What are French barrettes?
We are here to answer all of your questions about barrettes. One of the questions we are asked most often is about French barrettes: what are they, and what makes them special?
France is often described as the birthplace of luxury, and it has a long history of hair clip making. Our French Handmade clips are made in Oyonnax, the town where French comb making began. This is why we chose to have our French barrettes brought to life there, bringing a touch of something special, valuable and unique into the lives of our customers.
Each French Handmade barrette is lovingly handcrafted from sheets of cellulose acetate and hand-polished for a beautiful shine. Cellulose acetate is made from plant fibres, mainly wood pulp, and is strong yet flexible. French barrettes are a lovely investment that is kind to your hair.
- Do barrettes damage hair?
- Are barrettes still in style?
- What are the different types of barrettes?
- Why you should choose quality over quantity
How do you wear French barrettes?
- 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.
This is how to use a barrette for a low ponytail. You can also use barrettes for half-up styles, French pleats and up-dos. You can find more hairstyles in our blog on how to use barrette clips.
Hair Tutorial: How to style stick barrettes
What is the difference between a barrette and a hair clip?
A barrette is a type of hair clip which holds the hair securely with a metal clasp. Barrette clips have a metal clasp beneath a decorative top, which on our French Handmade barrettes is made from cellulose acetate. The clasp is opened by pressing the two metal pieces either side of it. There are many variations of hair clip, and a barrette is simply one of them.
Barrettes and Hair Clips: What are the differences?
Why is a barrette called a barrette?
'Barrette' is a French word meaning 'small bar', describing a clip or bar for holding hair in place. Our French maker is a family business that has been making hair clips since 1892, and each barrette is made with a strong steel clasp to last for years.
Where should barrettes be worn?
Barrettes can be worn at the back of your head in a half-up style, up-do or ponytail. Alternatively, you can use barrettes to clip back small sections of hair at the side of your head or behind the ear. There is so much freedom in how you style and wear barrettes, so have fun and be creative with them.
How do you get a barrette to stay in your hair?
Barrettes can hold your hair securely in place all day, as long as you choose the right barrette for your hair type. Finer hair types usually suit flatter barrette styles, as they clasp the hair securely to help prevent slipping. Arched barrette clips are the best style for thick, long or textured hair, as the arched shape leaves plenty of space inside the clip to hold lots of hair. Our blog on how to style fine hair goes into more detail.
For thicker hair types, read our blog on how to style long, thick hair.
Another tip to help barrettes stay in place is to add a touch of hairspray to the section of hair where you want to put the clip.
Which barrette is right for you?
- Very fine hair: the Mini Barrette Clip.
- Fine, silky hair: the Narrow Bar Barrette Clip or the Small Barrette Clip.
- Very thick hair: the Extra Large Barrette Clip, with a generous space inside.
How To Choose Barrettes For Your Hair Type
Shop Hair Accessories For Fine Hair | Shop Hair Accessories For Thick Hair
Please contact us if you would like any recommendations for your hair type.
