Like most of you, I use bobby pins with the wavy side up. In other words, the flat side in against my head. In a recent article, Allure Magazine challenged this common hair knowledge. They stated that bobby pins were meant to be used with the wavy side down?! W.H.A.T?! I was in disbelief, shock… and even felt anger for some reason. I refused to believe that I’ve been using bobby pins the wrong way my entire life.
I mentioned the Allure article on Facebook and many of you (like me) were resistant to the “wavy side down” method. So… I set out to find the answer and went straight to the source. I got in touch with Goody and also talked to a few hairstylists.
Do you know how to use your bobby pins?
Are you using your bobby pins the correct way?
So here’s the deal: There’s no wrong way to use a bobby pin! Wavy side up and wavy side down both have their own set of benefits. Hooray! I haven’t been using them the wrong way all my life~ Also, I’m so happy to have learned a new way to use the good ole trusty bobby pin.
Benefits of using bobby pins with wavy side up:
- Flat side is longer so it’s easier to slide into hair with the wavy side up.
- Adds dimension and texture.
- Seamlessly blends in with curly hair.
Benefits of using bobby pins with wavy side down:
- According to Allure and Goody, it’s supposed to provide a better hold.
(I personally don’t think so. Think my “Sticky Bobby Pin” trick works better at helping the bobby pins stay in place, and holding my hair.) - Leaves a clean neat appearance on straight hair.
- You can color or decorate the flat part of the bobby pin (as pictured on right)!
I’m still (and probably will always be) a wavy-side-up kinda girl… but I can appreciate the fact that there’s another right way. 
Who knows… depending on the look I’m going for, I may choose to use the wavy side down for a change!
So… are you a wavy-side-up or wavy-side-down girl?~ LMK in the comments below!
Until next time, stay pretty… inside and out. xoxo
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Carolyn Shelton
May 5, 2013
I am in my sixties, and when I was young, bobby pins weren’t to be seen in the hair–but hidden. I was surprised as they made a come back with a fashion flair. I asked several young ladies about which side should be up and EVERYONE said the wavy side. I couldn’t remember, so I actually “recaptured the feel” of the bobby pin, and the wavy side DOWN was how we did it back in the day:) I put it in my hair–tried it both ways–and it only felt right wavy side DOWN. I am pleased to know that either is acceptable, and if I can get over the cloud that it IS fashionable to display bobby pins, I shall adorn my hair with them:):)
PrettyGossip.com
May 6, 2013
thank you so much for your comment! it’s great to know that there’s no wrong way to use a bobby pin.
hope to see you on prettygossip often!
KC
March 25, 2013
Wavy side down holds 1000x better in my straight fine hair. It’s what they teach you in beauty school as well! While it’s easier to slide it in the other way,that’s what leads to it slipping. Easier in = easier falling out.
Yuki
January 1, 2013
I use wavy side up. It just seems natural for me. I agree with prettymom, the way the flat side is longer does make it easier. Also the long flat piece seems like it was designed to fit the shape of your hair or head, it is curved. And if I was to wear it with the wavy side down, it would not fit the shape and the curved long flat bit will be now curved up. looking awkward. :/ ^.^
gel nail polish
September 21, 2012
i’ve always used wave side up. like you said, the flat side is longer and easier to slide in. i tried the wavy side down after reading this. nah, doesn’t feel right.
gel nail polish
September 21, 2012
wavy side down and I have natural curls. I have always thought it held better and are less visible in my dark hair. Never did research though – glad to see there is no wrong way!
The Crystal Chronicles
September 12, 2012
I definitely use my bobby pin wavy side up! I think decorating the flat side could be a cute idea, but since I am always loosing one I probably wont put too much time into decorating my bobby pins! hahaha
Sandra
September 8, 2012
I’ve never actually thought about this… Probably because my bobby pins are flat on both sides.
Sandra from The Puzzle of Sandra’s Life
Michelle Harvey (@Chelle9279)
September 7, 2012
wavy side down and I have natural curls. I have always thought it held better and are less visible in my dark hair. Never did research though – glad to see there is no wrong way!
prettymom
September 7, 2012
i’ve always used wave side up. like you said, the flat side is longer and easier to slide in. i tried the wavy side down after reading this. nah, doesn’t feel right.