Recommendations for sticks/ forks for thick wavy hair

[hennalonghair]

Hi everyone,
After 6 months of searching threads I discovered the flexi clip which I love.
A medium fits half back, large for ponytail, XL for half ups and some very contained buns and mega for cinnamon buns and other full buns.
Now I'd like to try some hair sticks/ forks but I'm not sure which ones to get.
I have only tried hair sticks from Lilla Rose but they aren't long or strong enough.
One broke the first time I went to use it. They only look about 6 inches which doesn't leave enough space to wrap my hair around since its so thick. It's only 27 inches but almost all one length.
Ive considered acrylic ones so I can it on wet hair.
- ketylos ?
- 60th street?
etsy?
Im looking for long ( 7 inches) strong sticks and a recommendation for some good wooden forks that have tapered ends.
Are the hair sticks with the waves in them for wavy hair?
I'm a complete novice regarding hair sticks / forks so any help will be appreciated.
thanks

[Quasiquixotic]

I don't have your hair type, but my guess would be check out eaduard on etsy for his over size hair sticks. I think jeterforks are amazing. And furnivalsworkshop has some amazing oversized strong wood sticks.

[two_wheels]

quasiquixotic's suggestions are great, I have a couple to add...

You can also ask Rich at outnumbered novelties for an oversized stick. I seem to be recommending him on every thread at the moment, but I love his work and he's really nice too! https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OutNumberedNovelties

Or woodartjewelry for giant wood forks/sticks. https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WoodArtJewelry

[NaClH2O]

Hello! :p I have thick, wavy hair (see stats to the left) and my favorite fork makers are 60th Street, Jeterforks, and GoodVillageWoodcraft (all on Etsy). I am not particularly fond of wood Grahtoe forks because the tines are thick and difficult to insert. (GTS Antlers are different, I DO like those)

My favorite sticks are ketylos, Mamacat ribbon spirals (difficult to get), Lady Idun acrylics, and wooden TimberstoneTurnings (Chloe shape). Not particularly fond of Eaduard sticks (only tried the thin/regular sized ones) because they are slippery and the tips are somewhat blunt, making it hard to insert. I think I would like an oversized stick from Ead and plan to order one eventually. ;)

[two_wheels]

Ah, forget what I said and go with NaClH2O's suggestions, she definitely knows!

[hennalonghair]

I don't have your hair type, but my guess would be check out eaduard on etsy for his over size hair sticks. I think jeterforks are amazing. And furnivalsworkshop has some amazing oversized strong wood sticks.

Thank you Quasiquixotic,
Oddly enough I was just looking at the eaduard sticks earlier. The curly stained maple ones look lovely in all those colours. The only thing I didn't like about them was that they have a hole in one end.
I'll have to check these others out as I'm not familiar with them.
Luckily I'm going to take my time.
Thanks again
Much appreciated

[hennalonghair]

quasiquixotic's suggestions are great, I have a couple to add...

You can also ask Rich at outnumbered novelties for an oversized stick. I seem to be recommending him on every thread at the moment, but I love his work and he's really nice too! https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OutNumberedNovelties

Or woodartjewelry for giant wood forks/sticks. https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WoodArtJewelry
Thanks two wheels,
I'm quoting each suggestion individually so I can remember names here.
This is perfect; a personal recommendation with links and all.
Thank you kindly
Is there any particular reason you think so highly about these suppliers?

[NaClH2O]

Ah, well now that you mentioned you hadn't heard of any of these fabulous makers, I feel compelled to enable a newbie into the world that is "Hairtoy Addiction"..... :inlove:

My favorites:

60thStreet (https://www.etsy.com/shop/60thstreet?ref=pr_faveshops) - great forks, hard to get exact color/style/size you want as they do NOT do custom orders unless you are quick enough to buy a C/O listing
GoodVillageWoodcraft (https://www.etsy.com/shop/GoodVillageWoodcraft?ref=pr_faveshops) - awesome to work with regarding custom orders, will order in special wood for you, very nice guy
Jeterforks (https://www.etsy.com/shop/Jeterforks?ref=pr_faveshops) - these forks hold like a ROCK, are lightweight, inexpensive. Also easy to work with regarding custom orders
TimberstoneTurnings (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TimberstoneTurnings?ref=pr_faveshops) - awesome, beautiful, a bit pricey to test out if you don't know what you like
Lady Idun (https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyIdun?ref=pr_faveshops) (currently on vacation) - my favorite acrylic sticks hands down
Mamacat (https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamacatWoodCreations?ref=pr_faveshops) - listings are far & few between, no custom orders, but I LOVE her ribbon spirals, they are amazing.

[hennalonghair]

Hello! :p I have thick, wavy hair (see stats to the left) and my favorite fork makers are 60th Street, Jeterforks, and GoodVillageWoodcraft (all on Etsy). I am not particularly fond of wood Grahtoe forks because the tines are thick and difficult to insert. (GTS Antlers are different, I DO like those)

My favorite sticks are ketylos, Mamacat ribbon spirals (difficult to get), Lady Idun acrylics, and wooden TimberstoneTurnings (Chloe shape). Not particularly fond of Eaduard sticks (only tried the thin/regular sized ones) because they are slippery and the tips are somewhat blunt, making it hard to insert. I think I would like an oversized stick from Ead and plan to order one eventually. ;)

Ok someone who has similar hair type understands my concerns. I've read many a post stating that the stick/ fork tips were too thick and would snap hairs while inserting them. I'd hate to spend a good amount of money for something that damages my hair. I will certainly take my time checking these recommendations out.
I'll also post my findings for other thick haired wavies.
Thank you NaClH20
Much appreciated

[Quasiquixotic]

I agree with salty that lady Idun makes my favorite acrylic sticks too :)


Ah, well now that you mentioned you hadn't heard of any of these fabulous makers, I feel compelled to enable a newbie into the world that is "Hairtoy Addiction"..... :inlove:

My favorites:

60thStreet (https://www.etsy.com/shop/60thstreet?ref=pr_faveshops) - great forks, hard to get exact color/style/size you want as they do NOT do custom orders unless you are quick enough to buy a C/O listing
GoodVillageWoodcraft (https://www.etsy.com/shop/GoodVillageWoodcraft?ref=pr_faveshops) - awesome to work with regarding custom orders, will order in special wood for you, very nice guy
Jeterforks (https://www.etsy.com/shop/Jeterforks?ref=pr_faveshops) - these forks hold like a ROCK, are lightweight, inexpensive. Also easy to work with regarding custom orders
TimberstoneTurnings (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TimberstoneTurnings?ref=pr_faveshops) - awesome, beautiful, a bit pricey to test out if you don't know what you like
Lady Idun (https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyIdun?ref=pr_faveshops) (currently on vacation) - my favorite acrylic sticks hands down
Mamacat (https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamacatWoodCreations?ref=pr_faveshops) - listings are far & few between, no custom orders, but I LOVE her ribbon spirals, they are amazing.

[hennalonghair]

Ah, well now that you mentioned you hadn't heard of any of these fabulous makers, I feel compelled to enable a newbie into the world that is "Hairtoy Addiction"..... :inlove:

My favorites:

60thStreet (https://www.etsy.com/shop/60thstreet?ref=pr_faveshops) - great forks, hard to get exact color/style/size you want as they do NOT do custom orders unless you are quick enough to buy a C/O listing
GoodVillageWoodcraft (https://www.etsy.com/shop/GoodVillageWoodcraft?ref=pr_faveshops) - awesome to work with regarding custom orders, will order in special wood for you, very nice guy
Jeterforks (https://www.etsy.com/shop/Jeterforks?ref=pr_faveshops) - these forks hold like a ROCK, are lightweight, inexpensive. Also easy to work with regarding custom orders
TimberstoneTurnings (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TimberstoneTurnings?ref=pr_faveshops) - awesome, beautiful, a bit pricey to test out if you don't know what you like
Lady Idun (https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyIdun?ref=pr_faveshops) (currently on vacation) - my favorite acrylic sticks hands down
Mamacat (https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamacatWoodCreations?ref=pr_faveshops) - listings are far & few between, no custom orders, but I LOVE her ribbon spirals, they are amazing.

A mentor!
Awesome!
WOW! That's quite the breakdown.
I love the idea of ribbon spirals in an acrylic and it sure would be nice to get custom orders.
I'm a huge fan of rare exotic woods so this should be interesting.
Ok I have a fantastic start here.
Thank you AGAIN NaClH20.....: D

[hennalonghair]

:p NaCl..... Salty.....LOL! Cute!

[Willowyn]

A mentor!
Awesome!
WOW! That's quite the breakdown.
I love the idea of ribbon spirals in an acrylic and it sure would be nice to get custom orders.
I'm a huge fan of rare exotic woods so this should be interesting.
Ok I have a fantastic start here.
Thank you AGAIN NaClH20.....: D
To be mentored on LHC is to be enabled!
:agree:

[Quasiquixotic]

To be mentored on LHC is to be enabled!
:agree:

Truer words...

[NaClH2O]

A mentor!
Awesome!
WOW! That's quite the breakdown.
I love the idea of ribbon spirals in an acrylic and it sure would be nice to get custom orders.
I'm a huge fan of rare exotic woods so this should be interesting.
Ok I have a fantastic start here.
Thank you AGAIN NaClH20.....: D


:p NaCl..... Salty.....LOL! Cute!

Why thank you!! I feel so honored :waltz: I'm so glad I could be of help, I love helping people find new makers to fall in love with...! You have a lot of pretties to choose between now, but flexi-8's were a great place to start! I have lots of those as well, they are super comfortable and (bonus) waterproof. If I were you, I would find one thing from each place that you like and see how they work for you. That way you will find which makers you prefer, what woods you like, how many prongs you prefer on forks, thickness of sticks.... So many choices!


To be mentored on LHC is to be enabled!
:agree:

Nothing is further than the truth. How do you think I got so knowledgeable in the first place....? It was a long, expensive, totally worth it journey! :inlove:

[hennalonghair]

I've had long hair my entire life and mainly used hair accessories from the dollar store.
Now I'm over 50 and have decided to have long glorious hair.
If I am going to take time to look after myself then I am also going to reward myself.
So enablers welcome.
There's no arm twisting here ladies.

[hennalonghair]

Yes I have to agree with you. Flexi clips was a great choice.
I've got 9 minis,( some for my yorkie) 2 xs's, 1 med., 3 large, 4 extra large and have 4 megas ordered.
It's a good idea to get one of each just to give me a comparison.
The company that you recommended that has your favourite is not open for business. Lady ......
I saw pictures of them and that's the type of acrylic stick I want.
It's tapered at the end. Nice.
I can't wait to try all these new sticks and forks.
Wearing hair up with nice pretties feels so beautiful.
Thanks .

[NaClH2O]

LadyIdun on Etsy will hopefully be open soon, they just went on vacation in the last couple of days. I can hardly wait for her to open back up, as I definitely need a few more of her beautiful sticks for this summer :inlove:

Regarding flexi's, I have yet to try the mega size. I typically use XL's for buns and mini's for the ends of braids or to hold my bangs back. I love them!

[Aderyn]

Hair toys I've liked have been from (some shops that haven't been mentioned, I think):

mariya4woodcarving (https://www.etsy.com/shop/mariya4woodcarving)
Wood Art Jewelry (https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodArtJewelry)
Elymwood (https://www.etsy.com/shop/Elymwold)

LadyIdun and Jeterforks (though Jeterforks doesn't have as much taper as the aforementioned shops) are also great shops to look into!

I've never had an issue with using the normal acrylic hair sticks from Ead in regards to breaking my hair. I think so long as you're gentle, don't push it in haphazardly and just generally take the time to learn how loose/tight the bun is and to put them in without damaging the hair, you'll be fine.

I think the hairsticks with waves in them tend to be more for slippery hair and/or to provide a stronger hold. Some of the sticks that you have to twist into your hair can be very, very secure, especially when compared to straight sticks. If you're looking for a strong hold, it might be worth taking a look at Ficcares as well (hope I didn't just enable you even more :p)

[Hele]

i also have very thick hair prone to varying degrees of waviness, the one thing i would recommend that hasn't already been mentioned is Crockett Mountain hair spikes. The description usually says it's for a lot of hair and they aren't kidding, these things are incredible. There aren't any over 6 inches currently in the shop but an example is here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/165285066/tribal-wood-hair-stick-dual-purpose?ref=shop_home_active_3 Other than that my all time favorites are Timberstone Chloes and oversized Ead sticks...they're both thicker than regular sticks and don't budge. For forks i'm loyal to Jeterforks, i don't buy anything less than 5 inches total length or my hair engulfs it. I also recently purchased a fork from Enchanted Inspirations and it can also handle a lot of hair, for a 3 prong the hold is exceptional and i foresee myself buying from them again. Super sturdy forks, here's an example: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186931964/caribbean-rosewood-handmade-hair-fork?ref=shop_home_active_2 I'm also not a fan of Grahtoe Studio, they just don't work for me.

[Rosa Harris]

My hair is not thick but it packs very densely making most hairsticks hard to push through. I have found that asking makers make for me with pencil sharpen points makes it much easier to get them in you just have to be aware not to scrape the scalp or have it poke you in the back of the neck - watch out getting in and out of the car!

[hennalonghair]

LadyIdun on Etsy will hopefully be open soon, they just went on vacation in the last couple of days. I can hardly wait for her to open back up, as I definitely need a few more of her beautiful sticks for this summer :inlove:

Regarding flexi's, I have yet to try the mega size. I typically use XL's for buns and mini's for the ends of braids or to hold my bangs back. I love them!

Ok I found ' the official Ladyldun thread' and I saw some action shots of them. I particularly like the "Purple Ice " one.
How stunning! They look so well made. Tapered in all the right places.
I will certainly wait for them to come back from vacation.

I haven't actually tried the mega but just know I need something bigger for my cinnamon buns and some other dos.
The extra large is just too small. I'm getting the Flitter, . Ruby bouquet and the light blue Sea star ( treasure) one and matching ones for my dog. Lol. She looks adorable in the matching minis.
Plus both the LadyIdum sticks and flexi clips are waterproof is a plus.
I'm planning on swimming in style this spring/ summer.
Thanks again

[hennalonghair]

Hair toys I've liked have been from (some shops that haven't been mentioned, I think):

mariya4woodcarving (https://www.etsy.com/shop/mariya4woodcarving)
Wood Art Jewelry (https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodArtJewelry)
Elymwood (https://www.etsy.com/shop/Elymwold)

LadyIdun and Jeterforks (though Jeterforks doesn't have as much taper as the aforementioned shops) are also great shops to look into!

I've never had an issue with using the normal acrylic hair sticks from Ead in regards to breaking my hair. I think so long as you're gentle, don't push it in haphazardly and just generally take the time to learn how loose/tight the bun is and to put them in without damaging the hair, you'll be fine.

I think the hairsticks with waves in them tend to be more for slippery hair and/or to provide a stronger hold. Some of the sticks that you have to twist into your hair can be very, very secure, especially when compared to straight sticks. If you're looking for a strong hold, it might be worth taking a look at Ficcares as well (hope I didn't just enable you even more :p)
Thank you very much Aderyn.
Oddly enough just as you were typing this I was looking at the jeterforks and had the same response; the ends d

[hennalonghair]

Grrrr...... I lose some many posts and now it went through before I finished.
The ends don't seem tapered enough for my preference with.
I've only just recently discovered I have a combination of textures in my hair.
It's a circumference of 5 inches at ponytail. The outter hair is porous and course and probably closer to 2b.
It get dried out easily. The middle layer of hair is of medium texture and is what most of my hair is comprises of.
It isn't dry but more normal but very wavy.
THEN I have the inside layer , closest to my hairline, is super curly. When I wash my hair or put my hair in a French braid or certain types of buns or updos, I end up with little spirals of curls.
THIS hair texture dries out the quickest and breaks easily.
I don't have any split ends but this portion of my hair never quite grows the same length as the other which is why I am search for more sharply tapered end hair sticks and forks otherwise it just rips through this finer curly hair I have.

Thanks again

[two_wheels]

Thanks two wheels,
I'm quoting each suggestion individually so I can remember names here.
This is perfect; a personal recommendation with links and all.
Thank you kindly
Is there any particular reason you think so highly about these suppliers?

Sorry to reply so late, but I recommended outnumbered novelties because you said you were interested in acrylics and he does custom acrylics including oversized, and woodartjewelry because their forks are sooo lovely but mostly too big for me, so I thought thick wavy hair would fit them well.

But to be honest I would listen more to the people whose hair is thick and wavy and long right now, because although my hair used to be much longer it was only medium thickness, so I'm just estimating, but they know from experience :)

[chen bao jun]

My hair is very thick and tightly curly. So I have even more denseness to push through than you do. I took years to try Jeterforks because they look as if the prongs are so huge. they are the greatest forks ever. the comfort is amazing and the ease of putting them in cannot be beaten. All of the people recommended are great but I would say (not having tried Lady Idun) that two that have the easiest learning curve and can be put in best when you are in a rush are Jeterforks and Ketylos. I also have to put in a word for Crockett mountain spikes. but anything on the list will be good for you.

[hennalonghair]

My hair is very thick and tightly curly. So I have even more denseness to push through than you do. I took years to try Jeterforks because they look as if the prongs are so huge. they are the greatest forks ever. the comfort is amazing and the ease of putting them in cannot be beaten. All of the people recommended are great but I would say (not having tried Lady Idun) that two that have the easiest learning curve and can be put in best when you are in a rush are Jeterforks and Ketylos. I also have to put in a word for Crockett mountain spikes. but anything on the list will be good for you.i
Ok you understand my concern. Yes with thick curly hair this would be even MORE of a concern. When I saw the thickness of those prongs I wasn't too sure but to have this kind of recommendation is great.
I've already got one in mind.
I'm starting to realize that its not the actually length that matters but how that length is made.
A wavy tapered stick has more square inch volume so should be able to hold lots of hair.
And in the thread I just viewed it had action pictures of Cinnamon wearing her hair in one.
It was only about 5 1/2 inches and it held all her knee length hair in place.
She mentioned that she used a few coily things as well but that speaks volumes.
Thank you all so much for the recommendations.
I'm a bit overwhelmed as I didn't expect to get such a welcoming response.
I have learned so much from members like you. And to think I knew how to look after my hair.
Was I wrong? Totally! Only a week ago I discovered I have a hair type. Lol!
And honestly, how can I know how to take care of my hair if I don't know my hair type?
This is a complete game changer. Now I actually understand how to look after including washing, oiling and protective updos.
I thought my hair was just dry and frizzy and didnt like being in updos.
Again I was sooo wrong.
I thank you ALL so much for helping me. This certainly is a joyful journey.

[chelles2kids]

Ketylo hair sticks, hands down! :joy:

http://www.ketylo.com/servlet/StoreFront


(I know you are asking about hair sticks specifically, but I would also like to suggest spin pins. I have 2 sets of them & they are wonderful!)

[hennalonghair]

Sorry to reply so late, but I recommended outnumbered novelties because you said you were interested in acrylics and he does custom acrylics including oversized, and woodartjewelry because their forks are sooo lovely but mostly too big for me, so I thought thick wavy hair would fit them well.

But to be honest I would listen more to the people whose hair is thick and wavy and long right now, because although my hair used to be much longer it was only medium thickness, so I'm just estimating, but they know from experience :)
Ok thank you. I like the idea of custom ones. The great thing about making this thread is that now I have a reference guide to consider which takes a lot of guesswork out of this. I'm learning so much and thank you for offering your suggestions and explanations.
It's much appreciated.

[hennalonghair]

i also have very thick hair prone to varying degrees of waviness, the one thing i would recommend that hasn't already been mentioned is Crockett Mountain hair spikes. The description usually says it's for a lot of hair and they aren't kidding, these things are incredible. There aren't any over 6 inches currently in the shop but an example is here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/165285066/tribal-wood-hair-stick-dual-purpose?ref=shop_home_active_3 Other than that my all time favorites are Timberstone Chloes and oversized Ead sticks...they're both thicker than regular sticks and don't budge. For forks i'm loyal to Jeterforks, i don't buy anything less than 5 inches total length or my hair engulfs it. I also recently purchased a fork from Enchanted Inspirations and it can also handle a lot of hair, for a 3 prong the hold is exceptional and i foresee myself buying from them again. Super sturdy forks, here's an example: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186931964/caribbean-rosewood-handmade-hair-fork?ref=shop_home_active_2 I'm also not a fan of Grahtoe Studio, they just don't work for me.

Wow! Hele
Thank you so much for this extremely informative response.
By the looks of your hair I will certainly take these recommendations into consideration.
Eventually I will try one of each if only to find my preferences.
Now I'm going to look through all these links and check them out.
I will definitely let you know which ones i have considered with possible pics.
That's if I figure out how to do that.
I'm only using a cell phone to reply and unfortunately it cuts me off a LOT but I am trying to get to everyone.
Thanks again
My battery is going. Lol

[Hele]

My hair is very thick and tightly curly. So I have even more denseness to push through than you do. I took years to try Jeterforks because they look as if the prongs are so huge. they are the greatest forks ever. the comfort is amazing and the ease of putting them in cannot be beaten. All of the people recommended are great but I would say (not having tried Lady Idun) that two that have the easiest learning curve and can be put in best when you are in a rush are Jeterforks and Ketylos. I also have to put in a word for Crockett mountain spikes. but anything on the list will be good for you.

i also want to second how easy Jeterforks are to use. If something's not sturdy i can't get it through my hair, or worse i'll hear a "cracking" noise coming from the fork because my hair is too much for it, and that's never been a problem with my Jeters. They also have a nice width to them, i particularly suggest the 4 prongs. They're so strong even the smaller ones can hold my hair up but they do it invisibly, and these forks are just too pretty not to be seen.

i suggest hair spikes and oversized sticks in general because my hair can't "turn" them. If i put a stick in at this angle: ____ , the weight of my hair will turn the stick like this: / (if that makes any sense, it's hard to explain without pictures). If you want any "action shots" of any of my recommendations let me know, sometimes it's easier to get ideas if you see an item in use.

happy shopping! :D