How to Use Chinese Hair Pins and Sticks: Step-by-Step Guide

Hair pins and hair sticks have a long and beautiful history in Chinese culture. They’re not just tools for holding up your hair-they’re also delicate works of art that carry centuries of meaning and style.

 

At Something Minty, we created our Chinese Style Hair Pins and Sticks collection to celebrate that timeless beauty. Each piece is handcrafted from wood and inspired by classic Chinese symbols-yin and yang, gourds, lotus flowers, lanterns, and traditional paintings.

 

These hair accessories pair perfectly with hanfu or qipao, but they also bring a graceful, artistic touch to any modern casual look. A little piece of tradition, reimagined for today.

 

In this guide, we’ll show you five beautiful ways to style your hair using Chinese hair pins and sticks. No matter if your hair is long, short, straight, or wavy, there’s something here for everyone. Each look brings together a hint of tradition and an easy, modern vibe, so you can wear your hair pin anywhere and feel effortlessly put-together.

 

1. Full Up Wrap

 

 

This hairstyle works well for almost any hair length. The result is elegant and polished, making it a classic look for Chinese hair pins.

 

Tutorial：

1. Gather all your hair into a ponytail at the center of the back of your head and hold it with your left hand.
2. With your right hand, place the hair stick above the ponytail.
3. Wrap the ponytail around the stick once. If your hair is long, continue wrapping until all of your hair is secured on the stick.
4. Insert the stick through the hair close to your scalp, moving from right to left. As you slide the stick through, use your left hand to tuck the hair slightly to the left, and continue until the stick comes out on the left side.

For this hairstyle, a hair pin with a simple, elegant design works best. Our gourd-shaped wooden hair stick is perfect for creating this classic look.

 

2. Messy Bun

 

This hairstyle is perfect for long or even extra-long hair. It creates a relaxed and slightly undone look, casual for everyday wear yet elegant enough for festive occasions. It also holds incredibly well, staying neat all day long.

 

Tutorial：

1. Gather your hair into a low ponytail near the nape of your neck.
2. Use your left index finger to hook the ponytail and twist it upward in a counterclockwise motion to form a loop.
3. Tuck the ends of your hair upward under the loop you just made. If your hair is long, keep wrapping until all the ends are secured.
4. Insert the hair stick vertically into the loop made in step 2, then slide it through from right to left.

For a simple everyday look, choose a minimal-style hair stick. For holidays or festive occasions, try one with special details such as our lantern pendant hair stick or lotus flower design.

 

3. Braided Bun

 

If you want to keep your thick, wavy hair neat but still look pretty and elegant, this hairstyle is perfect for you. The braided bun is a fun and lovely version of the traditional Chinese bun, and it’s actually quite easy to do.

 

Tutorial:

1. Pull out a few strands from the front to frame your face. Gather the hair from the crown section and bring it to the back of your head.
2. Move the hair to one side, divide it into three sections, and start braiding all the way down to the ends.
3. Wrap the braid upward into a bun shape.
4. Insert the hair stick vertically through the bun and slide it from right to left.

This braided bun looks delicate and refined, making it perfect for special occasions. It also pairs beautifully with traditional outfits such as hanfu or qipao, adding a touch of graceful Oriental elegance.

 

4. Half Up Half Down

 

Half up half down hairstyles are perfect for any season and work beautifully on both short and long hair. They suit all hair types and are super easy to style. It’s a fun look for days when you want something playful without worrying about your hair getting in the way.

 

Tutorial:

1. Take a section of hair from the crown of your head. You can take a bit more if you want your half-up look to appear fuller.
2. Twist the section of hair while tightly wrapping it upward into a small bun.
3. Insert the hair stick vertically into the bun, then turn it sideways and slide it through from right to left.

This hairstyle works well with all hair lengths, especially short hair. It’s a great way to create a Chinese-inspired look even with shorter styles. For long hair, it looks just as lovely, playful yet elegant.

 

5. Ponytail with Hair Stick

 

Who doesn’t love a ponytail? It looks cute and keeps your hair out of your face. It’s one of the best Chinese-inspired hairstyles for long hair. You can also make it look casual or dressy, depending on the occasion.

 

Tutorial:

1. Gather all your hair into a low ponytail. Take a small section of hair from the top part of the ponytail and hold it in place with your left index finger.
2. Wrap this small section of hair upward over your left middle finger, then around the rest of the ponytail.
3. Insert the hair stick vertically along your left middle finger, then turn it sideways and slide it through to secure the style.

If you want to give this hairstyle more personality, you can curl your hair first. For the hair stick, choose a more detailed design. Our hand-painted Chinese art hair stick is a perfect match for this look.

These five Chinese-inspired hairstyles work beautifully for different hair lengths and all seasons. Pair them with a Chinese hair pin or stick to add extra charm and a touch of traditional style to your everyday look. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of culture, creativity, and fun into your hair routine.