Twist and Shout

The messy side bun (shown here on buddies Sasha and Natasha) that hairstylist Sam McNight created for Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2011 show screamed “Try me!”, but wrestling with a few (okay, maybe quite a few) bobby pins leaves me shaking in my boots. Remember Julia von Boehm’s—well, her “Julia von Boehm”-do? Yeah, still haven’t figured that out. You just can’t see back there. But right around the time I was editing my Paris Fashion Week pictures, I discovered something wonderful. Goody, the veteran mass-market purveyor of hair accoutrements, had the good sense to take wine-opener-corkscrew technology (my guess) and pour it into two little molds, thereby creating Spin Pins. If this were a toy, the box would say “safe for ages 5 and up”. It’s that easy. Gather your hair into a rope, maneuver it into some sort of bun, and simply twist in the pins one at a time, close to the scalp, from different directions. Like anything beauty-related, it could take a couple of tries until you get the hang of it. And, only two pins will hold up all of my fine/thick/curly hair, you ask? Yes, yes they will. For under seven bucks, choose your color (“blonde” or “brunette”), see for yourself, and thank me later.

Chi Nguyen

Hi Emily!
First of all, I want to let you know that I'm really into your Into The Gloss. I think your site/blog is the cutting-edge one among the beauty/fashion blogs.
Second, I want to ask you a favor, could you please ID the shade that Natalie was wearing in the picture if you know?
Thank you in advance!
xo
T.Chi
Erin

Those spin pins are amazing. I bought them a few months ago on a whim b/c I dislike bobby pins. They really work!
http://theglossarie.com lara / the glossarie.

i just bought the spin pin last night! can't wait to take it on vacation with me and sport pretty buns all over europe
Jane

LOVE spin pins! Discovered them last summer. They're perfect at the beach, too—will even stay in place during a dip in the ocean. And they're a fast way to a great beach wavy hairstyle. Blow dry the top portion of your hair, twist up the rest with the spin pins and take it out later for mermaid-worthy waves. Love!
- http://theformergirlatbar.blogspot.com/ Alexis
  
  That's a fantastic idea - I really need these spin pins!
http://www.thebeautyfile.com Lisi

Brava!!!
http://procrastinatingpretty.blogspot.com The Procrastinator

I found these last summer - kind of awkward on Asian hair though....as I discuss here http://procrastinatingpretty.blogspot.com/2010/12/goody-spin-pins-my-hair-right-round.html
http://theformergirlatbar.blogspot.com/ Alexis

Thanks for the reminder that I need to pick these up when I'm at Target later this evening!
Elena

Thanks for heads-up! I am stopping by Target on my way home today!
http://closetvanity.com Samantha

I want to love the spin pin but my hair is so thick that they won't hold it together in a chignon! Every time I've tried them the bun falls right out. Perhaps I need more than just two.
LuckyD

I was skeptical at first (being one of 5 people who bought the 'Topsy Turvy' back in high school), but these I love! My hair is super fine, so I only use one pin at a time. I like that they offer different colors to match hair color
amarie

i couldn't figure out to get those to work on my hair for the life of me. returned them and bought lip gloss instead.
Ashley

Samantha - the same thing happens to me.

I bought these a couple months ago but they don't seem to work on my hair. Which is thick and wavy.

If I do use these I have to use at least 5 bobby pins as well to keep it in place.

Too bad because I really wanted these to work. Oh well.

I would recommend for thin hair only.
Laura

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfncSWRaCKA

just saw this & absolutely loved your coverage! i have always been meaning to pick up those goody pins, now i have more inspiration!
http://stylemethrifty.wordpress.com/ Madeline

LOVE the Spin Pins! And here's a solution for my fellow thick haired gals -- Goody also makes MINI Spin Pins now. Two regular ones + a mini = an extra secure bun!
http://theformergirlatbar.blogspot.com/ Alexis

Update - I am still trying to get the hang of these. I can't use these for a traditional bun because I can't tuck the end of my ponytail in as noted in the instructions. I actually find these pins very frustrating to use. My hair does not feel secure with these pins. I can't return them either since I threw the box away. I am determined to master these pins. I also feel that my hair isn't long or thick enough for these to work properly.

Maybe I'll find another use for my Bumble Texturizing cream - I am still trying to make that work as well!
http://www.copperetiquette.com Copper Etiquette

I am going to have to try this, it looks neat. http://www.copperetiquetteblog.com
http://openhouseforbutterflies.blogspot.com dawn

i bought these pins last winter + they are the best. i think two works best on medium or fine hair. maybe for the thicker hair ladies (oh, i'm jealous!), it will take a few more.
Achara

I bought the spin pins a few months ago because my roommate had some and they looked cool. I have really thick hair down to my mid back and it holds all of my hair up really well. An awesome hair tool!
Brie

I use spin pins almost daily (because even if I begin with my hair down, it almost always goes up later in the day!) and they're wonderful. I own a set of two and that's all I use. Sometimes I'll secure my hair in a ponytail with an elastic first, before knotting the hair and securing the pins, but more often than not, a knot and the pins are all I do. A few hairs fall down here and there but that's the idea!