Recommendations for affordable metal hair forks/pins

[divinedobbie]

I'm interested in trying out a metal hair fork or stick/pin but Quattro and Senza limiti are definitely way out of my budget.
I've been looking into makers like CobraLuxe, SilverDawnJewelery, keepandcherish, Lirimaer and muwassar which fall into my price range. I'm finding very limited info on LHC on most of these shops though so I'm calling for reviews and would love action shots if anyone happens to own some!

[cjk]

Is your only requirement that they be metal? Or do you have specific aesthetic requirements, too?

I actually use nails from Home Depot, galvanized spikes with a spiral twisted into them. Quite nice, and with the right aesthetics for me.

Got some copper wire the other day, which I'm going to use for wirewrapping. Looking forward to experimenting.

[Borgessa]

I want a Senza limiti stick myself.. ever since I saw Sarahlabyrinth lovely sticks I been Jonesing for one.. But yes the price plus postage is very off putting, be close to $130 for one stick.. Boo

[Deborah]

You can very easily make however many metal hairforks you want from 7 inch knitting needles that are pointed at both ends. Hobby Lobby had them when I wanted a couple, and they were very cheap. You probably want to get pretty thin ones, especially for your first hairfork. The one I have handy is about 3 centimeters in width. I was able to easily bend it in half around the top of a bolt on my exercise machine that measures just over 1/2 inch. Just measure and mark the very center of the needle, then bend it around whatever you choose to use. The first ones I made were around a doorknob handle, but I found them too wide and short. The one I like measures at 3-1/2 inches long. I guess the bending also stretched the bent part because in theory the 7 inch needle should have lost length, but it did not.

Maybe you can find longer double pointed knitting needles somewhere. I could not - but this was about 5 years ago, so I don't know about now.

I have a very nice titanium Quattro that is a little longer and slightly wider too. I find myself using my little homemade fork way more. Go figure.

[Groovy Granny]

OverTheHawaiianMoon (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=120456)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/OverTheHawaiianMoon?section_id=16667645

Plenty of reviews and pics for Jim's forks and sticks on LHC and his Etsy shop ...and I am a satisfied customer :thumbsup:

[lapushka]

Tempest Moon Studio (formerly Mairzydosy). They are nice if you don't want to splurge on Quattro or Ravenslair (she's been out way longer than I ever expected her to be).

[divinedobbie]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Nails are definitely way too masculine for me. You're right I'm going for a certain aesthetic.
I think the knitting needles are a good idea just to try it out and see if metal pins will even hold my hair.
I should've clarified more but im looking more for lighter wire accessories, that certain aesthetic again. OTHM are too bulky looking for me and I've talked to Jim before and shipping was going to be really expensive.
I checked out Tempest Moon and that's definitely getting warmer for what I'm going for but I strongly prefer silver or nickel over copper or brass and she doesn't have anything listed right now that's catching my fancy.

Here's some examples of items I found that I liked:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/130891707/mother-of-pearl-hair-stick-mother-of (can choose nickel)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/610733063/rose-quartz-hair-fork-copper-bun-holder (can choose different metal)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/596097501/milky-teal-sphere-nickel-silver-hair

[PixieP]

I have bought from musawwar as swap gifts, and I really liked the quality, and the recipients seemed happy too! (SWR
can hold her paranda-bun with two of these: https://www.etsy.com/no-en/listing/229839003/handmade-hair-forkhair-pinsbun-pin-8-bun?ref=shop_home_active_10 )

[jennareid]

The Twisted Calontiri on Etsy sells steel, copper and brass forks/pins. His prices are very reasonable and I think a few pieces are on sale right now. I have a steel fork on the way, I can post pics/reviews when it shows up.

[divinedobbie]

I have bought from musawwar as swap gifts, and I really liked the quality, and the recipients seemed happy too! (SWR
can hold her paranda-bun with two of these: https://www.etsy.com/no-en/listing/229839003/handmade-hair-forkhair-pinsbun-pin-8-bun?ref=shop_home_active_10 )


The Twisted Calontiri on Etsy sells steel, copper and brass forks/pins. His prices are very reasonable and I think a few pieces are on sale right now. I have a steel fork on the way, I can post pics/reviews when it shows up.

Thank you both! That really helps!

[MusicalSpoons]

I don't know how the prices compare but LillaRose do large U pins (https://shop.lillarose.biz/MemberToolsDotNet/ShoppingCartv3/MainCart.aspx?CatalogueID=211&RequestedGroup1Code=UP&RequestedGroup2Code=ALL&ReferringDealerID=43096) that are basically metal forks.

Here's a very hastily edited screenshot of their current offerings (I believe they're all 5" long)
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/960/41976323381_ce5a6ea75b.jpg

I would be interested to hear any thoughts on Musawwar and CobraLuxe too; they're not generally my style but I like the idea of a simple, wavy fork for something understated and unobtrusive.

[Glitch]

Shipping (on Etsy, Amazon, etc.) costs at least more than double the product's price for me due to my location :( I ended up shopping on Ebay, and will eventually find out if the quality is good enough :) Otherwise, I love the items on Etsy (have tried a few from various shops some years ago) and recommend it!

[jennareid]

Thank you both! That really helps!

Hopefully these pictures show, I've been having issues with pics on here lately.

This is my 3rd basic metal fork. My other everyday fork is a 5" Tempest Moon copper fork. It has a decent amount of flex and the tips will close together if I use too much pressure. It's an easy fix though, so I still recommend that shop. I've also owned a Quattro steel flex fork which I didn't care for. It bounced back easily but I didn't care for the flex aspect of it so I sold it.

This Twisted Calontiri one is basically perfect. Doesn't squish at the ends and the pattern on the prongs really helps it stay in my hair. I needed a custom length at 6" and he didn't charge any extra. The only problem I had with the seller was the shipping. He marked it as shipped but didn't actually take it to the post office for another week which was annoying because I'm impatient. But I'll definitely buy from him again. I'll probably buy a few more as spares.

Hopefully this was helpful!

http://i64.tinypic.com/2pydyl1.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/2pydyl1.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/1zdrk0i.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/1zdrk0i.jpg

[-Fern]

Quattro forks are on the order of $24USD, or ~$30 with shipping. My plain Quattro fork is easily my most used and most loved hair accessory. It is not only a great hold, but subtle and classy and super comfortable.

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25991&d=1485395983

Bent double-pointed knitting needles might be your next best bet.

[divinedobbie]

Quattro forks are on the order of $24USD, or ~$30 with shipping. My plain Quattro fork is easily my most used and most loved hair accessory. It is not only a great hold, but subtle and classy and super comfortable.

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25991&d=1485395983

Bent double-pointed knitting needles might be your next best bet.

The simplest of Quattro forks are about $50 CAD plus $18.47 shipping to me and those are just the really plain u-pins. I was looking for something with a hint of gem or jewel and those are easily $116 at the cheapest which is nowhere near affordable for me. The other makers I was looking at were about $20-40 max per fork with shipping of $10 or less.

[divinedobbie]

Hopefully these pictures show, I've been having issues with pics on here lately.

This is my 3rd basic metal fork. My other everyday fork is a 5" Tempest Moon copper fork. It has a decent amount of flex and the tips will close together if I use too much pressure. It's an easy fix though, so I still recommend that shop. I've also owned a Quattro steel flex fork which I didn't care for. It bounced back easily but I didn't care for the flex aspect of it so I sold it.

This Twisted Calontiri one is basically perfect. Doesn't squish at the ends and the pattern on the prongs really helps it stay in my hair. I needed a custom length at 6" and he didn't charge any extra. The only problem I had with the seller was the shipping. He marked it as shipped but didn't actually take it to the post office for another week which was annoying because I'm impatient. But I'll definitely buy from him again. I'll probably buy a few more as spares.

Hopefully this was helpful!

http://i64.tinypic.com/2pydyl1.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/2pydyl1.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/1zdrk0i.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/1zdrk0i.jpg

Thanks for the review!! I'll look into these too now

[mwallingford]

Hopefully these pictures show, I've been having issues with pics on here lately.

This is my 3rd basic metal fork. My other everyday fork is a 5" Tempest Moon copper fork. It has a decent amount of flex and the tips will close together if I use too much pressure. It's an easy fix though, so I still recommend that shop. I've also owned a Quattro steel flex fork which I didn't care for. It bounced back easily but I didn't care for the flex aspect of it so I sold it.

This Twisted Calontiri one is basically perfect. Doesn't squish at the ends and the pattern on the prongs really helps it stay in my hair. I needed a custom length at 6" and he didn't charge any extra. The only problem I had with the seller was the shipping. He marked it as shipped but didn't actually take it to the post office for another week which was annoying because I'm impatient. But I'll definitely buy from him again. I'll probably buy a few more as spares.

Hopefully this was helpful!

http://i64.tinypic.com/2pydyl1.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/2pydyl1.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/1zdrk0i.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/1zdrk0i.jpg

Oooh, that's really pretty! I hope this isn't an odd question, but how does it look in a centre held bun, and does it hold well in those too? (You have super pretty hair btw, and it looks incredibly thick!)

[jennareid]

I have the fork in a braided cinnamon bun right now but I'll try it in a lazy wrap when I get home and report back. And thank you!

[DweamGoiL]

I have pieces from Silverdawn, Musawwar Creations, and Cobra Luxe. I like the concept Silverdawn goes for, but the forks are not super grippy so unless I bun really tight, they tend to turn in the opposite direction and unravel themselves. They are flexible but sturdy so if they work for you, I can definitely see them being used as a workhorse toy.

Musawwar Creations - I have several of her forks. For the most part, they are well made and stay in my hair. I got a few of the ones with stones and fancy swirls and they are designed well and balanced so they do not feel heavy or start to fall out of my hair. Out of 5 pieces I ordered in varying metals, I only found 1 that needed a bit of additional sanding where the wire had been cut at the bottom. This might have been an oversight, but easily handled with my Dremel so not a big deal for me.

CobraLuxe - I have 1 piece from her, the Lotus slide. At first, she only made them a bit smaller than now, but I posted a comment on Etsy saying so (coincidentally along with another LHC'er that bought a similar piece around the same time) and she had me send it back and made me a newer larger one. I really like that attention to detail and great customer service. Her pieces are totally smooth, shiny, and hold really well, but again, I only have the 1 slide.

I know Lilla Rose is now trying out the metal hairforks, but for me, they are still not there yet. They are super slippy and most are ok if you need 4" or shorter flp, but if not, there is not customization, which really limits them as a choice once you gain more length. IMO, those forks are better for those with curly grippy hair.

[divinedobbie]

I have pieces from Silverdawn, Musawwar Creations, and Cobra Luxe. I like the concept Silverdawn goes for, but the forks are not super grippy so unless I bun really tight, they tend to turn in the opposite direction and unravel themselves. They are flexible but sturdy so if they work for you, I can definitely see them being used as a workhorse toy.

Musawwar Creations - I have several of her forks. For the most part, they are well made and stay in my hair. I got a few of the ones with stones and fancy swirls and they are designed well and balanced so they do not feel heavy or start to fall out of my hair. Out of 5 pieces I ordered in varying metals, I only found 1 that needed a bit of additional sanding where the wire had been cut at the bottom. This might have been an oversight, but easily handled with my Dremel so not a big deal for me.

CobraLuxe - I have 1 piece from her, the Lotus slide. At first, she only made them a bit smaller than now, but I posted a comment on Etsy saying so (coincidentally along with another LHC'er that bought a similar piece around the same time) and she had me send it back and made me a newer larger one. I really like that attention to detail and great customer service. Her pieces are totally smooth, shiny, and hold really well, but again, I only have the 1 slide.

I know Lilla Rose is now trying out the metal hairforks, but for me, they are still not there yet. They are super slippy and most are ok if you need 4" or shorter flp, but if not, there is not customization, which really limits them as a choice once you gain more length. IMO, those forks are better for those with curly grippy hair.

Thanks for the AWESOME review!

[jennareid]

Oooh, that's really pretty! I hope this isn't an odd question, but how does it look in a centre held bun, and does it hold well in those too? (You have super pretty hair btw, and it looks incredibly thick!)

This is as centre held as I could get. I have a lot of... centre. It holds really well, nice and solid.
(IMG tags aren't working for me lately so you'll have to click)
http://i66.tinypic.com/qrb1wy.jpg

[mwallingford]

This is as centre held as I could get. I have a lot of... centre. It holds really well, nice and solid.
(IMG tags aren't working for me lately so you'll have to click)
http://i66.tinypic.com/qrb1wy.jpg

Thanks so much for the update! I only ever wear center held buns, so I was a little concerned that the tines of the fork would look too skinny or misplaced in my hair (which is pretty fine in texture). Your hair certainly doesn't look fine, but the fork looks great in both the cinnabun and centre held bun, so I think I'll give this vendor a go in the near future!

[Dendra]

Just wanna say thanks for posting this thread DD, you asked the exact question I was thinking of!

I'm considering a fork from Musawwar Creations (https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/547009063/4-square-hair-forkmetal-hair-pick-hair?ref=shop_home_active_39), because it looks nice and is local, which is such a luxury! Hairtoys seem to always come from across the Atlantic.

I do also like the look of Cobra Luxe. If anyone has any more thoughts on either I'd be interested to know :)

[sapphire-o]

So, did you get a metal fork?:)

I made a few metal forks from knitting needles. Thrift shops usually have old long ones for pennies. Pick those aluminum ones as they will not rust. Bend in half gently, then sandpaper the whole thing to increase grip, sand along the shaft is fine for regular hair, round n round each shaft if your hair is very slippery, that's how Quattro texturized his starlite pins. After that, bend both ends down to a gentle curve that match the shape of your head. You'll have a fork quite as good as Quattros. Use crystal, gems or brooches to decorate the top part. (I would solder them on, glue is not as good looking.)

If Ravenslair isn't closed I would have recommended that. Her forks are my absolute favorite.

[MusicalSpoons]

I went for a wavy Cobra Luxe fork for medium hair; I should have gone for the sturdier one because sometimes the tension of my buns makes it all close up. But the fork itself is great and I love it as just a simple but elegant fork. The textured back of it looks lovely too, a bit of relative bling :p

Oh, and great customer service too.

[Dendra]

Ooh interesting, please do post pics (if you want to) MusicalSpoons and sapphire-o!




If Ravenslair isn't closed I would have recommended that. Her forks are my absolute favorite.

I wish she was still open! The confetti titanium forks are so pretty.


I went for a wavy Cobra Luxe fork for medium hair; I should have gone for the sturdier one because sometimes the tension of my buns makes it all close up. But the fork itself is great and I love it as just a simple but elegant fork. The textured back of it looks lovely too, a bit of relative bling :p

Oh, and great customer service too.

That's good to know, thank you MusicalSpoons :flower: it is a little confusing knowing what type to pick. Maybe the medium would be okay in the straight rather than wavy fork, because the tines of the straight fork are further apart to begin with.

And yes, divinedobbie what did you go for in the end, if anything?