The appearance characteristics of Chinese hairpins
Chinese hairpins are mostly slender and elongated, with one end sharp and the other flat or adorned with pendants. They can be used by both men and women. Their primary function is to secure hair. It’s hard to imagine that they can hold hair in place without elastic bands.
By inserting the hairpin directly into a bun, which is formed by tightly grasping the hair roots and then twisting the hair into a circle clockwise or counterclockwise, one can achieve a stylish and elegant hairstyle. You can practice by following the videos below.
In addition to securing hair, the material of ancient hairpins symbolized the wearer’s status. Men and women often chose to give hairpins as tokens of affection, as reflected in many love poems from ancient times.
The functions of Chinese hairpins
Hairpins are among the earliest traditional head ornaments, originally designed to secure hairstyles and prevent hair from scattering. They appeared in the primitive society era, primarily made from animal bones. As society progressed, the materials for hairpins diversified, extending from animal bones and wood to gold, silver, jade, tortoiseshell, pearls, etc.
From the Han Dynasty onwards, their craftsmanship became more exquisite, with designs featuring dragons and phoenixes, flowers, birds, fish, and insects, gradually becoming symbols of status and identity.
The craftsmanship of hairpins reached its peak during the Qing Dynasty, with velvet flower hairpins, coiled flower hairpins, gold filigree phoenix hairpins, gem-inlaid phoenix hairpins, and peacock feather hairpins becoming stunning artworks. According to the “Rites of Zhou” text, when a woman reached the age of 15, she was regarded as an adult，was required to wear a hairpin to complete this ritual.
How to match it in daily life
The material not only affects the appearance of hairpins but also endows them with different styles, which become even more perfect when paired with corresponding hairstyles. For daily outings, a wooden hairpin is suitable for simple braided hairstyles. For formal occasions, choosing hairpins made of gold, silver, or jade and pairing them with some shaped braided hairstyles can create a more luxurious effect.
Hairpins are indispensable elements of Hanfu, not only for their beautiful shapes but also for highlighting the ancient charm of Hanfu. There are many styles of hairpins, and their greatest advantage is versatility. When choosing a hairpin for any type of Hanfu, the key point is to select one that coordinates with the color of the Hanfu.
What styles do modern hairpins have?
In recent years, new-style Chinese hairpins have gained popularity among women. These hairpins break away from traditional design frameworks, incorporating modern design concepts such as simplicity and abstraction into their creations. With smooth lines and unique shapes, they retain the classic charm of hairpins while showcasing a strong sense of modernity. The most typical representative is the wooden hairpin. They also incorporate technological elements like LED lighting, with pendants featuring glowing gourds, lanterns, and other shapes, making them perfect for wearing on Valentine’s Day. Modern hairpins present a modern interpretation of classical charm.
As an ancient and exquisite headdress, the hairpin can make the hairstyle neater and more beautiful. At the same time, when worn in the hair, it serves as an important ornament to adorn the hairstyle, showing a unique charm.
