extra. Then, slide the top of the pins slightly away from the others so that the bottom of them are still touching but the tops are separated and look like a fan. There really is no wrong way to use them!
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Question
What if a decorated bobby pin is too heavy?
Community Answer
Pair a second bobby pin with the first to offer more support. You can also use hollow beads or lighter materials instead. If it droops in your hair, put another pin across it like an X to hold the pin in place.
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What if it my embellishment doesn't stay in place?
Community Answer
Start by gluing your embellishment to the flat side of a bobby pin, and then letting the glue dry. Next, cut a scrap of fabric smaller than your embellishment, and coat it with a thin layer of glue. Slide the fabric under the bobby pin and press it against the back of your embellishment. This will anchor the embellishment to the bobby pin.
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Tips

The nail polish method can be combined with other methods for an extra-special bobby pin.
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Make sure you've glued the adornments on the bobby pin properly, so that they won't fall off.
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Try a sample idea first. Before you glue that pearl and diamond flower together, place the jewels in the design shape to see if they will really work
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