Hope your fingers are strong [SEP] They're cute, but really hurt your fingers to open them. Every time. They're really strong. I'd hoped with some use they might loosen up, but I've been using these for a few months now, and it still hurts every time. Also, the teeth don't reach all the way to each other, but I've not had any issues with them staying in and holding my hair. I was trying to see if I could start using these instead of the cheap old plastic ones I usually use that break constantly. Think I might have to go back to them, though. Sadly.