Hairstylists and at-home users working with dark or medium-to-dark hair who need a dependable everyday bobby pin for updos, twists, French twists, securing wigs or extensions, or pinning sections during a cut or color service.

Suited to both salon professionals restocking a station's pin supply and consumers who go through pins regularly. It's not the best cosmetic match for very light blonde, grey, or white hair, since the black finish will show rather than disappear.

The crimped, textured shaft is the main thing separating this from a basic bobby pin — the ridges create friction against the hair strand instead of letting the pin ride on a smooth surface, so it holds better in fine or slippery hair and stays in place through more movement before it starts sliding. Because it's a professional brand sold as a bulk pack, it works well as a restock item for a station drawer or a personal kit that goes through pins quickly during styling.

• Slide the pin in with the wavy (crimped) side facing down against the scalp — that's the side that grips
• Cross two pins in an X pattern for extra hold on thicker sections or heavier styles
• For pin curls or finger waves, tuck the pin in flat rather than at an angle so it doesn't leave a visible ridge
• Store the pins in a dry container; leaving them in a damp styling caddy for long stretches can dull the finish or lead to rust

Pros

• Crimped, textured shaft grips more securely than a smooth bobby pin and resists sliding out
• Matte black finish blends into dark hair instead of catching light
• Rounded ball tips are gentler on the scalp going in than a sharp, open-ended pin

Cons

• Visible against very light blonde, grey, or white hair, where a lighter-colored pin would disappear better
• Like any metal bobby pin, they can bend out of shape with repeated use over time