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    1. Beauty
    2. Hairstyles, Haircuts, and Hair Colors

    Hair How-To: 10 Genius Ways to Use Bobby Pins

    They aren't just for hiding!

    By Marie Claire
    Published 1 July 2014 In How-to

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    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 1: Find pins in bold colors. Creating a fun design holds hair in place better than using one bobby pin alone.

    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 2: Double up. Create a loose braid and use two pins to hold each strand in place.

    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 3: Create sweeping bangs. Using your bobby pins in a fan shape will give extra hold to side swept hair that's pulled up into a low, messy bun.

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    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 3: Create sweeping bangs. Or just use the bobby pins to create a side-swept look.

    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 5: Geometry rules. These 8 pins hold hair in place but create a fancy visual for second-day hair.

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    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 6: Give Old Hollywood a try. Easily recreate a finger wave by using several pins to hold the hair in place.

    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 7: Fake a barette. Using 3 pins to hold a side-swept look in place will have more staying power than a barette alone.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 8: Create an 'X'. Criss-crossing bobby pins will help hold a style in place without the need for an elastic.

    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 9: Multi-pin approach. These 6 evenly spaced pins work to keep beachy hair in place.

    Bobby Pin Hacks

    (Image credit: Kathryn Wirsing)

    Tip 10: Let 'em show. When performing updo magic, using criss-cross pins in the places you need them will help hold the style better than one pin tucked into your 'do.

    What to read next
    • girl in a slicked back bun, glowing skin, in a yellow top, framed out on a gel textured background next to three hair gel products from brands Crown affair, oribe, and nexxus The Sleekest, Shiniest, Most Snatched Slick-Backs Are Possible With This $12 Product
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    Related Video: Lazy Girl Hair Hacks

    More Hair How-Tos:

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    Marie Claire

    Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.

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