While it's difficult to pinpoint a single inventor or location for the very first hair clip, the modern hair clip, particularly the
spring-loaded barrette, is often credited to
Luis Marco in the United States. He received a patent for his design in
1901.
However, various forms of hair fasteners have existed for millennia in different cultures. So, while the modern spring-loaded barrette is likely American, the general concept of a clip to hold hair back is much older and more widespread.
