Choosing the right hair accessories size is the single most important step toward a hold that lasts all day. Too small and the barrette slips; too large and it sits awkwardly on the scalp. This accessories size guide covers every category in the MC Davidian collection — French hair barrettes with matic, tiges-boules, headbands, hair clips, combs, and elastics — and pairs each size with the hair volume and style it is designed for. All our accessories are handmade in France from non-allergenic cotton acetate. Find your match below.
Quick Reference: All Accessories at a Glance
Not sure where to start? This summary table maps every accessory type and size to the right hair profile. Detailed sections follow below.
| Accessory | Size range | Hair volume | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tige-boule | 4–7 cm | Fine | Small side or back strands |
| Barrette matic 5–6 cm | PM | Fine | Half-up, side ponytail |
| Barrette matic 7 cm | MM | Fine to medium | Mid-height ponytail |
| Barrette matic 8 cm | GM | Medium to thick | Classic ponytail, bun, banana |
| Barrette matic 10 cm | TGM | All types, especially thick | Side, back or mid ponytail |
| Barrette matic 11 cm | TTGM | Very dense / abundant | High-volume ponytail, chignon |
| Headband | 5 mm–40 mm wide | All types | Everyday styling, updos |
| Hair clip 3–6 cm | PM–MM | All (incl. children) | Side or back detail |
| Hair clip 8–10 cm | GM–TGM | All types | Mid-high ponytail, bun |
| Hair clip 10–12 cm | TGM–TTGM | Thick to very thick | Medium-high ponytail, bun |
| Elastic / Scrunchie | 5 cm ⌀ | All types | Mid-high ponytail, bun, braid |
| Acetate comb | 5–10 cm | Normal to thick | Side hold, bun, banana |
Tiges-Boules (Ball Rods)
The tige-boule — literally “ball rod” — is a miniature metal pin topped with a decorative acetate element. Ranging from 4 cm to 7 cm, it is the most delicate accessory in the collection and is specifically designed for fine hair. Use it to hold a small side or back strand, to secure a loose piece within a more complex updo, or to ornament a braided section.
Because of their light weight (typically 5 g) and small footprint, tiges-boules do not create pressure points on the scalp. They can be worn individually or grouped in multiples for a layered, jewellery-like effect. The metal used — gold-plated for warm tones, nickel for cool tones — is the same quality found on all MC Davidian accessories.
→ Browse the full hair accessories collection, which includes all tige-boule models.
Hair Barrettes with Matic System
The matic — also called système auto — is the curved metal clasp that runs along the back of a French hair barrette. Press it open, slide your hair through, release: it snaps shut automatically, gripping every strand firmly without slipping or pulling. It is an ancestral French mechanism, forged in France, available in five standard lengths at MC Davidian.
How to read the size code: the matic length (e.g. 8 cm) is always shorter than the overall barrette length. A 9.5 cm Timeless Ponytail GM, for example, uses an 8 cm matic. The matic length is what determines the holding power: a longer matic grips more hair at once.
| Matic length | Size code | Hair volume | Ideal style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–6 cm | PM (small) | Fine or light hair | Half-up, side or back small ponytail |
| 7 cm | MM (medium) | Fine to medium hair | Mid-height ponytail, side or back |
| 8 cm | GM (large) | Medium to thick hair | Classic low ponytail, bun, banana clip |
| 10 cm | TGM (very large) | All types, especially thick | Side, back or mid-height ponytail |
| 11 cm | TTGM (extra-large) | Very dense or abundant hair | High-volume ponytail, large chignon |
ⓘ The matic finish follows the acetate colour: gold-plated for warm tones (caramel, cognac, coral), silver-plated / nickel for cool tones (black, grey, blue, ivory).
→ See all sizes in our ponytail barrettes collection and read our in-depth article on the French hair barrette to learn how the matic works.
Headbands
MC Davidian headbands range from 5 mm to 40 mm in width and suit all hair types and volumes. A narrow band (5–15 mm) sits almost invisibly in the hair and is ideal for everyday wear; a wider band (20–40 mm) adds structure, keeps hair off the face more securely, and makes a bolder style statement. All widths are handmade from cotton acetate in France.
Width guide
- 5–15 mm — Discreet everyday wear, all hair types
- 16–25 mm — Medium hold, elegant for office or evening
- 26–40 mm — Strong hold, thick or unruly hair, statement piece
All widths: cotton acetate, handmade in France.
→ Explore the headbands collection.
Hair Clips (Pinces)
Hair clips at MC Davidian come in three size ranges, each designed for a specific hair volume and styling intention:
- 3–6 cm — suitable for all hair types, including children. Ideal as a side or back detail, to secure a small section, or as a hair ornament at any age.
- 8–10 cm — suitable for all hair types in a mid-high ponytail or bun. The most versatile range: enough grip for thick hair, light enough for medium hair.
- 10–12 cm — designed for thick, voluminous hair in a medium-high ponytail or bun. These larger models provide firm, all-day hold without causing pressure points.
→ Browse all hair clips.
Hair Pins and Hair Peaks
Hair pins and hair peaks are designed for normal to thick, long hair that needs to be held in a bun. Unlike a barrette, the pin is inserted vertically or diagonally through the chignon, locking the mass of hair against the scalp from the inside. The hair peak (pic à chignon) works on the same principle. Both are made from metal with an acetate or decorative element, and are comfortable enough for a full day of wear.
ⓘ Hair pins and peaks are not suited to fine or short hair — they require sufficient volume to lock in place. For fine hair styling, choose a tige-boule (4–7 cm) instead.
Elastics and Scrunchies
MC Davidian elastics and scrunchies are 5 cm in diameter and suit all hair types in a mid-high ponytail, bun, or braid. Originally from the Auvergne region of France, the French-style elastic is woven from elastic bands — far more comfortable against the scalp than rubber straps — and does not contain any metal component, making it 100% non-allergenic.
Unlike a standard elastic, the acetate accessory element does not stretch and deform over time: the band is hidden inside a cotton acetate housing that retains its shape, colour, and decoration wash after wash. Each piece can hold a large volume of hair without slipping — a guarantee on all MC Davidian elastics.
→ View the full elastics and scrunchies collection.
Hair Combs
Acetate Combs — 5 cm to 10 cm
Acetate hair combs from 5 cm to 10 cm are designed for normal or thick hair in a side hold, bun, or banana. The teeth are cut from the same cotton acetate block as the decorative crown — no metal parts to loosen or corrode. They slide into a gathered section of hair and lock in place by friction, holding the style all day without any pulling sensation.
Metal Combs — 4 cm to 7 cm (Rock ‘n’ Roll / Piano-wire teeth)
Metal combs — including the Rock ‘n’ Roll comb with piano-wire teeth — offer an incomparable hold even in the thickest, most slippery hair. The fine metal teeth grip individual strands far more effectively than acetate teeth, making them the professional’s choice for updos that must last hours. “Even those who thought they couldn’t use a comb cannot do without them” — a phrase we hear from customers daily.
Banana Clips with Metal Teeth
Banana clips with metal teeth provide an impeccable hold for normal or thick, voluminous hair. Their elongated shape spans more of the head than a barrette, distributing the weight of thick hair evenly. They are the preferred choice for full-length or wavy hair that tends to escape a standard clip.
For more detail on combs and how to use them, read our guide: How to use a French hair comb.
→ Browse the full hair combs collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hair barrette should I choose?
Start with your hair volume: fine hair → PM or MM model (5–7 cm matic); medium hair → GM model (8 cm matic); thick hair → TGM model (10 cm matic); very dense or abundant hair → TTGM (11 cm matic). When in doubt, always size up — a slightly larger barrette is more comfortable than one that is too small.
What is the matic system?
The matic (or système auto) is the curved metal clasp on the back of a French hair barrette. Press it open, slide your ponytail through, release — it snaps shut automatically. MC Davidian’s matic is forged in France, gold- or silver-plated to match the acetate, and available in five lengths: 5–6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, and 11 cm. Read the full explanation in our article on the French hair barrette.
What accessories are best for very thick or dense hair?
For very thick or dense hair, choose: a barrette with a 10 cm or 11 cm matic (TGM/TTGM range), a hair clip from 10–12 cm, or a banana clip with metal teeth. These are specifically engineered to grip a large volume of hair firmly without slipping. All are available in the MC Davidian collection.
What is the difference between a tige-boule and a barrette?
A tige-boule (4–7 cm) is a miniature decorative pin for small strands — fine hair, side sections, styling details. A barrette with matic (5–11 cm matic) can hold an entire ponytail or chignon. The tige-boule is ideal for fine or short hair; the barrette suits medium to thick hair in ponytails and updos.
What size headband is right for me?
Narrow headbands (5–15 mm) are discreet and suit everyday wear with any hair type. Medium bands (16–25 mm) offer a stronger hold and an elegant look for the office or evening. Wide bands (26–40 mm) provide maximum hold for thick or unruly hair and make a bold style statement. All widths are made from cotton acetate in France.
Are MC Davidian accessories suitable for children?
Yes. Small hair clips (3–6 cm) and tiges-boules are safe and comfortable for children. They are made from non-allergenic cotton acetate — no petroleum-based plastic, no metal parts against the scalp — and are hypoallergenic by design. The handmade construction ensures they last through daily use.
Ready to find your perfect accessory?
Every piece is handmade in France. Every size is engineered to hold. Browse the collection and find the one made for your hair.