Quick answer: To use a hair stick, twist your hair into a rope, coil it into a bun against your head, push the stick into one side of the bun, turn the tip so it catches a layer of hair close to your scalp, then push it out the other side. The stick locks the bun to your head without an elastic.
Key takeaways
- A hair stick holds a bun by weaving through the bun and the hair underneath it.
- The secret is the turn: the tip must catch scalp hair, not just the bun.
- Medium to long hair that can twist into a bun works best.
- Low buns at the nape are the most secure and comfortable.
- Longer sticks hold thicker hair; shorter sticks suit smaller buns.
What is a hair stick?
A hair stick is a slim, straight or slightly tapered stick, often decorated at one end, used to hold a bun or twist in place. It works by friction and weaving rather than clamping. Hair sticks are popular because they hold a bun securely without an elastic and look decorative at the same time.
What you need
- One hair stick long enough to pass through your bun with both ends showing.
- Hair that reaches at least your shoulders.
- Optional: a soft hair tie for very slippery or very long hair.
| Stick length | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| About 11–12 cm | Small to medium buns, fine or medium hair | Crystal Bow Hair Stick with Tassel (11.5 cm) |
| About 15 cm | Larger buns, thick or long hair | Pleated Geometric Hair Stick (15.5 cm) |
How to use a hair stick in 5 steps
This is the classic method for a low twisted bun. It looks tricky the first time but becomes quick with practice. Work slowly and keep one hand on the bun throughout.
- Twist. Gather your hair at the nape, as for a low ponytail, and twist it tightly in one direction until it forms a rope.
- Coil. Wrap the rope around its own base to form a bun, tucking the ends under. Hold the bun flat against your head with one hand.
- Insert. With your other hand, push the stick into the top edge of the bun on one side, pointing toward the opposite side.
- Turn. Before pushing all the way through, angle the tip down so it scoops a layer of hair close to your scalp, then turn it back so it points across the bun.
- Lock. Push the stick through so it comes out on the other side of the bun. Wiggle the bun gently: it should feel anchored to your head.
The half-up hair stick style
You can use a hair stick for a half-up look too. Take the top section of hair from temple to temple, twist it into a small coil at the back of the head and secure it with the same insert, turn and lock movement. The rest of your hair stays down. A shorter stick suits this smaller bun.
Using a hair stick with a hair slide
A hair slide is an open frame that sits over the bun while the stick passes through it. The slide spreads the pressure across the bun and adds a decorative frame, and the stick does the holding. Our Round Hair Slide Barrette with Stick (7.5 x 6 cm) comes with its own stick.
- Make a low bun as above.
- Place the slide over the bun.
- Push the stick through one side of the slide, through the bun and scalp hair, and out the other side of the slide.
How to choose a hair stick
Choose a stick by length first, then by finish and weight. The stick should be long enough that both ends show when it passes through your bun. Metal sticks are slim and sleek and slide in easily; decorative tops such as bows, tassels or geometric shapes add a finishing touch but also add weight at one end, which is fine for low buns. Smooth, rounded tips glide through hair without snagging.
- Length: about 11–12 cm for small buns, about 15 cm for larger ones.
- Tip: smooth and rounded, not sharp.
- Top: plain for everyday, decorative for events.
Tips for different hair types and lengths
Hair sticks work on most textures, but small adjustments help. Fine hair benefits from a little texture spray so the twist grips. Thick hair needs a longer stick or a soft elastic under the bun. Curly hair should be twisted loosely so curls are not stretched. Very long hair can be wrapped twice around the base.
| Hair | Tip |
|---|---|
| Fine or silky | Add texture spray; twist tighter |
| Thick | Use a longer stick; split into two smaller buns or add an elastic |
| Curly | Twist loosely; let curls form the bun |
| Very long | Wrap twice around the base |
| Shoulder-length | Make a smaller, higher bun or a half-up |
Why your hair stick keeps sliding out
A hair stick slides out when it only passes through the bun. Without catching hair near the scalp, there is nothing tying the bun to your head, so the stick and bun move together and slip. The fix is the turn in step 4: make sure the tip scoops a layer of hair under the bun before you push it through.
- Only through the bun: repeat the turn so it catches scalp hair.
- Loose twist: twist tighter so the bun is firm.
- Slippery hair: add texture spray.
- Stick too short: choose a longer stick so both ends show.
Hair stick styles for every occasion
The same technique gives different looks depending on placement and the stick you choose. A low, smooth bun with a plain metal stick suits the office; a messy bun with a tassel stick suits weekends; a side bun with a decorative stick suits weddings and dinners. For event pairings, see our wedding guest hair accessories guide.
Is a hair stick better for your hair?
A hair stick can be a gentle option because it holds a loose bun without an elastic pressing into the hair. Like any updo, it depends on how tight you make it. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding hairstyles that pull on your hair and changing styles so hair gets a break (AAD, updated November 6, 2024). Twist firmly but do not drag the hairline back, and take the stick out when you get home.
Hair stick vs other bun holders
Hair sticks are one of several ways to hold a bun without an elastic. U-pins are more discreet and hold buns of any size; claw clips are faster; a hair stick is the most decorative and holds a low bun securely.
| Holder | Speed | Look | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair stick | Fast once learned | Decorative | This guide |
| U-pins | Moderate | Discreet or decorative | How to use U-shaped hair pins |
| Claw clip | Fastest | Varies | Messy bun with a claw clip |
Frequently asked questions
How do you use a hair stick for beginners?
Twist your hair, coil it into a low bun, push the stick into one side, turn it to catch hair near your scalp and push it out the other side.
What is the purpose of a hair stick?
To hold a bun or twist in place without an elastic, while adding a decorative finish.
Can you use a hair stick with short hair?
You need enough length to coil a small bun, usually at least shoulder length. A half-up mini bun is the easiest option for shorter hair.
How do I use two hair sticks?
Insert the first stick as usual, then add a second stick crossing it in an X, also catching scalp hair. Two sticks help with thick or heavy buns.
Do hair sticks work on thick hair?
Yes, with a longer stick, a tight twist and, if needed, a soft elastic under the bun.
Shop hair sticks
See all sticks in our hair stick collection, and compare every clip and pin type in Types of Hair Clips. Orders ship within the US for a flat $6.99, or free on orders of $79 or more.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology, Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss, last updated November 6, 2024.
