I spent years using hairpins the wrong way and didn’t even realize it until one day everything clicked—and it totally changed how I looked at those tiny little metal tools. Most people, including myself, always assumed the wavy side of the bobby pin was supposed to face outward, but the real secret is that the wavy side is actually designed to go down, against your scalp. That wavy texture grips your hair better and holds everything in place, while the smooth side is just for show.

Once I flipped it the right way, my updos magically stayed in place, no more falling apart during brunch or slipping out by mid-day. But what’s even crazier is that hairpins are way more than just a hair accessory. They’re like the Swiss Army knife of everyday life—versatile, reliable, and always there when you need them most. Need a quick fix for a broken zipper pull? Slide a hairpin through the hole, and you’ve got an instant handle that’ll get you through your day. No bookmark handy? A hairpin clipped onto your page keeps your spot better than a scrap of paper ever could. Struggling to hammer a tiny nail without sacrificing your fingers? Use a hairpin to hold the nail while you hit it.

No chip clip? Fold your snack bag and hold it shut with a couple of hairpins to keep everything fresh. Struggling with a stubborn toothpaste tube? Push a hairpin up from the bottom and squeeze out every last bit. Can’t find your SIM card ejector tool? A hairpin fits perfectly into that little hole. Tired of losing socks in the wash? Pin pairs together before tossing them in. Got a strappy sandal that keeps slipping? Secure it with a hairpin and you’re good to go. Tangled headphones? Clip the ends with a bobby pin to keep them neat. Need to reset your router or controller but don’t have a pin? Hairpin to the rescue. Struggling to get that perfect eyeliner wing? Use a clean hairpin as a guide and you’ll be serving symmetry. Wide-neck tops that keep sliding off hangers can be saved by pinning each side of the hanger to create a barrier.

Heading to a concert or jog and don’t want to bring a wallet? Fold a bill and secure it with a bobby pin in your waistband or bra strap—instant hidden cash stash. Need to clean the narrow space between keyboard keys or small device ports? Wrap a tissue around the tip of a hairpin and dig in. Lost a button and need a quick fix to hold your outfit together? A stylish pin can double as both a fashion statement and an emergency solution. Now, let’s talk about hairpin etiquette. These little tools aren’t invincible.

They bend, they stretch, and eventually they lose their grip—so don’t hold on to old ones forever. Replace them once they start sliding out or looking bent beyond use. And don’t just yank them out of your hair either, unless you want to pull out strands along with them. Treat them with care and they’ll return the favor. The truth is, we’ve all underestimated hairpins. They’re tiny, easy to overlook, and yet they consistently prove themselves to be everyday lifesavers. Whether it’s holding your hair in place, saving your outfit, or keeping your tech working, hairpins have earned their place as an essential item in your car, your purse, your junk drawer, and anywhere else life might catch you unprepared. I now keep them everywhere—my pockets, my bags, my glove compartment. They’re always showing up when I need them, and half the time I forget how they got there. But every time they do their job, I’m thankful. And now, every time I share this little revelation with someone over brunch, the look on their face is priceless. It’s like watching someone discover a life hack they never knew they needed. So go ahead, pass it on. Because once you start seeing hairpins as more than just a hair fix, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them.