Let’s face it: Bobby pins are the unsung heroes of our beauty kits. These tiny tools are everywhere—scattered in bathroom drawers, tucked in purses, and mysteriously hiding in the couch cushions. But what if we told you these humble hair staples could do so much more than hold your flyaways in place?
From fashion fixes to flawless makeup tricks, here are 12 genius bobby pin hacks that will upgrade your beauty game and make your everyday routine smoother, fancier, and far more creative.
Table of Contents
1. Put on a bracelet by yourself
2. Emergency hem fix
3. Tighten loose pants in a pinch
4. Fix a plunging V-Neck without sewing
5. Fake the perfect jean length
6. Perfect your lipstick with a cupid’s bow guide
7. DIY fake freckles
8. Get heatless curls overnight
9. Create instant hair volume
10. Get a bouncier ponytail
11. Easy nail art tool
12. Perfect winged eyeliner with a stencil
Final Thoughts: Small Tool, Big Impacta
1. Put on a bracelet by yourself
Ever struggled to put on a bracelet with one hand? A bobby pin can help. Just insert the bobby pin through the ring on the end of your bracelet, hold the pin in your hand, and wrap the bracelet around your wrist.
This keeps the clasp steady so you can hook it easily. Once it’s fastened, remove the bobby pin. It’s a super handy trick when you’re getting ready alone!
Watch this in action: Bobby pin + bracelet = life-changing hack
2. Emergency hem fix
If the hem of your dress comes undone or is too long, bobby pins can save the day. Just fold the fabric to the right length and pin it in place using bobby pins.
Place them horizontally so they catch both the folded hem and the dress itself. It’s a simple and temporary fix when you’re in a rush or don’t have access to a sewing kit.
Pro tip: Insert the pins inside the fold so they stay hidden.
Try it: Fixing a hem with bobby pins #shortsmas #shortsmaschallenge
3. Tighten loose pants in a pinch
Loose pants? No problem. Pinch the extra fabric at the waistband, fold it, and insert a bobby pin through the fold to hold it in place.
Use more pins if needed. It’s not a permanent fix, but it works well for quick adjustments when you’re out and about. This trick gives you a snugger fit without needing a belt or alterations.
Try it: Ceci’s video tutorial
4. Fix a plunging V-Neck without sewing
If your dress or top has a V-neckline that dips a little too low, use a bobby pin to bring it up at a more modest point. Pinch the fabric where you want it to stay, then insert a bobby pin to hold the fabric in place.
It’s a fast, no-sew way to make your outfit feel more secure and comfortable.
Watch it here: V-neck hack video
5. Fake the perfect jean length
Need to shorten your jeans but don’t have time or a tailor? Just fold up the bottom of your jeans to your desired length and secure the fold by tucking bobby pins underneath.
They’ll stay hidden while holding the cuff in place, giving you a clean, polished look for the day. It’s a simple trick for a more intentional, cuffed style without any permanent alteration.
Watch the technique: Short tutorial
6. Perfect your lipstick with a cupid’s bow guide
Struggle to get your lip liner even? Use an open bobby pin as a guide, especially around the Cupid’s bow. Hold it against your upper lip and trace around it with your lip pencil. This hack helps you get smooth, symmetrical lines and makes applying lipstick much easier.
Watch demo video: Lip pencil bobby pin trick
7. DIY fake freckles
Love the sun-kissed look? Natural-looking freckles are trending, and surprisingly, bobby pins are your secret weapon. Dip the rounded ends of a bobby pin into a freckle-toned makeup product like brow pomade, powder, or liquid bronzer.
Gently press it onto your cheeks and nose. Blend lightly with your fingers or a sponge for natural-looking freckles. Set with powder or setting spray to make them last all day.
Watch it here: Faux freckles tutorial
8. Get heatless curls overnight
Want curls without heat damage? No problem. Start with slightly damp hair. Take a small section, wrap it around your finger, and pin it flat against your head with a bobby pin.
Do this all over your head, sleep on it, and remove the pins in the morning. You’ll wake up to soft, bouncy, damage-free curls.
How-to video: Heatless curl tutorial
9. Create instant hair volume
Flat roots? For quick volume at the crown of your head, take a section of hair where you desire more volume.
Flip it to the side, then insert two bobby pins at the base horizontally to secure it. Lay the hair back down and you’ll instantly see more volume without any teasing or hairspray. It works perfectly for both long and short hair.
See it in action: Volume boost tutorial
10. Get a bouncier ponytail
Want a fuller-looking ponytail? After tying your hair up, insert a bobby pin vertically into the underside of the ponytail where the hair tie is. It gives lift from underneath, instantly making your ponytail look fuller and more perky.
Watch the transformation: Ponytail hack video
11. Easy nail art tool
Use the rounded end of a bobby pin as a dotting tool for nail art. Dip it into your favorite nail polish and create dots, hearts, flowers, or any pattern you like. It’s perfect for DIY manicures and much cheaper than professional nail tools.
Pro tip: Use different pin sizes for varied dot sizes.
Try it: 10 EASY nail designs using ONLY bobby pins!
12. Perfect winged eyeliner with a stencil
If winged eyeliner haunts you, try this: open a bobby pin and place the V-shaped end at the outer corner of your eye.
Use it as a stencil to outline your wing, then fill it in. You’ll get sharp, even flicks every time.It’s a foolproof way to get symmetrical eyeliner on both eyes within seconds.
Tutorial here: Eyeliner stencil hack
Final Thoughts: Small Tool, Big Impact
Bobby pins are tiny, but they’re mighty. Whether you’re taming flyaways or transforming your outfit in seconds, these beauty hacks show just how versatile they can be. With just a few pins and a little creativity, you can tackle fashion emergencies, nail your makeup routine, and game up your style all without spending a dime.
So the next time you see a bobby pin lying around, think beyond the bun and try one of these fun and functional hacks!
