September 15, 2009

Can you help me find plastic bobby pins?

One of the single most important – fundamental really – components to creating a true plethora of vintage hairstyles is the humble, time-honored bobby pin. In the days before every pharmacy, beauty counter, and hair salon was jam packed with more styling products than you could shake a curling iron at, bobby pins were one of the most important items in a women’s hairstyling arsenal.

Goodness knows I adore these simple metal grips (and the beautiful packages vintage examples often came complete with), however, I fear the relationship is not one of mutual adoration.

The issue lies deeper than with bobby pins themselves, it rests in a particular metal by the name of nickel. Yes, like many amongst us, I am allergic to nickel. And by allergic I mean ridiculously, insanely, have to avoid nickel like the plague lest I develop a horrid case of contact dermatitis within a matter of minutes (of coming in contact with a nickel containing product) allergic.

Nickel, sadly (for myself and others with a sensitivity to it), appears in countless metal items. It is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and easy to blend into alloys with other metals. Over the years I’ve gotten pretty good at knowing when and where to avoid coming in contact with nickel, and I’ve developed ways to get around using a lot of nickel based items (or finding nickel-free alternatives to them). However there are a few nickel items that don’t seem to have a ready alternatives, one of them being bobby pins.

Though the skin on my scalp is a bit tougher than say that on my neck or arms, if I wear metal bobby pins for even just an hour, I almost always start to develop a red itchy rash(thankfully my hair hides this though!). Yet in order to achieve many different hairstyles, bobby pins really are a key element, and so I’m steadfastly determined to find a either a metal-free alternative or a metal based one that does not contain nickel. I’ve been on this hunt for a number of years and in that time I have only ever found one product that fit the bill.

One delightful day while browsing etsy I chanced upon a seller (Vintage Goodies) who had a package of plastic bobby pins for sale! Once I picked my stunned jaw up off the floor and realized that for the first time ever my keyword search for “plastic bobby pins” had actually yielded a true match, I couldn’t purchase the pins fast enough. (Since finding these pins, shown below, I’ve searched up and down for info on vintage “Magic Grip” pins, but haven’t found anything out. Have you ever heard of this brand before?)


I got them for a song (making the find all the more fantastic!) and though they are clearly a few decades old, I can happily report they work well. I use them with kid gloves (so to speak); the plastic they’re made of has held up well, but you can clearly feel that that it doesn’t have the strength or resiliency of metal. As such I’ve taken to using only a few of my dearly prized Magic Grip bobby pins at a time – and only on days when it’s imperative that I sport a hairdo requiring the use of bobby pins.

I know that chances are that no matter how careful I am with these precious plastic pins, over time they’ll break, the cat might somehow steal one, I might lose a few...you know, just like with regular metal bobby pins. Finding this one package of pins was truly awesome, but the simple truth is that I need a viable alternative to pins containing nickel that I can use without having to treat them like they’re my last bottle of water in the middle of an arid desert.

Internet searches, real world searches (malls, craft stores, beauty and hairdressing supply shops, drugstores, etc) and asking every hairdresser I’ve come in contact with since I was a child have all left me empty handed (save of course for the one pack of Magic Grips). Yet, I have this distinct feeling that plastic bobby pins must exist...somewhere.

My dear readers, in my ongoing search I am turning to you. Have you ever encountered – or do you know of a modern day source for – plastic bobby pins?

By this I mean a plastic version of the standard metal type. Not decorative clips (pretty or fun as they may be), oversized plastic hair pins such as the type sometimes used to achieve a French roll, heavy-duty Scunci brand grips (which are a bit big to be discretely used for some styles, though they are probably the closest thing to a solution thus far), or enamel coated metal pins. Alternatively, a brand of metal bobby pins that is guaranteed to be completely nickel-free would be A-OK, too! (I live in Canada, but have no qualms with buying online if such an item happens to hail from a US or international source.)

This quest to find plastic pins is extra important to me because I happen to have ludicrously sensitive skin in general. As a result there are literally only two or three brands of (organic, sulphate-free, dye-free, perfume-free, etc) hair care products that I can use without, again, breaking out in an unpleasant and very itchy rash. I don’t say this to sound negative, but only because it means that as a result I have very few styling products at my ready (Cliniderm hairspray has proven to be the "safest" solution for my ultra sensitive skin I’ve found so far), making most hairdos even trickier for my bone-straight, ultra fine hair to achieve. Finding a nickel-free alternative to bobby pins would be like opening up a whole new realm of hair styling possibilities to me.

I thank you each for reading this post; I hope I didn’t bore you to tears! I would be greatly appreciate for any light you could help me shed on the search for plastic or nickel-free metal bobby pins, and am in turn more than happy to help any of you hunt down items that may be alluding you.

Humongous heartfelt thanks in advance, everybody!

47 comments:

  1. Hi
    I found some on ebay that are plastic and are bright colored
    http://cgi.ebay.com/30-pk-1-3%2f4%22-Bobby-Pins---Plastic_W0QQitemZ310162567468QQcmdZViewItem
    Maybe thy could work for u

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  2. Sorry I can't be of any help. I didn't even know they made plastic bobby pins. Good luck though. I hope you get some assistance.

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  3. @ Love the Decor!, you are so fabulous! I've plugged "plastic bobby pins" into eBay more times than I can count and yet have never chanced upon those ones. Thank you so, so, so much! The only issue is that the seller says they only ship to the US and I live in Canada :( Still, I'm going to write to the seller and see if there's any chance they would consider shipping to Canada. Thank you again very much!!!

    @ Keith, don't worry about it for a moment, Keith, I appreciate your caring words, and also hope that this post will be able to unearth this allusive item.

    Many thanks to you both, I hope you each have a serene and lovely night!
    ♥ Jessica

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  4. Yikes I've never really thought about how many things nickel is in :(
    I did some looking around for you, hoping to find you something. There were some rather colorful ones I found listed on ebay, but the item was unlisted for the moment because the seller is away.
    I did find that Scuni brand of hair accessories makes plastic pins called Magic-Grip, that aren't quite bobby pins so much would work for buns, updos, etc.
    Other than that the only other solution I could find was there are some vintage brass bobby pins out there (I hope you're not allergic to brass as well!)
    I'll stay on the lookout for you though. If I see plastic ones anywhere, I'll be sure to let you know dear!

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  5. Oh my goodness, PLASTIC bobby pins?! I have no idea, other than maybe ebay? I know I am now on the hunt for them as well!!! :D

    Love,
    Aya

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  6. I also am allergic to nickel, and bobby pins have caused me a lot of head itching in the past since I pincurl my hair practically once every week.

    Anyway, A couple of months ago I found nickel free bobby pins at H&M, and they seem to work. They are also the best bobby pins I've ever used. They're a hundred times more sturdy than regular ones and never loose the little plastic blobs at the end that keep them from not being skratchy. I found them in the section with jewellery and hair accessories and stuff.

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  7. Ah that reminds me I need to buy some myself. Mine seem to vanish into thin air as soon as I turn my back on them! Hope you manage to find some! x

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  8. If I would found some plastic pins I will let you know, sweet Jessica!
    Have a nice day!
    greetz x x x

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  9. Jessica, I'll keep my eyes open for you..my niece is a stylist, I'll see if she ever heard of these or if there is a nickel-free alternative for you.. I'll be on the lookout!!

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  10. I'll keep my eyes open for you! Let me know about that ebay seller. If you'd like, I could order them for you and mail them to you myself :-)

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  11. Well crap, that sucks J! I can't think of any plastic bobby pins off the top of my head (like Keith, I didn't know they existed! lol) but now that I know I will definitely keep an eye out and pick them up for you if I find some!

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  12. Bobby pins are so cute and I love the packaging too. Ebay seems to be the best place to find them. Im allergic to Nickel too, cheap earrings especially are a no no! It does mean I can only wear expensive jewellery though LOL! X

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  13. Hello Jessica,

    I do go treasure hunting every weekend so I'll keep an eye out for the pins and when I do find them they will be free of charge!

    I do understand your allergic reaction dilemma cause I am allergic to mold, dust, musty smell etc so the lovely vintage clothing that I offer online are stored in my home therefore they must be kept super clean in order for me to be able the breath. I can definitely relate. Wish me luck cause I'm on the hunt! Have a great rest of the day! Fabiola "Fab"

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  14. I wish I could help. It's so weird to me that you wouldn't be able to find plastic bobby pins. I love the cute package of Magic Grip, though! Good luck and I will definitely let you know if I ever run across any. I do go to a lot of antique stores!

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  15. Hi Jessica,

    I will keep my key out for you and let you know if I come across any. Love the ones you found on Etsy.

    I also want to thank you for always leaving such sweet and heart felt comments, I just adore you!

    Hugs,
    Karyn

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  16. A quick google search didn't turn up much. Good luck on your search!

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  17. Great blog! Love your blog

    http://aomundomuderno.blogspot.com/

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  18. What a challenge that must be. I've never even considered a nickel allergy. It would be hard to decipher at first what you can be around, have in your home, etc. And I know what you mean about the cat stealing the pins! Good luck in your search! Hope those ebay ones work out for you :)

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  19. How I wish I could help! I can't imagine living without bobby pins. Sadly I've never come across any like this, but will certainly keep my eyes open. My sister isn't quite as sensitive, but still has some similar struggles with jewelry and soap and such.
    I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos of our trip!
    Wishing you a lovely day,
    Cait

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  20. Jessica, I have a friend who is a locally-famous pin-up hairstylist. She makes her own bobby pins! I've written her and asked for help, included a link to your blog. :) Good luck! xoxoxo

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  21. @ Lizzy, thank you very much for looking around for me, sweet heart, I appreciate that so much! The Scruni brand pins are great (I tried some once that a friend had), but they are quite a bit "chunkier" than regular bobby pins and in fine, straight hair like mine are hard to conceal when doing some types of updos. Still, they are best things (aside from the vintage Magic Grips) I've come across so far.

    Brass bobby pins are a great idea, thank you! I don't believe I'm allergic to brass (can't say as though I've worn too much of it, but I had a brass ring as a kid and it never bothered my skin), so that would certainly be worth trying. I will do an in-depth search later today for brass bobby pins, thank you again for the great idea!!!

    @ Aya, thank you very much, honey, you're so very sweet. I will let you if and when I find any plastic ones.

    @ Johanna, my dear, you are much braver than I am! I do pin curl my hair sometimes too, but not as often as you (because of the bobby pin issue). I really commend you for doing that, given that you're also allergic to nickel. Have you ever tried you rag curls or pillow rollers? They are two of the alternatives to creating curls without using bobby pins that I've had some success with (though really nothing compares to pin curls for those perfect vintage looking curls).

    Thank you so much for the tip, I have an H&M near my house and will be sure to check there for bobby pins ASAP! I've bought earrings in the past from H&M (three different times) that said they were nickel-safe and I still got terrible nickel rashes from them, but perhaps their bobby pins have no nickel at all in them. It's certainly more than worth a try!

    I just want to say thank you again for your commemnt. I have been a tremendous fan of your Flickr stream and blog for a long time and was absolutely delighted to find a comment from you waiting here.

    @ Pink Flower, so very true! I wonder if off in some alternative realm lost bobby pins are hanging out with missing dryer socks and the mates to all those shoes you see on the side of the highway :D (One handy tip I follow is to keep your bobby pins in a magnetic paper clip holder, they all stick to it, can be pulled out one at a time, and you really seem to lose less when they're corralled in one spot like that.)

    @ Greetz from Tiz, thank you very much, darling girl, I appreciate your caring words!

    @ Kathie, bless your heart and thank you so much! I will definitely let you know about that seller. A million thanks, sweet friend!

    @ Maggi, you're absolutely right, it does suck, and I have bones with saying so! But, there are far worse things in life, so there's no sense in complaining (too much ;D). Thank you very much for your offer to pick some up if you ever encounter any, that would be amazing.

    @ The Vintage Kitten, hi my fellow nickel allergy suffering, I'm sorry that you are plagued with this sensitivity, too. Very true, having this allergy does leave us partial to high end jewelry, which isn't necessarily a bad thing... ;D

    @ VestedBeeVintage, you are immensely kind, thank you so much for your offer and understanding words. I'm so sorry to hear about the troubles that your dust/mold allergies cause you when it comes to collecting vintage goods.

    Wishing you tons upon tons of luck!!!

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  22. @ Glamour Girl, thank you, honey! I agree, the package is really adorable! I kept it once I opened it, I just can't bring myself to toss out anything vintage, especially when it's so small and flat and can be tucked neatly into a drawer for safe keeping. I appreciate your offer to help so much!

    @ Karyn, thank you very much, sweet dear! You are ever so welcome for the comments. I adore your blog deeply and always fall head-over-heels in love with the topics you post about.

    @ Gabriel Girl, thank you for combing Google on my behalf, honey, that was very thoughtful of you!

    @ Umamutante, thank you very much, that's so lovely to hear. I appreciate your visit and comment!

    @ Simply Colette, thank you; yes, it can be a challenge at times, you're right. Nickel pops up in a true plethora of items, from bra straps to shoe buckles, the buttons and rivets on jeans to the "hardware" on many purses - plus about a zillion other places! That said it is possible to avoid coming in contact with nickel most of the time if you know what to avoid and what alternatives to use in its place. Instead of bemoaning the situation, I just try and think of it as a challenge (to find nickel-free items).

    :D Is your kitty a bobby pin thief too?

    @ Cait, I'm sorry that your sister has some similar skin sensitivities, too. Soap is another thing that I usually have to be careful with (though it doesn't contain nickel, it can host dyes and perfumes and other chemicals that cause trouble for my skin), so I can certainly relate to her situation.

    I really did enjoy your wonderful photos (the one of you on the train in that floral print dress was so serenely lovely, and of course I enjoyed the one of you peering at all those Blythes! :D)

    @ Rapunzel, thank you very much for your help, it's so incredibly kind for you to write your hairstylist friend on my behalf. Seriously thank you! Any help she maybe able to shed on the situation would be hugely appreciated.


    I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your incredibly kind, caring and helpful comments. I promise to write a follow up post in the future in regards to the outcome of your wonderful suggestions, sources and tips.


    Huge thanks to you all!
    ♥ Jessica

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  23. Hello, I just found your blog because I too am searching for nickel-free bobby pins. I found some online here: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=793173

    Also turned up a listing on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31674975

    Good luck!

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  24. Hi, just ran across your blog while looking for old-fashioned bobby pins for my mom. There's a product called Plasti-Dip that you can use to coat things with a plastic coating. For example, if you wanted to re-do the rubbery handle grip on pliers, you could dip it in Plasti-dip. On the product website, they even make cute boots for a Barbie! Anyway, I wondered if you could take regular bobby pins and coat them in Plasti-Dip so the metal wouldn't have any contact with your skin and hopefully, not cause an allergic reaction. Good luck! MrsP

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  25. Hi "anonymous", thank you very much for your wonderful tip!

    I'd not heard of that product before up here in Canada, but will definitely be searching high and low for it now, and I'm extremely interested in knowing if it might be able to save me from the "wrath and rash" (as I've nicknamed it) of dealing with metal that contains nickel.

    If I can return the favour by trying to help you track down some old-fashioned bobby pins for your mom, please don't hesitate to let me (feel free to email my directly, if you like).


    Many sincere thanks for your help!!!
    Jessica

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  26. I'm looking for them too - now I don't feel quite so alone!!:) - Ptrice

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  27. oh my god, I am SO happy I stumbled upon this blog post and the helpful comments.
    I am HORRIBLY allergic to nickel, however, I am 18 and just moved out on my own for university. Unbeknown to me, my mother has spent the last 18 years making sure that I don't come into contact with the stuff--after realizing how allergic I am when she got my ears pierced when I was 5 months old and experiencing a terrifying trip to the hospital as well as a few weeks mixing antibiotics in my oatmeal.

    ANYWHO, she forgot to mention this fact to me, and I, unknowing, went out to a beauty supply store and bought a pack of super cheap bobby pins, which proceeded to pin my hair up with (I've never really used them before now and I recently discovered the secrets of pin curling)
    I started pinning my hair up every night with them and SLEEPING in them. My hair has never looked better--my skin is another story.

    So i've literally been sitting in bed with my laptop and a box of tissues sobbing because my scalp has turned into one big itchy, swollen, throbbing red rash, and because I didn't know why my scalp was doing this, and I continued using the pins, its literally gotten to the point where I can barely brush my hair anymore because it hurts so badly.

    So like any recently emancipated young adult who finds herself sobbing in the middle of the night, I called my Mommy.
    This is when I learned about the nickel allergy.

    I've been on the computer looking for bobby pin alternatives ever since (because although this was a painful experience which I hope not to soon replicate, my hair DOES look better than it has in years and i'm not willing to sacrifice that ^.^)

    Long story short, thanks so much to the lady who posted the ebay link--I shall buy some TONIGHT.

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  28. Omg Miss Jessica, I too have the awful nickel allergy and use bobby pins daily. I actually came accross your message searching for an altenative. Next to the foods I have to give up, bobby pins are a horrible thing to lose. I see that these posts are from 2009 and am just wonderin if you have ever found any solutions to our problem? Many thanks to you!

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  29. @Kirstyn, thank you very much for sharing the details of this thoroughly unpleasant recent experience you've been having with nickel with me. I'm truly sorry that you've had to contend with that. Being highly allergic to nickel is a constant, lifelong battle (to avoid this offending metal, that is) and I really feel for the situation you've been enduring lately.

    If you've not done so already, go see a doctor (preferably a dermatologist) as soon as possible so that they can prescribe you medical cream/ointment to help with the contact dermatitis you're experiencing right now. If that's not possible though, I've had decent luck over the years (when it comes to nickel reactions on my scalp) with rubbing topical hydrocortisone cream (gently) into my scalp. Colloidal oatmeal (though a tad messy) applied while taking a bath or shower (just keep your head away from the stream of water for a few minutes) applied to the scalp can also help sooth the painful inflammation.

    Of course, please keep in mind that I'm not a doctor, and so cannot determine what will work best for your specific situation - these are just two things that have helped me a bit over the years (also, when your scalp is irritated, try not to use a blow dryer, heated styling tools, or hair care products if they come in contact with your scalp).

    If you're hoping to replicate the (finished) look of bobby pin based pin curls, two other options are rag curls and foam rollers (the small and medium sized ones). Soft (sometimes also called pillow) rollers - such as Goody's Satin Covered Rollers - can be another good option (which I find to be relatively easy to sleep on).

    Though it make take weeks for your scalp to heal again, it can - and will - if you avoid nickel and try to avoid using harsh hair care products on it during these painful days (try buying dye and scent free shampoos and conditioners, which are likely to have far less stinging, harsh irritants than standard versions). If the itching is getting really bad, a little spray bottle filled with ice cold water that you spritz onto your scalp can sometimes help take the edge off of the discomfort, too.

    Again, I'm sorry that you had this awful experience and very much hope that you never, ever have to go through a similar situation again.

    Yours in the battle against nickel contact,
    Jessica

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  30. @Niecy, I'm sorry that you have to contend with a horrible nickel allergy, too. It really can put such a damper on what we're able to wear and how we can style our hair.

    Unfortunately, despite continually searching far and wide (online and in real life), I have yet to find any alternatives other than those in my original article.

    Since then I'd say that I've grown even more dependent on plastic barrettes, metal-less elastics, and plastic (decorative) combs. I will sometimes wear metal bobby pins, but only for a brief period of time, to try and keep the amount of exposure to a minimum.

    I will always keep looking for a manufacturer of plastic (and/or otherwise nickel-free) bobby pins, and promise to post here on Chronically Vintage right away if I ever find one.

    Wishing you wellness,
    Jessica

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  31. I've known forever that I've had a nickel allergy and yet! Never connected the sores and scabs on my scalp to my frequent use of bobby pins! OMG. I always just thought it was from compulsive dermatillomania (which could still be credited), scratching wounds into my scalp and then picking at the scabs. (eewww!) Perhaps because I can't see it - like I could always see the contact dermatitis on my belly from belt buckles and snaps, and can always tell immediately when I've reacted to a necklace clasp.

    Oh man. And I have gigantic, curly hair that can only be tamed with bobby pins! Am on the lookout now for alternatives!

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    1. Hi dear, I'm sorry to hear that you're affected by a nasty nickel allergy as well. If you get reactions elsewhere on your body, then yes, it's entirely possible that nickel is to blame for some or all of the issues you've been experiencing on your scalp. Do check with a doctor though, especially if the problems persist a few weeks after you stop using any metal (unless you're certain it's 100% nickel-free) on your head.

      Though they don't specifically have plastic bobby pins (I still haven't found any of those from a modern seller), the brand Goody does have quite a few products that are completely metal free, from hair elastics to (adult appropriate) barrettes.

      I still search frequently for nickel-free bobby pins and you have my word that I'll post here right away if I ever find anyone selling them.

      Wishing you positive health,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. @Jessica, I too am very allergic to nickel and came across your blog searching for bobby pins I can use. I am aware of the obvious things to avoid with nickel - jewelry, bobby pins, metal parts on clothes,etc. But I'm curious, what else have you come across that contains nickel? @Niecy mentions eliminating some foods, what food contains nickel? I haven't read that before. Any help you can provide is so appreciated, this can be very confusing to figure out on your own! - Thanks! Laura

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    1. Hi Laura,

      Thank you very much for your comment and questions, I'm very sorry to hear that you're affected by a strong nickel allergy as well.

      Honestly, unless I'm certain that a metallic object is nickel-free (for example, if it's marked sterling silver or is made of brass, copper or 14K or higher gold), I usually will not buy or wear it.

      Aside from the many different places where nickel can appear on clothing and accessories (including zippers, snaps, eyelets, metal buttons, bra fasteners and strap adjusters, shoelace tips, umbrella handles, belt buckles, shoe buckles, eyeglasses with metal, watch bands and other components, the metal hardware on purses, and hair accessories), some day-to-day objects that I've used over the years and gotten a nickel reaction from have included pens (especially the pocket clip piece at the end) and mechanical pencils, the small metal band on hospital bracelets (thankfully, in recent years, I've noticed most of these at the hospitals I've been in have been made from sturdy paper with a sticky closure and have been metal free), the metal in twist ties, staples, various tools (both DIY and crafting related), certain sewing notions and tools, clothing hangers, razors, kitchen tools and cookware, bathroom taps, faucets, showeheads, and the metal rings on sink/tub plugs; keys (and key rings), make-up containers, tubs and brushes; flashlights, lighters, light bulbs, the pulls, handles and other metal components on furniture; scissors, the metal rings in binders and daybooks, telephones with metal components, metal buttons on electronic devices (like, back in the day, on some boomboxes and Walkmans), pocket knives, metal components on and in vehicles (and bicycles), metal gardening tools, and fitness/exercise equipment.

      Now, of course not all of versions of the items listed above that contain, or are made from metal, have nickel in them, but one can never be too careful, so if a metal-free (or at least guaranteed nickel-free) version exists, even if it costs a little more, do try and opt for it whenever possible.

      In terms of a low nickel diet, not everyone with skin reactions to nickel is necessarily affected by the (very) small percentage of nickel that occurs in certain foods, but some are and if you think you may be, it's well worth discussing with your allergist, dermatologist, family doctor or other appropriate medical professional. Here are some of the better links on this subject I've encountered over the years:

      http://www.athenaallergy.com/Nickel-Allergy-Diet.html

      http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/753985_6

      http://www.melisa.org/metals-disease/metals/nickel

      http://www.livestrong.com/article/287917-nickel-free-diet-acceptable-foods/


      I really hope this information is helpful to you, Laura - please don't hesitate to ask any other nickel related questions you might have. I can't promise I'll know the answer, but I'm happy to share what I know and have learned from my many years of life with this pesky allergy with you.


      Sincerely,
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Hi Jessica, thanks for all of your help. I really appreciate it. Also, I wanted to share this product I found - nickel free bobby pins. I messaged the seller and asked if they can provide the names of the retailers who carry the product since the minimum order quantity is too high for an individual consumer. Hopefully it is legit! I'll share if I receive more info.

    http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/441016267/nickel_free_fashion_steel_hair_pins.html

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  34. AME distributor
    They have plastic ones and are based in canada

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  35. Hi! I just discovered the cause of my hives! Nickel allergy! So, I'm happy to know - but sad, sad, sad over my jewelry collection and tiny bobby pins that I love. So - what did you all find about bobby pins that are plastic. Mine need to be very tiny and not show.
    Thanks!
    Barb

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  36. Hi- I'm so glad to read this blog. I just put two and two together today (with ideas from my mom!) and know that I have a nickel allergy..hives! So, now I'll be looking for small bobby pins that are not nickel. AND - jewelry!!
    Barb

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    1. Hi Barb,

      Thank you very much for both of your comments. Ultimately, as of yet, I haven't found a modern brand that sells plastic bobby pins, I'm afraid. If they are out there, they're hidden, let me tell you! I continue to search at least a few times a year (online and off) and have continually come up empty handed. I'm going to be looking into Jenn's suggestion above, as I'm not familiar with that company. If it turns up much, I'll post here about it.

      Some good options for potentially safe types of jewelry include pieces made from sterling silver, golds that are 14K or higher (K's below that are much more apt to contain nickel, though it's not a given that they will), brass, copper, bronze, niobium, wood, bone and horn, plastic, fabric, wool and string, glass, polymer clay, and paper.

      Thank you for your comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  37. http://m.ebay.com/itm/30pk-Plastic-Bobby-Pins-Assorted-Colors-NEW-k4154-/291662974976?nav=SEARCH

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    1. Hi Giovanna,

      Thank you very much for the awesome link. Those are great looking and not too far off from the vintage ones I highlighted here. Fantastic find. Really, thank you for sharing! I get a ton of emails each year from others looking for plastic bobby pins, too, and I'll post them towards these now.

      Have a wonderful weekend!
      <3 Jessica

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  38. I am looking for plastic bobby pins online, have you found any?

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  39. Hi Sasha, thank you very much for your question and for commenting on this post. To date, despite very frequent searches for such, I have not come across a regularily available source for modern plastic bobby pins. A few months ago another person commented here and pointed me/us all towards these ones (http://m.ebay.com/itm/30pk-Plastic-Bobby-Pins-Assorted-Colors-NEW-k4154-/291662974976?nav=SEARCH), however, they were already sold out by the time I got there and the seller doesn't appear to be listed any more. Those would be as close as I've seen to a modern version of the vintage ones featured here and I've tried to track down the company that makes them, also to no avail.

    I receive so many emails and blog comments each year from others looking for plastic bobby pins and you have my word that if I do ever find a reliable modern source for them, I will post here on my blog about it right away.

    Many thanks & best of luck with this search on your own end,
    ♥ Jessica

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  40. Hi Jessica!~ I hope this blog post is still active! I was just thinking about plastic bobby pins today and found these on the Canadian Amazon site. I'm in the U.S., so I don't think I can purchase them. Can you please check them out. Maybe we can get a hold of more in the days ahead, as there are only two listed. Please contact me if you can, as I'd be happy to purchase a pack,if you are able to get both packs. My email address is THEDIAHA@YAHOO.COM
    Thanks!~
    https://www.amazon.ca/Plastic-Bobby-pins-pinces-cheveux/dp/B00HL1SNYG

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    1. Hi Diaha, generally speaking, US residents can order from Amazon.ca. It looks like these bobby pins are being sold by a third party seller on that site (aka, they're not a product that Amazon.ca itself is stocking). I'd suggest registering for the site, using your US address and adding the product to your cart. Amazon.ca should then tell you whether or not that seller will ship to your US address.

      Normally I'd be more than happy to do more to try and help you out by ordering, however, as you may know if you'd read my last few posts, recently (October 2016) my husband and I lost our home, belongings and precious cat (Stella) to an arson fire. We were quite under insured and have had - and continue to face - many, many substantial expenses, so right now I'm absolutely not purchasing items that aren't strictly necessary and don't have any extra funds available to buy non-essential things (which these pins would currently fall under for me). I am sorry about that and really hope you're able to purchase these cute plastic bobby pins directly yourself.

      Thank you very much for your understanding in this matter, as well as for sharing your Amazon find here. I really appreciate it!

      Sincerely,
      ♥ Jessica

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  41. I have found plastic hair pins on Amazon and Sally beauty supply . Magic grip hair pins.

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  42. I found your blog after searching if Bobby pins contained Nickel since I've recently noticed numerous scabs and flaking on my scalp and wondered if Bobby pins were the cause. I'm glad I'm not alone but it sucks we can't find something as simple of plastic or nickel free bobby pins. Thank you for sharing your experience. Did you ever find more plastic, or nickel free bobby pins?

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