Barrette clips are one of the simplest ways to create an elegant hairstyle. In this guide, we show you two easy styles and how to choose the right barrette for your hair.
What are barrettes?
Barrette clips have a metal clasp beneath a decorative top, which on our French Handmade barrettes is made from cellulose acetate. The clip is secured with a clasp, which is opened by pressing the two metal pieces either side of it. Barrettes come in a range of shapes and sizes, from arched barrettes to much slimmer, flatter styles.
The following guide will show you how to create two simple but elegant hairstyles using barrette clips, as well as how to choose the best style to suit your hair.
How to wear hair barrettes
There are lots of hairstyles you can create using a barrette clip. The first is a French twist, where you secure the barrette slightly above the thickest part of the twist to keep it in place. You could also use a barrette for a low ponytail, half-up styles, or simply to hold smaller side pieces of hair.
How to use a barrette clip
For a low ponytail
- Press the metal pads either side of the clasp to open the clip.
- Gather the hair in a ponytail at the nape of your neck.
- Slip the bottom part of the clip under the ponytail until the clasp comes out at the other side.
- Clamp the top of the clip down over the ponytail and push the clasp together to secure it in place.
Hair Tutorial: Low Ponytail Using A Barrette
For a French pleat
- Press the metal pads either side of the clasp to open the clip.
- Gather all of the hair at the nape of the neck and twist.
- Bring the twist up so it is flat against the head and tuck in any loose ends.
- Push the bottom part of the clip under the twist, just above the thickest part, until it comes out the other side.
- Clamp the top of the clip over the twist and fasten the clasp to secure it in place.
Hair Tutorial: French Pleat Using A Barrette
How do you wear a barrette with fine hair?
Finer hair types usually suit flatter barrette styles, as they clasp the hair securely to help prevent slipping. For French pleat styles, the Small Barrette Clip is a lovely option, as is the Mini Barrette Clip for very fine hair. For lots of fine hair, or more textured hair, you may need an arched style to allow more space for the hair. Our Botanical Barrette Clip with Rubber Grip is also a good choice for fine to medium hair, as its rubber grip coating helps prevent slipping for a secure, all-day hold.
For low ponytail styles, choose a barrette size based on the thickness and amount of hair you have. For lots of fine hair, or textured fine hair, you may need an arched style or the Small Barrette Clip. For very fine hair, try something smaller, like the Mini Barrette Clip.
For half-up styles, you will need something flat and smaller than the clip you would use for a full up-do. The Narrow Bar Barrette Clip is long but very slim, so it is ideal for this style.
Fine hair can often be very silky and slippery, so if you find your clip slips a little during the day, try a little hairspray or texture spray before adding the clip to help it stay in place for longer.
How do you wear a barrette with thick hair?
Arched barrette clips are the best style for thick, long or textured hair. The arched shape means there is plenty of space inside the clip to hold lots of hair. When using a barrette to secure a French pleat, clip the barrette just above the thickest part of the twist so it fits comfortably around the hair. The Extra Large Barrette Clip is a favourite if you have very thick hair, as it has a generous space inside for a secure hold.
Flatter styles, such as the Small Barrette Clip, can still be used in thick hair to hold smaller sections at the side, or for half-up styles.
Which barrette is right for you?
- Very fine hair: the Mini Barrette Clip, handcrafted in France with a strong steel clasp.
- Fine, silky hair: the Narrow Bar Barrette Clip or the Small Barrette Clip.
- Fine to medium hair that slips: the Botanical Barrette Clip with Rubber Grip.
- Very thick hair: the Extra Large Barrette Clip.
We hope this has given you some inspiration for styling barrette clips and choosing the best style for your hair. If you would like more information, advice or personal recommendations, just get in touch.
