Ebony Butterfly Hair Fork
Ebony Butterfly Hair Fork
- Material: Black ebony wood, natural abalone shell, freshwater pearl
- Length: 145mm / 5.7 inches
- Best for hair type: Fine to medium hair, or smaller buns on thicker hair
- Recommended hair length: Shoulder length / 12 in / 30 cm
- Optimal hair length: Armpit to bra-strap / 18-24 in / 45-60 cm
- Shaft note: Dense and rigid, avoid soaking in water
- Skill level: Easy to learn - most users get a secure hold within 2-3 tries
- Best occasions: Daily wear, office, hanfu styling, gifting
- Technique: Hand-carved ebony base with inlaid abalone shell
- Origin: Handmade in China
The Craft: Hand-carved Ebony with Abalone Inlay
The hair fork is carved from solid ebony, with wings inlaid using natural abalone shell. The shell is cut and polished to fit flush into the wood, then secured with a freshwater pearl at the center. No glue is visible at the joint — the shell sits tight against the ebony.
The stick is a U-shaped hairpin, designed to slide into a bun or twist. The butterfly sits at the top, with the wings extending slightly beyond the shaft. The abalone shell shows a rainbow iridescence that shifts with light.
The Ebony Wood
Ebony is one of the densest hardwoods, dark brown to black with a fine, even grain. It polishes to a smooth, matte finish. The wood is heavy for its size — you feel the weight in hand.
Natural ebony varies slightly in color and grain. Small pores or subtle grain lines are normal and do not affect durability. The abalone shell may have minor surface variations; these are marks of a natural material, not defects.
Fit & Care
This stick works best for fine to medium hair. The U-shape and rigid ebony shaft hold a bun securely for most hair types, but very thick or heavy hair may find the 145mm length too short for a full hold. For thicker hair, consider our longer wooden hair sticks.
Care: Wipe with a dry cloth after each wear. Avoid water, perfume, and hard surfaces. Store away from direct sunlight. The abalone shell is delicate — do not drop or bend.
Q: I've never used a hair stick before — is it difficult to learn?
Not at all. Most people get a secure hold within 2–3 tries. The basic technique: gather your hair into a loose bun, twist it once, then insert the stick diagonally through the base, angling it so it crosses underneath the bun and anchors against the scalp. For step-by-step video guides, visit our YouTube channel @thehairsticks.
Q: How do I keep it from sliding out?
Two things make the biggest difference. First, slightly dry or day-2 hair grips far better than freshly washed hair. Second, insert the stick at a diagonal angle through the base of the bun rather than straight through.
Q: Will a hair stick damage my hair?
Hair sticks are one of the gentlest hair accessories available. Unlike elastics, they create no tension or pulling on the hair shaft. Long-term hair stick users often find it reduces breakage compared to everyday clip or elastic use.
Q: Is a hair stick a good gift? What packaging does it come with?
Hair sticks make a distinctive gift — they're handcrafted, practical, and carry cultural meaning. Each piece arrives in a gift box. Feel free to message us before ordering if you need help choosing.
Made to order: Each piece is handcrafted after you place your order. Please allow 2–5 business days for crafting before shipment.
- Free Shipping — 12–20 business days, free worldwide*
- Standard Shipping — 8–12 business days, $8
- Express Shipping — 5–8 business days, $15
Total delivery time = crafting time + shipping time. A tracking link is emailed as soon as your order ships.
30-day returns: Items can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of delivery.
Delivery guarantee: If your package hasn't arrived within 60 days of shipment, we'll resend a new one or issue a full refund.
Full details: Shipping Policy · Refund Policy
*Free Shipping is unavailable in a few remote countries.