bobby pin

A plain bobby pin

A bobby pin (or kirby grip) is a type of hairpin. In British English it is known as a "hair grip". It is a small pin or clip, usually of metal, used in coiffure to hold hair in place. Typical bobby pins are plain and unobtrusively colored, but some bobby pins are elaborately decorated or jewelled. The "bobby pin" was invented for use by men during the late 1800s trend of complex masculine hairstyles. Bobby T. Plympton manufactured and sold them out of his own home for years before selling the patent at the turn of the century.^{[citation needed]} The "bobby pin" came into wide use as the hairstyle known as the "bob cut" or "bobbed hair" took hold. This trend gained popularity in the 1920s, and the bobby pins kept the bobbed hair in place. Bobby pins are inexpensive and tinted to match various hair colors which led to the fashion trend being adopted by 90% of North American women by the end of the decade.^[1] The correct way to apply these pins is to keep the bumpy side on the top and place your finger between the two bars and push through your hair

They are also used for lock picking.

References

1. ^ http://www.funtrivia.com/ask.cfm?action=details&qnid=4337

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