Barrettes are one of the simplest and most elegant ways to hold your hair in place. They come in lots of shapes, sizes and designs, so it helps to know which type suits your hair and the style you have in mind. Here is a short guide to the main types.
The types of barrettes: the short answer
- Mini and narrow barrettes: for fine hair, half-up styles and small sections.
- Classic barrettes: for everyday ponytails and French pleats in fine to medium hair.
- Arched barrettes: the arch leaves more space inside for thick, long or textured hair.
- Extra large barrettes: for very thick hair.
- Bow barrettes: for a softer, feminine finish.
- Stick barrettes: held with a slim stick instead of a clasp, for a decorative look.
What Is a Hair Barrette?
A barrette is a hair clip that holds a section of hair in place with a clasp or fastening. Barrettes can secure a half-up style, a ponytail or a low twist, and they look just as lovely on their own as they do as a finishing touch.
What Is a French Barrette Hair Clip?
French barrettes are curved barrettes with a clasp that opens and closes to hold your hair. They come in different sizes, so they can hold both large and small sections of hair.
Our French barrettes are made from strong, durable cellulose acetate by our French manufacturers, who have been making hair clips since 1892. Each barrette is shaped and polished by hand for the smoothest edges, so it is gentle on your hair, unlike some rough plastic alternatives.
Barrettes for fine hair
Finer hair usually suits flatter barrette styles, as they clasp the hair securely to help prevent slipping. Try the Mini Barrette Clip for very fine hair, or the Narrow Bar Barrette Clip and Small Barrette Clip for fine, silky hair.
Arched barrettes for thick hair
Arched barrettes are the best style for thick, long or textured hair, as the arch leaves plenty of space inside the clip. The thicker your hair, the wider the arch should be. Try the Narrow Arched Barrette Clip, the Wide Arched Barrette Clip or, for very thick hair, the Extra Large Barrette Clip.
Have You Seen Our Barrette Bows?
French Barrette Bows
Our Narrow Bow Barrette Clip is handmade in France from cellulose acetate, a long-lasting material. Bows are a timeless hair accessory, and this one is shaped and polished for a smooth finish that is gentle on your hair.
How to Use a Stick Barrette
A stick barrette holds your hair with a slim stick rather than a clasp. The stick winds through the front of the barrette, under your hair, and back through the barrette on the other side. Stick barrettes suit small to medium sections of hair and give a classic finish that is a touch more decorative than a traditional clasp.
Our Love Knot Stick Barrette Clip is a lovely place to start. For step-by-step help, read our guide on how to style stick barrettes.
Which Barrette Is Right for You?
- For everyday half-up styles: a classic French barrette.
- For thick hair: an arched or extra large barrette.
- For a softer, feminine finish: a bow barrette.
- For a decorative, classic look: a stick barrette.
Whichever you choose, our French Handmade barrettes are made in France with care, and designed to be worn and loved for years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a barrette and a hair clip?
A barrette is one type of hair clip, held closed with a metal clasp beneath a decorative top. Read barrettes and hair clips: what are the differences?
How do I use a barrette?
Press the metal pads to open the clasp, slide the barrette under your ponytail or twist, close it over the hair and push the clasp together. Watch our barrette hair tutorials.
