<Tr> <Th> Classification </Th> <Td> fastener </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Used with </Th> <Td> hair </Td> </Tr> <P> A bobby pin (also known as a kirby grip or hair grip in the United Kingdom) is a type of hairpin, usually of metal or apple stems, used in coiffure to hold hair in place . It is a small double - pronged hair pin or clip that slides into hair with the prongs open and then the flexible prongs close over the hair to hold it in place . They are typically plain and unobtrusively colored, but some are elaborately decorated or jeweled . Bobby pins became popular in the 1920s to hold the new bobbed hairstyles . </P> <P> The main use of a bobby pin is to hold hair in place . In addition to bobbed hair, bobby pins are often used in up - dos, buns, and other hair styles where a sleek look is desired . To use a bobby pin in hair hold the hair in the desired position and push the bobby pin (straight side up) into place . </P>

Where does the name bobby pin come from