Well-groomed hair and a fashionable hairstyle are a way to achieve comfort, self-confidence, beauty and individuality. How many people and hair exist, so many different types of hairpins are used to decorate them. Their centuries-old history includes many styles. We will talk about the appearance of these accessories in this article.

What are hairpins?

The main function of such accessories is to decorate the hair and hold the hairstyle in the right position. They have performed it since the birth of the first ancient cultures around the world, decorating the heads of rulers and top officials of states — both women and men.

The oldest types of hair clips are headbands, dried crabs and threads strung with stones and shells, as well as laurel and flower wreaths. They became the prototypes of modern hoops. In ancient Egypt, ethnic hair ornaments for the nobility were created by jewelers from alabaster, ceramics or jasper.

In Europe in the Middle Ages, like rings and bracelets, jewelers made hairpins for long hair from pure gold or silver.

Today it is difficult to imagine a round bandage that holds hair on the back of the head without elasticity. That was until the invention of rubber and soft materials.

The men and women of Mesopotamia wore ethnic headbands to hold their hair securely and prevent it from falling on their faces.

The first evidence of the use of a decorative hairpin is a carving of Venus. Women in all corners of the globe loved and loved to style their hair, often creating intricate hairstyles. Hairpins were made of metal, ivory or bronze. Sometimes they were also made of wood.

In the early 1800s, it became fashionable to copy the ancient Greek style of wearing headbands. In Europe, during the Renaissance, court ladies and princesses wore metal ribbons as crowns, which later began to be made in the form of tiaras and diadems.

Hairpins in the form of ribbons for hair

Even though bows and ribbons are considered accessories for little girls, they were originally exclusively worn by men. In the 17-18 centuries. in Europe and America, they tied the tails of men’s wigs. This is especially noticeable in films about the times of colonial America.

Only at the beginning of the 20th century, the New Zealander Ernest Godward invented the now well-known invisibles. To this day, they are made from simple materials — special wire, which is bent into a shape resembling a U-shaped sheet. One part of the hairpin is folded, which allows it to stay on the hair.

Types of beaded hair clips

Decorative beads are as popular as ethnic studs. This is a creative method of decorating braids and dreadlocks, drawing on an old African tradition. Beads fit perfectly with current trends, being one of the most beloved ways to decorate hair. They not only fit into the fashionable boho style, but can also decorate any hairstyle — both women’s and men’s.

Ethnic long oriental hairpins with beads or ornaments hanging on them appeared in Ancient Rome.

In 17th century Japan, the common name for hairpins for women was «kanzashi».

They served as a means of maintaining accuracy and testified to a high social status.

Women in the Victorian era were forbidden to show their hair down. They wore puffy wigs and adorned them with various artificial hair clips with pearls and natural stones.

Types of decorative hair clips for evening and wedding hairstyles

Decorative combs appeared in the Stone Age. They were used in many cultures to protect hair, keep it in any shape, and as a clasp for small hats (in the 1950s).

The first type of modern hair clip is the most common hairpin clip. It was invented by Luis Marcus, a San Francisco cosmetics manufacturer, after World War I, when the bob haircut was gaining popularity. In 1920, clamps gained worldwide fame. Luis originally sold two handmade hairpins for about 35 cents. Marcus wanted to name this invention after himself, but in the end, the «bobby hairpin» was named after the bob hairstyle. Luis said it would be better this way because hairpins are meant to keep the hair under control.

Many years have passed since the world first saw the types of modernized hair clips (photo) that make life easier and save time for many women. In addition to the classic versions, they produce models of different colors, sizes, shapes.

During the 20th century, many types of hair clips with well-known names were invented.

English Barrette automatics were invented by Marni Bjornson in 1972.

A collection of different types of hairpins from the French brand Alexandre de Paris was designed by the famous hairdresser Louis Alexandre Raymond. He was a great artist. He worked with famous movie and show business stars, making them hairstyles that delighted the whole world. He also collaborated with renowned designers such as Chanel and Givenchy. In the 70s. he created a luxurious collection that featured all kinds of hair clips, but was dominated by handmade hairpins and combs with precious stones, crystals and pearls.

Ever since American designer Alexander Wang unveiled his Fall/Winter 2018 collection, the world has been thinking about hair clips and falling in love with them all over again. In his collection, models pinned their hair with large silver crabs. Later, each of the designers went on a nostalgic journey, presenting their own interpretation of the hot trend. Versace presented a photo of golden hair clips in its spring collection, and Gucci developed the famous polymer buckle, which became a hit among foreign bloggers.

2019 is considered the year of maximalism when it comes to self-expression through hair. Bows, braids, colorful hairpins and clips are welcome and not just for little girls. To get inspired, just watch a few episodes of Friends. Actress Phoebe Buffay knows how to wear them effectively, despite the fact that she is 30 years old.

What are the most popular hair clips called?

• Crabs used for styling long hair and removing it from the face while showering or exercising. Hairpins with more frequent teeth are suitable for thin hair. Mini crabs — for separating strands and pinning bangs. Application: comb the hair back into a ponytail and collect along the entire length.
• crests inserted into the hair to hold it in place. Usage: help create long hairstyles or get rid of bangs when growing hair.
• Thin metal pins bent at one end and open at the other, they come in different sizes and colors. Application: invisible, perfectly hold knots and hairpieces.
• Round scallop — the average between a comb and a hoop. Helps to remove hair from the face. Usage: Comb your hair back, put the comb on your head and fasten the clasp.
• Hairpin-automatic allows you to style your hair halfway down or remove bangs from your face. Application: collect and stab hair of any length.
• Hairclip — a metal stud that snaps into place when closed. It sits beautifully, evenly and closer to the head, so they hold on more securely, so they are suitable for sports and housework. Usage: collects in a ponytail or knot and fixes hair of any length.
• sticks used one by one or in pairs instead of a hairpin to secure a bun, knot or updo. Application: collect the hair, insert into the knot so as not to damage the jewelry and not to tear out the hair.
• Banana — A curved hair clip that opens and locks at one end. Appeared in the early 1980s. Usage: for high hairstyles, you need to tuck the hair into the hole and secure with a clip at both ends.
• Twister allows you to gently lay naughty strands in a few seconds. Application: for creating elegant business and evening hairstyles.
• Heagami — Japanese hairpin, consisting of two metal plates that are covered with thick fabric. Usage: twisted into a figure eight, pretzel or ring.
• Donat — a rubber band that allows you to make a voluminous knot or bun for owners of thin hair. Application: the ends of the tail are twisted on it, which are then tightly wrapped and fixed with hairpins.

Classic and designer hair jewelry is presented in a large assortment in the Silvers online store. Choose, order with delivery in Ukraine — you will be able to create original styling and hairstyles of any complexity.