The small hairpin may seem inconspicuous, but it’s a master at managing loose strands. Especially for those with bangs and loose hair, a well-placed clip can freshen up a hairstyle while adding a subtle touch of sophistication. The combination of celluloid and the small hairpin reflects the designer’s dedication to “small yet beautiful” and the user’s attentiveness to everyday details.

I first noticed the small celluloid hairpin at the kindergarten entrance. A mother was pinning the clip on her daughter’s head. The fingernail-sized clip shone with a pearly sheen. As her daughter bounced about, the clip remained firmly fixed to her loose hair. “I bought a metal hairpin before, but the corners were too sharp, and my child always scratched their face when running around. The plastic ones were too hard, and they always hurt when I took them off.” She smiled, shaking the celluloid one in her hand. “Look at the edge! It’s rounded like a little candy, and the material is so soft that it won’t hurt even the finest hair.” Later, I learned that many parents choose celluloid hairpins for their “soft yet resilient” properties—they have enough grip to hold loose strands in place without the “toughness” of hard plastic, making them especially gentle on children’s delicate scalps.

Celluloid’s natural color palette makes small hairpins masters of “invisible decoration.” Want a more subtle hairstyle? Opt for a translucent milky white. Clip it to your bangs for a subtle cloud-like effect—not eye-catching but refreshing. Want to add a touch of liveliness? Try a light pink with subtle shimmer. It shimmers in the sun and is perfect for a ponytail. A handmade hair accessory maker said, “The beauty of small hairpins lies in their ‘just enough’ touch. Celluloid can produce colors that are ‘detailed up close, yet refreshing from a distance.’ For example, the pearlescent hue of seashells adds a warmer feel than ordinary plastic, and when clipped into your hair, it feels like a tiny pearl hidden in your hair.” This restrained use of color reflects a profound understanding of the importance of “small decorations”—not overpowering the main feature, but quietly adding a touch of color to everyday life.

The most captivating aspect of making small hairpins out of celluloid is the thoughtfulness that goes into the details. For example, the curvature of the clip is intentionally made shallower than that of a typical hairpin. “Hair is fine and soft, and applying too much pressure to the clip would only tangle it further. The shallow curvature provides just the right amount of support.” Furthermore, the anti-slip pattern on the back isn’t a simple grid, but rather fine, ridged lines that mimic the feel of fingertips. “This way, even if your hand slips, you can hold it firmly in your hand and prevent it from dropping.” A regular office worker who uses small hairpins said, “A good hairpin needs to be ‘smart.’ This celluloid hairpin is like it knows you’re in a hurry to get out. It clips right into place with a flick of the wrist, keeping loose hairs contained throughout the day, and making it easy to remove. That’s what true convenience is.”

These days, small celluloid hairpins are increasingly found among fine strands of hair. They may not have the sleek design of larger hairpins, but their respect for smallness demonstrates that truly thoughtful items aren’t about size; they’re about understanding the user’s needs. When a small celluloid hairpin gently grasps a strand of hair, its soft sheen reflects the gentleness of the material and the careful consideration of the subtleties of everyday life.