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French Hair Pin Hairstyles: How to style hair with a French Pin

Styling your hair with a French pin is a simple way to create looks that feel timeless, effortless, and chic. 

From a modern French twist hairstyle - perfect for everyday, undone elegance, to a low bun that sits between a polished chignon and messy bun, these versatile styles work seamlessly from day to night.

Follow our step‑by‑step guide to learn how to do a French twist and master styling with a French pin.

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MODERN FRENCH TWIST HAIRSTYLE: LESS PERFECT, MORE EFFORTLESS

The modern French twist loosens things up. The twist is softer, the finish less perfect, and texture is welcome. 

It nods to the 1990s revival, when the French twist shifted away from formality and became more relaxed and wearable. 

Instead of smoothing the hair flat, prep with a texturising spray to build grip and natural movement. A few loose pieces can also be pulled around the face to break up the structure and create a more undone roll. 

The modern French Twist works beautifully for everyday wear or informal events. It’s the version you reach for when you want something that looks styled, without feeling overdone. It can also be worn as a half-up, half-down hairstyle, as can be seen in the tutorial below. 

SHOP THE LOOK

GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY

£20.00

NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE MAX WAND (38MM BARREL) FOR LOOSE WAVES

£189.00

GHD THE ALL ROUNDER - PADDLE BRUSH

£27.50

GHD SHINY EVER AFTER - FINAL SHINE SPRAY

£15.00

Watch the modern french hair twist video
How to do a French twist with a hair pin Step-by-step
French_Twist_Step1_GlobalSTEP 1:

PREP & HEAT PROTECTION

Start with fully dry hair. Mist a generous amount of ghd Curly Ever After throughout, focusing on mid-lengths and ends to add grip, helping your waves last much longer.
French_Twist_Step2_GlobalSTEP 2:

CREATE SOFT WAVES

Starting with the front pieces, use ghd Chronos Curve Max Wand to curl away from the face, then continue down the hair, alternating the direction as you go.
French_Twist_Step3_GlobalSTEP 3:

LET THE CURLS SET

As you release each curl, let it fall in your palm and hold it there for 3-5 seconds before letting it drop. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference to the final look. 
French_Twist_Step4_GlobalSTEP 4:

BRUSH OUT THE WAVES

Once the hair is completely cool, gently brush through using ghd The All Rounder paddle brush. This blends the curl into loose, flowing waves.
French_Twist_Step5_GlobalSTEP 5:

SECTION THE CROWN

Take the top half of your hair and gather it into a ponytail at the back of your head, keep it fairly high. This adds subtle lift and gives the finished look a bit of edge. 
French_Twist_Step6_GlobalSTEP 6:

TWIST AND SHAPE

Hold the ponytail upwards and twist it along its length, then wrap it upwards into a soft spiral. Let the shape form naturally – no need to overthink it. 
French_Twist_Step7_GlobalSTEP 7:

SECURE WITH A FRENCH PIN

Slide in your French pin to hold the twist in place. Anchor firmly but not too tightly. The goal is movement, not stiffness. 
French_Twist_Step8_GlobalSTEP 8:

SET AND FINISH

Finish by misting ghd Shiny Ever After all over to add gloss and smooth any flyaways.
French_Twist_Step9_GlobalSTEP 9:

FINAL LOOK

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HOW TO CREATE A MODERN LOW BUN WITH A FRENCH PIN

Create a modern low bun using a French hair pin with this simple step-by-step guide. This look combines soft texture with an easy pinning technique for an effortless finish. Sitting somewhere between a classic chignon and a more relaxed low messy hair bun, it’s a versatile style that works just as well day to night.

SHOP THE LOOK

GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY

£20.00

NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE CLASSIC TONG (26MM BARREL) FOR DEFINED WAVES

£189.00

GHD THE ALL ROUNDER - PADDLE BRUSH

£27.50

GHD PERFECT ENDING - FINAL FIX HAIRSPRAY 400ML

£15.00

Watch the modern low bun with a hair pin video
How to create a modern low bun with a hair pin step-by-step
FrenchPinBun_Step1_GlobalSTEP 1:

PREP & HEAT PROTECTION

Start with completely dry hair and generously mist ghd Curly Ever After all over. As well as protecting the hair from heat, it has built-in curl hold.
FrenchPinBun_Step2_GlobalSTEP 2:

CURL THE HAIR IN EVEN SECTIONS

Using ghd Chronos Curve Classic Tong, wrap each piece of hair around the barrel and curl away from the face, to add structure and grip for the bun.
FrenchPinBun_Step3_GlobalSTEP 3:

LET THE CURLS SET

After releasing each curl, hold it in your hand for 3-5 seconds before letting it fall. This helps define the curl, so it doesn’t drop flat straight away.
FrenchPinBun_Step4_GlobalSTEP 4:

BRUSH THROUGH FOR A SOFT FINISH

Once the curls have completely cooled, gently brush through them using ghd The All Rounder paddle brush. Start underneath, then lightly brush over the top to smooth the surface.
FrenchPinBun_Step5_GlobalSTEP 5:

GATHER INTO A LOW PONYTAIL

Brush the hair back and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape. Avoid pulling it too tight, as a softer base will give a more natural finish. Leave a few pieces out around the face for a more relaxed look.
FrenchPinBun_Step6_GlobalSTEP 6:

TWIST AND SHAPE THE BUN

Twist the ponytail all the way down, then wrap it around itself to create a soft, low bun that resembles a snail shell. Keep the shape close to the head as you build it, so the bun sits neatly while still feeling relaxed.
FrenchPinBun_Step7_GlobalSTEP 7:

SECURE WITH A FRENCH PIN

Take a French hair pin and insert it at the top of the bun, angling it down towards the scalp. As you push it in, weave it slightly in and out to anchor the bun in place.
FrenchPinBun_Step8_GlobalSTEP 8:

FINISH AND SET THE STYLE

Finish by spritzing ghd Perfect Ending all over to smooth flyaways and set in place. Focus on the surface and keep it light so the bun still feels soft & natural.
FrenchPinBun_Step9_GlobalSTEP 9:

FINAL LOOK

French Twist Tips for Sleek, Lasting Hold
  • Let the hair cool completely before brushing. This is what locks the shape in. 
  • Don’t overbrush. A few gentle passes are enough to soften the waves. 
  • Keep the twist slightly loose for a modern finish. Tighter twists serve a more classic finish. 
  • Tease the crown slightly for extra volume. Keep it subtle. 
  • Check the back in the mirror. The twist should sit straight and centred. 
Tips for a Soft, Modern Low Bun
  • Avoid overworking the hair. Overbrushing can flatten and remove natural texture. 
  • Let a few pieces fall naturally. Organised chaos adds softness around the face. 
  • Adjust the shape once pinned. Gently pull at the bun to loosen and balance the finish. 
  • Keep product light. Too much can weigh the style down and make it stiff. 
COMMON STYLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT GRANT WILLIAMS

Is a French twist hairstyle for short hair possible?

Yes, absolutely. A French twist isn’t just for longer hair. A French twist hairstyle for short hair works best with a slightly looser roll. Add a bit of texture for grip and use a few extra pins to keep it secure. 

What is a French Twist pin?

A French twist pin, usually called a French pin, is a long, U-shaped hair accessory designed to hold styles like a French twist updo securely in place. It’s longer and sturdier than a standard pin, so it can hold more hair with fewer grips. It also slides into the hair more smoothly, helping the style stay neat without lots of visible pins.

How do you secure a low bun with a French hair pin? 

To secure a low bun with a French hair pin, hold the bun in place and insert the pin at the base to anchor it close to the scalp. This helps keep the style secure without needing multiple pins. You can then gently loosen the bun for a softer, more natural finish. 

Can you use a French hair pin on short hair? 

Yes. A French hair pin can be used on short hair, particularly on shoulder-length hair, where there’s enough length to secure the bun. Adding texture, such as soft curls like in the tutorial above, can also improve hold. 

How do you make a low bun last all day? 

The key to making a low bun last all day is preparation. Adding texture, such as soft waves or curls, helps hold its shape, while securing the bun with a French hair pin keeps it in place. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to set the style without adding stiffness. We recommend ghd Perfect Ending for long-lasting hold and smoothed flyaways. 

Can a low bun with a French hair pin work for weddings? 

Yes. A low bun with a French hair pin can work well for weddings or more formal occasions. It can be styled as a low messy hair bun for a softer finish, or as a more polished, elegant low bun suitable for bridal looks. 

What is a French pleat hairstyle? 

A French pleat is a classic updo where the hair is gathered back, twisted upwards and pinned into place. It creates a smooth, vertical shape that sits flat against the head for a neat, elegant finish. 

What is the difference between a French twist and a French pleat? 

A French twist and a French pleat refer to very similar updos and the names are often used to describe the same look. “French pleat” is the more traditional name, while “French twist” is more commonly used today, especially for softer, more modern interpretations.