These Hair Pins Can Elevate Any Elegant Updo

“Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links.”

We accessorize our wardrobes with new handbags and shoes, our nails with decals and fun polish, but sometimes it feels like our hair gets left out of the equation. While a triangle scarf or seasonal hat never go amiss, this year, we’re seeing more ways to add some sparkle and luxury to evening updos with key pieces: Hair pins and hair combs.

Photo credit: Daniel Zuchnik - Getty Images

Photo credit: Raimonda Kulikauskiene - Getty Images

Sometimes called French pins, these U-shaped utensils have a long history that dates back to prehistoric times. In the past, these combs and pins were often made of bone or wood to help keep long strands up. Today, hair combs are often a final touch for wedding updos, sometimes adorned with crystals and gems to add some sparkle to the look. But they don’t need to be reserved for special occasions. Perfect for chignon styles or to secure a sleek bun, these accessories are as practical as they are beautiful. We can all thank the visuals from The Row spring 2026 collection for the reminder.

Learning to properly secure a hair pin or comb might take some trial and error, but once you’ve mastered the technique, they’re incredibly easy to use. Simply twist your strands up the way you would when securing with a claw clip, and use the prongs of the pin to weave in and out of your hair until it stays in place. Not only are they incredibly elegant, but they also cause less tension than a tight band or tugging clip.

Whether you’re looking for a refined piece to add an extra boost of elegance to a black tie look, or you simply want to get in on the latest trending hair accessory, here are nine classic hair pins and combs to get you started.