Short hair can be incredibly stylish and versatile, and one of the simplest yet most effective ways to change up your look is by pinning it back. Whether you’re aiming for a casual, polished, or elegant appearance, mastering the art of pinning short hair back can open up a world of styling possibilities. In this article, we will explore various techniques and tips to help you achieve beautiful and secure pinned-back hairstyles for your short locks.
Tools and Accessories You’ll Need
Bobby Pins: These are essential for securing the hair. Look for bobby pins with a good grip and a color that matches or complements your hair. For example, if you have dark hair, black bobby pins are a great choice. If you have lighter hair, you might opt for clear or blonde bobby pins.
Hair Clips: There are different types of hair clips available, such as small alligator clips or decorative clips. Alligator clips are useful for sectioning the hair during the styling process, while decorative clips can add a touch of glamour to the final look.
Hairspray: A light to medium hold hairspray can help keep the pinned-back style in place. It can also add shine and tame any flyaways.
Comb or Brush: Use a fine-toothed comb or a small brush to smooth out the hair and create a neat appearance before pinning.
Basic Bobby Pin Techniques
The Criss-Cross Method:
Start by combing your short hair to remove any tangles. Take a small section of hair from one side of your head, near the front.Place a bobby pin horizontally across the section, about an inch or two from the root. Then, take another bobby pin and place it in a criss-cross fashion over the first pin. This creates a more secure hold and gives a neater look.Repeat this process on the other side of your head, adjusting the amount of hair you take depending on the desired style. You can leave the ends of the hair loose for a more casual look or tuck them behind the pins for a sleeker appearance.
The Twisted Pinning:
Gather a small section of hair at the back of your head. Twist the section tightly.While holding the twist, insert a bobby pin into the base of the twist, angling it upwards. Push the pin in until it is secure.You can add more bobby pins along the length of the twist if needed. This technique is great for creating a small, elegant bun or a twisted accent at the back of your short hair.
Creating a French Twist with Short Hair
Preparing the Hair:
Start with clean, dry short hair. Brush it thoroughly to remove any knots. If your hair is very short, you may need to use some styling product like a volumizing mousse to add a bit of texture and hold.
Sectioning and Twisting:
Take a horizontal section of hair from the nape of your neck. Twist this section upwards and towards one side.As you twist, use bobby pins to secure the hair to your scalp. Insert the pins at an angle, following the direction of the twist.Continue taking small sections of hair from above the first section and adding them to the twist, pinning as you go.Once you reach the top of your head, you can tuck in any loose ends and use additional bobby pins to secure the whole French twist. You can also use a decorative hairpin or clip at the end to add a finishing touch.
Half-Up Styles for Short Hair
The Classic Half-Up with a Twist:
Comb your short hair and part it in the middle or on the side, depending on your preference.Take a section of hair from the front on both sides and bring them together at the back of your head.Twist the two sections together once or twice. Then, use a bobby pin to secure the twist at the back. You can add a small hair elastic to hold the twist more firmly if needed. Use hairspray to set the style and tame any flyaways.
The Braided Half-Up:
Part your short hair as desired. Take a small section of hair near the front on one side and start braiding it. You can do a simple three-strand braid or a fishtail braid if you’re more experienced.Once you’ve braided a few inches, bring the braid across the top of your head and secure it with a bobby pin on the other side.You can repeat this process with another small braid on the opposite side if you want a more elaborate look. Finish with a light spray of hairspray.
Adding Decorative Clips and Accessories
Using Decorative Hair Clips:
After pinning your short hair back in a simple style, such as a basic bobby pinning or a half-up, you can enhance the look with decorative clips. For example, a jeweled clip can be placed at the side of a half-up style to add a touch of sparkle. A large, ornate clip can be used to hold a small bun or twist in place, making it a focal point of the hairstyle.
Incorporating Headbands:
Place a thin, elastic headband around your head. Then, pin back any loose hair that is sticking out from under the headband. You can also tuck small sections of hair into the headband for a more secure and stylish look. Headbands can be plain for a simple, understated style or decorated with beads, flowers, or other embellishments for a more glamorous appearance.
Maintaining the Pinned-Back Style
Throughout the Day:
Carry a few extra bobby pins with you in case any come loose. If you notice a section of hair starting to fall out of place, you can quickly re-pin it.Avoid touching your hair too much, as this can disrupt the pins and cause the style to lose its shape.
Sleeping with Pinned Hair:
If you want to preserve the style for the next day, it’s best to sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. This reduces friction and helps keep the pins in place. You can also loosely cover your hair with a satin scarf.
Refreshing the Style:
If your hair starts to look a bit flat or the pins have shifted, you can use a small amount of dry shampoo at the roots to add volume. Then, carefully reinsert any loose bobby pins and use a bit of hairspray to freshen up the style.
Conclusion
Pinning short hair back is a wonderful way to transform your look and add a touch of sophistication or playfulness to your hairstyle. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can create a variety of stunning pinned-back styles that are suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re going for a casual day out, a formal event, or just want to change up your everyday look, the art of pinning short hair back offers endless possibilities. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your short locks, and let your creativity shine through in your hairstyling endeavors.