hairpin

A hairpin is a pin used to hold hair in place, often being long and U-shaped. It is a type of ornament that has been used for the head throughout history, with various forms emerging alongside the development of civilizations. While historically hairpins have been part of adornment, their use and design have varied across cultures and time periods. For instance, in Japan's Tokugawa period, elaborate hairpins were used by specific social classes. The term "hairpin" can also refer to anything shaped like a hairpin, such as a sharp U-turn in a road.12