Fakkares in the UK?

[sarahthegemini]

Does anyone know of any UK based websites that sell good quality fakkares? (I don't want to buy actual ficcares!)

[kaydana]

I've never bought anything from them, so can't speak to quality or customer service or anything like that, but I stumbled upon this website the other day

http://www.pretty-pieces.co.uk/

If you look in the beak clips section there are three that look vaguely ficcare shaped. There's one that looks a bit like a black version of the clips I sent you, and then two metal hello kitty ones. I'd imagine it wouldn't be too hard to remove the decoration and repaint the hello kitty ones, and they're certainly the closest thing to a ficcare I've seen this side of the pond.

[sarahthegemini]

Thanks Kaydana I've spotted that website before but couldn't see the images very clearly as they're so tiny. I did spot the hello kitty ones, I totally missed a black one so I'll go have another look.

[kaydana]

If you move the mouse over the image on the product pages, it shows a slightly bigger picture.

That's the only UK based website I've ever seen anything that looks vaguely like a ficcare on. The hello kitty ones look like they'll be your best bet if you're feeling up to a craft project (unless you like hello kitty, I suppose, in which case they'd be perfect for you) and want something as close to a ficcare as possible.

Your only other option is to order them from America, but I think the Avians (you can get them from the US Amazon, but you have to order at least 5 and shipping and tax costs as much as the clips) will probably be a bit big for you at the minute, and Ulta (for the karinas) don't ship to the UK.

[Tabitha]

Boots do a silver beak clip (http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Silver-Beak-Clip_1254001/) that's like an Innovation. They used to do one like a brushed silver medium Maxima but I can't see it now (mine is still in use in the bathroom).

[Cania]

I own both of the Hello Kitty clips, if you are looking for a ficcare substitute I wouldn't bother. They are very, very low quality and the bottom jaw isn't sanded properly so unless you're willing to file it down, it is not hair friendly.

You can get Avians from here (http://www.fishpond.co.uk/Beauty/Vidal-Sassoon-Avian-Clip/0078729155950), they are more expensive but much more sturdy and don't cause damage.

[kaydana]

Thanks for weighing in on the quality issues, Cania. Yikes, those Avians are expensive! Taking shipping into account, that's about twice what each of mine cost! (though I did have to order 5 of them...)

[lazuliblue]

Does anyone know of any UK based websites that sell good quality fakkares? (I don't want to buy actual ficcares!)

I know thatit isn't a website but I went into Claire's today and saw a lone fakkare! I haven't tried anything like it before and it was about £4 so I bought it. It is a mix between gold and silver with a faint pattern on it, and it slid into my hair really easily. I'm quite impressed!

[kaydana]

I got all excited then and looked on their website but... no luck :( Do you have a photo, lazuliblue? It's practically criminal to talk about a new hair toy without supplying photographs ;)

[woolyleprechaun]

I've got the silver one from Boots, but I can't do a thing with it as it has no teeth. Compared to the real thing, it can't hold a candle to ficcare. I know they are pricey, but that's why I got one second hand (damaged and in need of restoration) and one as a birthday present :) I got it from Maiden Like in Germany to avoid hefty shipping and customs charges.
I'll watch this thread though, I'd love to find a cheaper way of sating my ficcare lust.

[lazuliblue]

I got all excited then and looked on their website but... no luck :( Do you have a photo, lazuliblue? It's practically criminal to talk about a new hair toy without supplying photographs ;)

Unfortunately my camera is currently in a bedroom that a family member is asleep in! I'll definitely get a photo of the clip tomorrow; it has teeth and so far is holding very well. I do have a small bun (3" across) but the clip is 5" at the longest points...I'm not sure how that compares to ficcare sizing.

[Tabitha]

It's a shame Boots no longer do their Maximas-alike - it had teeth. I've never been able to get along with Innovations, either the real deal or generic ones. They used to ping right out of my hair.

[Loviatar]

If you have a Bijou Brigitte near you (mine in Uxbridge just closed aaaargh) they often have those like the Maximas-a-like with rubber pad and teeth which I am posting to you. :)

Claire's also has some innovation-a-like clips with teeth which I like. I get the ones with floral acrylic on top (like an acetate Ficcare) and then I paint the acrylic with nail polish. This is how I own an "emerald innovation" ;)

I'm also putting in a vote for the Boots shiny silver beak clip. I have one and love it. I'm tempted to get more for nail polish mods.

[lazuliblue]

Ok, this is my first time posting photos so here goes...

This is the Fakkare that I got from Claire's yesterday for £3.50. On the receipt it is called the 'New Wave Clip.' I have had it in today: it is incredibly comfortable and held like a rock! Now I can see why people like the Ficcares so much. The clip is 5 inches long which I think is the same size as a large Ficcare.

[sarahthegemini]

If you move the mouse over the image on the product pages, it shows a slightly bigger picture..

Your only other option is to order them from America, but I think the Avians (you can get them from the US Amazon, but you have to order at least 5 and shipping and tax costs as much as the clps) will probably be a bit big for you at the minute, and Ulta (for the karinas) don't ship to the UK.

Thanks for the tip about the picture enlargement, much easier to see the detail :)


Boots do a silver beak clip (http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Silver-Beak-Clip_1254001/) that's like an Innovation. They used to do one like a brushed silver medium Maxima but I can't see it now (mine is still in use in the bathroom).

Thanks for the link, that doesn't appear to have teeth so it might not work for me but I'll keep checking my local Boots to see if anything shows up.


I own both of the Hello Kitty clips, if you are looking for a ficcare substitute I wouldn't bother. They are very, very low quality and the bottom jaw isn't sanded properly so unless you're willing to file it down, it is not hair friendly.

You can get Avians from here (http://www.fishpond.co.uk/Beauty/Vidal-Sassoon-Avian-Clip/0078729155950), they are more expensive but much more sturdy and don't cause damage.

Ah that's a shame. Thank you for your input. I'll keep that in mind :)


I know thatit isn't a website but I went into Claire's today and saw a lone fakkare! I haven't tried anything like it before and it was about £4 so I bought it. It is a mix between gold and silver with a faint pattern on it, and it slid into my hair really easily. I'm quite impressed!

I have looked on the Claires website to no avail, but i will check out the shop when I'm in town next. Great idea!

[sarahthegemini]

If you have a Bijou Brigitte near you (mine in Uxbridge just closed aaaargh) they often have those like the Maximas-a-like with rubber pad and teeth which I am posting to you. :)

Claire's also has some innovation-a-like clips with teeth which I like. I get the ones with floral acrylic on top (like an acetate Ficcare) and then I paint the acrylic with nail polish. This is how I own an "emerald innovation" ;)

Lovi!, are you still wanting to swap then? :)


Ok, this is my first time posting photos so here goes...

This is the Fakkare that I got from Claire's yesterday for £3.50. On the receipt it is called the 'New Wave Clip.' I have had it in today: it is incredibly comfortable and held like a rock! Now I can see why people like the Ficcares so much. The clip is 5 inches long which I think is the same size as a large Ficcare.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3868/14932317089_acd4ab364d.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oKw2CV)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/14932318469_75760fc651_n.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oKw33H)

That's gorgeous!

[Loviatar]

Sarah, yes! Didn't you get my pm? (iPhone I hate you) I have your parcel ready to go.

[Tabitha]

Lovi, Bijou Brigitte in Bromley has also recently closed down. Doesn't bode well, does it.

[lazuliblue]

That's gorgeous!

Thanks! I went into a different Claire's today and there were two of the clips in there. (I may have bought one of them just incase something happens to my other one!)

[MsBubbles]

That's a pretty clip, from Claire's! Now I wish I'd gone into one of those when I was back in the UK recently. I don't think my local one here in the US sells those.

[sarahthegemini]

Sarah, yes! Didn't you get my pm? (iPhone I hate you) I have your parcel ready to go.

Nope, not received any PM's! LHC has been spectacularly unreliable lately!I'm going to try to send you a visitor message right now...