Hair Stick Size Guide: How to Choose 14, 16 or 19 cm
Choosing the right hair stick starts with your hairstyle, not just your hair length. A small, compact bun needs a different length from a large, full bun. The goal is a comfortable hold with the decorative end visible and the wooden tip discreetly tucked into your hair.
1. Find Your Hair Stick Length
| Length | Best for | Explore |
|---|---|---|
| 14 cm / 5.5 in | Small, compact buns and smaller French twists. | Lilith (14 cm) |
| 16 cm / 6.3 in | Medium-sized buns and everyday updos that need more reach. | Lilith · Milan |
| 19 cm / 7.5 in | Large, full buns, including those created with thick, dense or very long hair. | Milan (19 cm) |
Remember: the size of your finished bun matters more than hair length alone. Long, fine hair can create a large bun, while thick hair may form a smaller one depending on its length and styling.
2. For a Round Bun
A hair stick is often placed horizontally through a round bun, catching a little hair close to the scalp before passing back through the gathered hair. For a neat, balanced finish, choose a length that suits the width of your bun without leaving too much wood visible.
- 14 cm: for smaller, compact buns.
- 16 cm: for medium-sized buns that need more reach.
- 19 cm: for larger, fuller buns, including those created with thick hair.
Photo comparison of the three lengths in the same bun will be added here.
3. For a French Twist
For a French twist, insert the hair stick diagonally through the gathered hair, keeping the decorative end at the top. For the discreet finish shown in our styling examples, the lower wooden tip should remain almost hidden, extending no more than approximately 0.5–1 cm (0.2–0.4 in) beyond the twist.
Choose a length that passes securely through your hairstyle without leaving unnecessary wood visible. A compact French twist may suit 14 cm, while fuller twists may need 16 or 19 cm. Comfort and hold always come first.
4. Does a Longer Hair Stick Hold Better?
Not necessarily. Once a hair stick is long enough for your updo, placement and technique matter more than extra length. Think of it as a sewing needle: it weaves through the bun, catches a little hair close to the scalp and passes back through the gathered hair to help anchor the style.
An unnecessarily long stick can feel awkward during everyday wear and may extend too far beyond your hairstyle. The best length provides enough reach for a comfortable hold without excess.
5. Try It With a Pencil
Try gently recreating your usual bun with a smooth, blunt pencil. This can help you understand the direction of insertion and estimate how much length your hairstyle needs. A pencil is only a practice tool: its thickness and surface differ from a wooden hair stick, so the hold will not feel exactly the same. Never use a sharpened pencil or force it through your hair.
6. Discover Your Hair Stick
For smaller buns: Lilith Wooden Hair Stick, available in 14 and 16 cm, with natural abalone and brass or silver-toned alpaca.
For medium to larger buns: Milan Wooden Hair Stick, available in 16 and 19 cm, with gold or silver-toned metal details.
Still Unsure Which Size to Choose?
Your ideal hair stick depends on your bun, your hairstyle and how you prefer to wear it. Send us a photo of your usual bun or French twist and tell us which Nomad Amara design you like. We'll help you choose a suitable length.