A bit of a preface on this one: I have really fine hair. I don’t mean really pretty (though it’s not to bad on that score); I mean really thin. So volume is not really a thing that exists naturally for me, and doesn’t last long when artificially induced with foam or spray or whatnot. Bobby pins just fall back out almost immediately. This hair situation is compounded by the fact that I am also terrible with hair in general. I can’t utilize a curling iron to save my life, or braid my own hair (though I can do others). So that means, most days, I’m wearing my hair up in some way. A simple ponytail holder, or a clip, was the norm. Not the most sophisticated look. But that was all I knew how to do.

Until I was enlightened about the awesomeness that is Goody Spin Pins.

Have you guys heard of these things?! I hadn’t, until a few months ago I happened to catch a Twitter exchange between two ladies I follow. One had been asking advice for an easy yet sophisticated way to do an updo for thin hair, and the other pointed her towards Goody Spin Pins. Curious, I checked them out and ordered a set in Brunette (they come in Blonde or Brunette). They arrived, I read the very simple instructions, and tried it out. AND I’M NEVER GOING BACK. These things are amazing! They are so easy to use, they stay put all day, and it looks good. Win all around.

You simply twist your hair into a bun at the nape of your neck. The twist one pin in from the top, and one pin in from the bottom, without interlocking them.

And voila! You’re done. No hairspray needed, no extra bobby pins. It takes maybe 30 seconds, and it stays put all day.

I’ve been sticking with the simple messy bun look, but there are loads of ways you can use these. Some require a bit longer hair and defter hair-wrangling skills than I have. Leezal over at The Mane Idea has some great tutorials for 8 different looks you can do with these pins.