I have read two articles today referring to kirby grips in the hair.  Both articles were UK based.  I am assuming that a kirby grip is some sort of hair pin like a bobby pin.  Can anyone enlighten me on what a kirby grip is?

kirby-grip (also Kirbigrip®) n :
bobby pin.

OR

kir·by grip [ kúrbee grìp ] (plural kir·by grips)
noun  

Definition:
U.K. barrette: a barrette used to hold the hair in place. It consists of a piece of metal bent tightly over into two prongs, with the upper prong ridged.
[Early 20th century. < Kirbigrip(tm)]

Wonder how it got that name, though...somebody named Kirby, I guess?  

Thanks Trisha!  

I figured it was the same as a bobby pin, but was not sure.  And why are they called bobby pins in the US?  (I always thought it was because of the bobbed hair styles that used the pins to hold the curls and waves.)

I can't help but think of Kirby vaccuum cleaners when I hear of Kirby pins.   ;D  But then people in England probably think bobby pin is a funny name and think of the police!