Get your bobby pins ready. No, we’re not going to pick locks. We’re going to style them- your hair locks! The bobby pin is the oldest new hair accessory that everyone must learn how to use this season.

Whether you’re going to use your grandmother’s old bobby pin for undercover hairstyle support, or you want a fancy new one that will take center stage, we’ve got some style tips and tricks that will have you rocking the look this season.

1. Bungee hair-tie

Interlock two elastic hair-ties together on one end, attach a bobby pin to both outside ends. Pull your hair back into a ponytail, and secure one end at the base with a bobby pin, then wrap your homemade bungee around and until you get the tension you want, then secure the other end by crisscrossing that bobby pin across the other one.

This is an excellent tip for people with thick or curly hair.

2. Braids without ties

Skip the hair elastic and use a bobby pin to hold your braid tight. Secure the end of a braid by knotting it and then inserting a bobby pin up into the braid.

3. Faux barrette

Layer hand-painted bobby pins next to each other to simulate a barrette. Space them out a little bit to create even more intrigue. Play with colors to create just the right effect for your outfit.

*Money-saving tip: Rather than purchasing expensive hand-painted bobby pins, do them yourself. Slide the bobby pins onto a thin sheet of cardboard or plastic. Then paint them with your favorite nail polishes. If you’ve got a really skilled hand, try some amazing nail art techniques to give them even more pizzazz.

4. Big pony

If you need volume for your ponytail, a few bobby pins can do just that. Pull your ponytail upward, and then slide a few bobby pins down the back of your head, catching the hair-tie in the bobby pin. Slide them in all the way, this creates support along your head to prop up the pony.

To keep your bobby pins in place and give them more grip, spray them with hair spray, outside and inside, before using them.

5. Braid headband

Create your own headband by braiding your hair across the crown of your head and then tucking it behind your ear. Secure it in place with a couple of bobby pins, and you’re ready to go out in just minutes with a cute and trendy hairstyle.

6. Triangle

Top of the trends, this triangle is simply a must. Pick your three favorite bobby pins, the painted ones are a great choice. Take a small section of hair from either side of the front of your head. Pull them to the back and then the middle, and secure each section with one bobby pin slid in upward at a slight angle to the center so the tips touch. Then, along the bottom slide a bobby pin in to close the triangle.

7. The chevron

This one takes a little practice. Pull a small bunch of hair from the front side back, and pin it in place with about four bobby pins that are angled back and spaced out. These will form one side of the chevron’s legs. Slide another bobby pin through each one at the closed end, and link closed ends together. Angle the other bobby pin so that the pairs of them form a V. Repeat with each of the initial bobby pins.

8. Hair hidden pony-tie

Pull your hair back into a ponytail and then take a long strand of hair from the base and wrap it around the hair-tie to hide it. Tuck the end of your hair back through the tie, and secure it with a bobby pin.'

To successfully complete this hairstyle and others with hidden bobby pins, purchase pins that closely match your hair color, so they’re more camouflaged.

Final thoughts

Those bobby pins that you’ve been collecting in the bottom of your drawer are ready to be put to good use. Whether you’re going to use them to create illusions of fullness and height or gravity-defying braids, or you’re going to let them be the star of the show, these tips give you great hairstyles that are cutting edge.

The best thing about bringing back the bobby pin is that you can create your own customized look, and that also works great with your hair type. A little practice will help you become a master of the bobby pin style.