Quick answer: To pin back bangs, sweep them to the side or straight back, twist once for extra hold, then slide a slim side clip, duckbill or bobby pin in against the direction the hair falls, just behind the hairline. Small clips of about 5–8 cm hold bangs best because they lie flat.
Key takeaways
- Slim side clips, duckbills, snap clips and bobby pins are the best tools for bangs.
- A single twist before clipping adds grip and looks intentional.
- Clip against the direction the hair falls so gravity does not loosen it.
- Two clips in a line or an X hold more securely than one.
- Texture spray helps freshly washed bangs stay pinned.
Best clips for pinning back bangs
The best clips for bangs are small and flat: they hold a narrow section close to the head without bulk. Slim side clips and duckbills are the most versatile, snap clips are the lightest, decorative barrettes add polish, and bobby pins are the most discreet.
| Clip | Length | Look | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slim side clip | About 6–8 cm | Polished, minimal | Rhinestone Side Hair Clip (7.8 cm), Tortoiseshell Acetate Side Clip (6 cm) |
| Duckbill clip | About 6–7 cm | Playful to classic | Leopard Print Teardrop Duckbill (7 cm) |
| Snap clip | About 7 cm | Light, soft | Faux Leather Cloud Clip (7 x 4.5 cm) |
| Open-frame clip | About 4.5 cm | Modern, minimal | Geometric Metal Side Clip |
| Bobby pins | 5–6 cm | Discreet | Plain black or matched to hair color |
6 ways to pin back bangs
Each of these styles takes a minute or less. Start with dry bangs; a little texture spray on freshly washed hair helps the clip grip.
1. The simple side sweep
Comb your bangs to one side, hold them flat just above your ear and slide a side clip in from back to front, against the direction the hair falls. It is the easiest everyday option.
2. The twisted pin-back
Take the bangs, twist them once or twice away from your face and clip at the end of the twist. The twist adds grip and texture, so it holds well on slippery hair.
3. Straight back with a duckbill
Push the bangs straight back from the forehead, add a little volume at the root with your fingers and secure them on top of the head with a duckbill clip. It works like a headband and suits blunt bangs.
4. Two clips in an X
Sweep the bangs to the side and cross two bobby pins or slim clips in an X. It is very secure and the X looks deliberate, especially with metal or rhinestone clips.
5. The stacked line
Place two or three slim clips in a row along the side part, each holding a little hair. It is decorative and spreads the hold, useful for thick bangs.
6. Half-up with bangs included
Include the bangs in a small half-up twist at the crown and clip with a small claw clip. It keeps everything out of your face at once. See claw clip hairstyles for short hair for small-clip ideas.
A 60-second routine for pinned bangs
Most pin-backs fail in the first minute because the hair is not prepared. This short routine works for nearly every bang type and clip. The goal is dry, slightly textured hair, a defined direction and a clip that closes firmly against the scalp, so the hold lasts from morning to evening.
- Dry fully. Damp bangs slip and dry in the wrong shape.
- Add grip. Mist a little dry shampoo or texture spray at the roots.
- Set the direction. Comb the bangs where you want them and hold for a few seconds.
- Twist if needed. One twist adds grip on silky hair.
- Clip against the fall. Slide the clip in from behind and close it flat.
- Check from the side. Adjust the angle so the clip follows the curve of your head.
Pinning back different kinds of bangs
Blunt, curtain, side-swept and growing-out bangs each behave differently. Blunt bangs suit straight-back or side sweeps; curtain bangs suit pinning one side only; side-swept bangs suit a single side clip; growing-out bangs suit twists that hide uneven lengths.
| Bang type | Best method |
|---|---|
| Blunt | Straight back with a duckbill, or side sweep |
| Curtain | Pin one side, leave the other |
| Side-swept | Single side clip behind the ear |
| Growing out | Twisted pin-back to hide uneven lengths |
Pinning bangs on curly and wavy hair
Curly and wavy bangs hold clips well because the texture gives natural grip, but combing them flat can create frizz. Instead, gather the bangs with your fingers, twist them loosely in the direction of the curl and clip at the end of the twist. A snap clip or duckbill with a wide grip holds curls without crushing them. Refresh with a little water or curl cream rather than brushing.
How to keep bangs from slipping
Bangs slip when they are freshly washed, when the clip is too big for the section, or when the clip is inserted in the same direction the hair falls. Fix those three and most clips hold all day.
- Add texture with dry shampoo or texture spray at the roots.
- Use a smaller clip that closes firmly.
- Clip against the fall of the hair.
- Anchor with a bobby pin under the decorative clip.
- Twist first to create grip.
Bobby pins for bangs: the right way
Insert bobby pins with the wavy side facing your scalp, because the ridges grip the hair underneath. Slide them in against the direction the hair falls and push until only a little shows. Crossing two pins in an X adds hold. More on the difference between pins in Bobby Pins vs Hair Pins.
Alternatives to clips
If you prefer not to use clips, a slim headband placed at the hairline holds bangs back completely, and a stretch wrap keeps them away during skincare. Our guide on how to wear a headband covers placement with bangs.
Dressing it up
Pinned-back bangs can look polished for work or events with the right clip. Rhinestone, pearl and metal side clips turn a practical pin-back into an accessory. For work, keep to one or two simple clips; for evenings, a crystal or pearl clip on one side is enough.
Frequently asked questions
What clips are best for bangs?
Small, flat clips of about 5–8 cm: slim side clips, duckbills, snap clips and bobby pins.
How do I pin back bangs without bobby pins?
Use a slim side clip or a duckbill clip, inserted against the direction the hair falls, or wear a slim headband at the hairline.
How do I pin back curtain bangs?
Pin one side behind the ear with a slim clip and leave the other side loose, or twist both sides back and clip them at the crown.
How do I hide growing-out bangs?
Twist them back away from your face and clip at the end of the twist, so uneven lengths are hidden in the twist.
Why do my bangs keep falling out of the clip?
The hair may be too slippery, the clip too big or inserted with the fall of the hair. Add texture, size down and clip against the fall.
Can you pin back very short bangs?
Yes, with small clips. Use a bobby pin or a small snap clip and twist the bangs first so the clip has more hair to grip.
Shop clips for bangs
Find side clips, duckbills, snap clips and decorative barrettes in our hair clips and barrettes collection. Orders ship within the US for a flat $6.99, or free on orders of $79 or more, and are processed in 1–3 business days.
