Five easy updos with a French hair pin or a claw clip. No hair ties, no heat.
These are classic styling techniques, explained step by step. Results depend on your hair's length and texture, and every style gets easier with practice.
Before you start
- A French pin is U-shaped. It holds by catching hair from your twist and a little hair close to your scalp. That second catch is the whole secret.
- Very silky, freshly washed hair can slip. If yours does, a little dry shampoo or texture spray first helps.
- Your first few tries take some practice. After a couple of goes, it gets quicker.
Style 1: The one-pin French twist
You need: 1 French Hair Pin. Best for shoulder-length hair and longer.
- Gather your hair at the nape with your hand. No elastic.
- Twist it upward against the back of your head and tuck the ends into the fold.
- Hold the pin with the prongs pointing up. Slide it into the top of the twist, then turn it so the prongs point down, scooping a little hair near your scalp.
- Push the pin down into the twist until it feels snug.
Tip: If it slips, you probably didn't catch enough hair at the base. Take it out and scoop a bit more.
Style 2: The low work bun
You need: 1 French Hair Pin.
- Gather your hair low at the nape.
- Twist the full length until it coils around itself into a low bun.
- Slide the pin through the top edge of the bun, catching hair near your scalp, and push it in toward the center of the bun.
Tip: Pull out two face-framing pieces for a softer look after work.
Unlock styles 3–5 and quick fixes
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Style 3: The two-pin twist
You need: 2 French Hair Pins (the Duo French Twist Set). A good choice for long or thick hair.
- Make the one-pin French twist (Style 1), but don't add the pin yet.
- Place the first pin from the right side of the twist with the flip-and-scoop move.
- Place the second pin from the left side, crossing slightly under the first.
- Gently shake your head. If anything moves, re-seat that pin with more hair from the base.
Why two? One pin shapes the twist; a second pin adds extra hold and spreads the weight.
Style 4: The claw clip twist
You need: 1 Elegant Claw Clip.
- Gather your hair at the back of your head and twist it upward.
- Fold the ends down over the twist, or leave them fanned out on top for a messier look.
- Open the clip and place it vertically over the twist so the teeth catch both the twist and the hair near your scalp. Close.
Tip: For finer hair, twist a little tighter before you clip.
Style 5: The evening finish
You need: Style 1, 2 or 3, plus our Simulated Pearl & Crystal Flower Hair Pin Set or the Vintage Crystal Hair Pin Set of 3.
- Make your twist or bun.
- Slide the decorative pins along the seam of the twist, spaced evenly.
- Angle each pin into the twist so the decorative side faces out.
Tip: Three or five pins usually look more balanced than two or four. A pretty finish for dinners, holidays and wedding-guest hair.
Quick fixes
- "The pin keeps falling out." Catch more hair at the base and twist tighter.
- "My hair feels too short." Try the claw clip twist, or twist just the top half of your hair.
- "It feels heavy." Use two pins (Style 3) to spread the weight.
Your pins
- French Hair Pin: $38, in Tortoiseshell, Black, Olive Green or Burgundy.
- Duo French Twist Set: $65 for two pins in the same color. Two single pins are $76 if bought separately, or $68.40 with our automatic 2-item discount.
- Elegant Claw Clip: $42.
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