Stick barrettes are a beautiful, classic way to hold your hair, and they are simpler to use than they look. Here is how to style them, with a few tips to keep yours in place all day.
How do you style stick barrettes?
Most of our barrettes are fitted with a strong steel clasp which clicks into place behind the hair. A stick barrette, on the other hand, holds the hair in place with a stick that winds through the barrette front, under the hair, then back through the barrette on the other side. This gives a very classic finish which is a touch more decorative than a traditional barrette clasp.
Sometimes our customers are unsure how to use a stick barrette, or wonder whether it will work in their hair, so we have put together a few simple stick barrette hairstyles and some tips to keep it in place all day long.
How do you use a stick barrette?
Pull your hair back into your chosen style. Then hold the barrette front over where you want it to rest. Push the stick through one of the holes in the barrette, then underneath your hair, then back out through the hole on the other side.
Stick barrette hairstyles
For a half-up hairstyle
This is one of the easiest hairstyles to create, taking less than 30 seconds from start to finish. Take a section of hair from each side and hold it behind your head, then secure with the barrette. This style works best if you have quite thick hair. If your hair is finer, twist the section of hair into a bun before adding the barrette to finish. This gives the barrette a little more hair to hold.
Quick how-to: handmade stick barrette
For a low ponytail
Another ten-second hairstyle. Pull the hair together at the nape of your neck, just as if you were making a regular ponytail, then secure with the stick barrette. This style works best in thick hair, so if the barrette starts sliding out of finer hair, add a spritz of hairspray where the stick rests for a little extra grip.
For a bun
The lovely thing about stick barrettes is that they can create so many different hairstyles, for all hair types. With our Love Knot Stick Barrette Clip you can turn your bun into a decorative piece in its own right. Twist the hair into a bun, then place the barrette over the top and push the stick through one of the holes in the barrette, then underneath your hair, then back out through the hole on the other side. This style works well in fine hair, as the bun gives the barrette more hair to hold. It may seem complex, but once you have got the hang of it, it can be done within seconds.
For a classic French twist
Gather the hair at the nape of the neck, then twist upwards against the head. Tuck the end of the twist in neatly, then roll it over so the ends are tucked behind the roll of hair. Then place the barrette front over the twist where you would like it to lie and push the stick firmly through the roll of hair to secure it.
How do I get my stick barrette to stay in my hair?
If your hair is very thick or long, you should have enough hair to hold the stick barrette in place with ease. Just make sure the stick sits snugly behind all the hair so it doesn't slide out.
If your hair is very fine or soft, choose styles that bulk up the hair, such as a bun or a French twist, rather than a half-up look. If you find it slips after a while, a little hairspray will help it stay in place all day.
Now that you know the basics of how to use stick barrettes, you are always welcome to contact us for more information and personalised recommendations. We would love to help you find the perfect stick barrette. If you are looking for other hair tutorials, take a look at our series of 'How To' hair guides on the TEGEN Accessories YouTube channel.
