Bobby pins that don t damage hair

"I spent most of my life with ridges up, but recently discovered that they should be facing down for maximum security," stylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor tells Allure.

Rivera agrees: "You always want to make sure that the ridges are placed down facing the scalp," she insists, adding that bobby pins should be placed close to the scalp.

However, Fitzsimmons would beg to differ. "The correct way to place a bobby pin is ridges up," he tells Allure.

Uses for bobby pins

"The point of the ridges is to be able to glide over and secure the bulk of your hair, while still keeping it as flush as possible."

Ultimately, as unshakable as some opinions may be, you can get away with going in either direction as long as you keep the respective benefits in mind.

"Ridges up helps keep the hair going in the same direction without crossing," Dear says. "If the grip is down or placed toward the scalp, you will get a stronger grip."

Ridges aside, how can you ensure the best hold with bobby pins?

Depending on the style you're trying to achieve

how to put bobby pins in curly hair

how to get bobby pins in short hair