You twist your hair up, slide in your French pin, and five minutes later it's sliding out. Sound familiar? It happens to almost everyone at first, and it's rarely the pin's fault. In most cases, one small change fixes it. Here are seven easy fixes, in the order we'd try them. If your hair is long or thick, the quickest one is often a second pin from the other side.
The two-layer rule: why French pins slip
A French pin doesn't clamp your hair the way a clip does. It holds by weaving through two layers: the hair in your twist and a little hair close to your scalp. When a pin falls out, it has usually caught only the twist. Keep that "two-layer rule" in mind, and most of the fixes below will make sense.
New to French pins? Start with our step-by-step guide, How to Use a French Hair Pin, then come back here if it still slips.
Fixes 1–3: scoop more, twist tighter, angle down
Fix 1: Scoop more hair at the base
When you flip the pin so the prongs point down, let the tips pick up a small section of hair right next to your scalp before you push the pin in. That anchor is what keeps the twist in place. If you can't feel the pin catching anything as you turn it, take it out and try again a little closer to your head.
Fix 2: Twist a little tighter
A loose twist gives the pin very little to hold. Twist your hair until it starts to coil before you lift it, and keep holding it while you place the pin. It should feel snug, not tight. If a style ever feels painful, loosen it.
Fix 3: Angle the pin down into the center
If the pin goes in flat across the twist, it can slide straight back out. Aim it down toward the center of the twist so the prongs end up inside the fold, with only the top curve showing.
Fixes 4–5: add a little grip
Fix 4: Add texture
Very silky, freshly washed hair gives a pin almost nothing to hold on to. A little dry shampoo or texture spray at the roots before you twist can help a lot. Focus on the hair at the nape and where the pin will go.
Fix 5: Try day-two hair
Many people find a French twist easier on the second day after washing, when hair has a bit more natural grip. If you wash in the morning, try your twist on a different day first while you're learning.
Fixes 6–7: more support where you need it
Fix 6: Add a second pin from the other side
Long or heavy hair puts a lot of weight on one pin. Place the first pin from the right side of the twist, then a second from the left, crossing slightly under the first. One pin shapes the twist and the second shares the weight. That's why our Duo French Twist Set comes with two matching pins in one color.
Fix 7: Match the style to your length
A full French twist needs enough hair to fold. If your hair is around shoulder length, the ends may not stay tucked. Try a half-up twist instead: twist just the top section of your hair and pin it at the back. Our French Hair Pin is about 13 cm (5.1 in) long, as listed by our supplier, which suits a twist or a low bun.
When a claw clip is the better tool
Some days a French pin just isn't the right fit: very short layers, a busy school run, or a morning when you don't want to practice. A claw clip grips by clamping, so it's more forgiving while you learn. Not sure which suits you? Read French Pin vs Claw Clip: Which Is Right for Your Hair?
A quick checklist
- Did the pin catch hair at the base, not just the twist?
- Is the twist snug before you pin it?
- Is the pin angled down into the center?
- Does your hair need a little texture?
- Would a second pin help with the weight?
Still stuck? Email a photo of your hair to support@havendoa.com and we'll give you an honest suggestion. Orders of $60 or more ship free in the US, and unworn items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days.