i only tried those metal kinds (you know "made in france" with this clip system. admittedly, it's prob the fastest way to get rid of your hair (i used even to wind my hair around it in a bun). but the hairs i have killed with them!!! the only ones that didn't seem to eat to much hairs are those long fine ones, but i have a bit too much hair for them (especially to wind into a bun). so after a few months it's usually dead 

is there any kind of barrettes you used that didn't eat your hair??? i am even ready to pay huge port costs for some of american sites (whoo, wouldn't be the first time).
i am dying for a good barrette!!

Oooh, Anais.. I love both those sites so much!    I look and look, and drool... *giggles*

Styg, I have a helpful option that won't break your piggy bank (or your hair!)  It's amazingly frustrating to me that the only barrettes you can buy in the store are the "french system" locking barrette.  These days, I have no fear when I pick up one of those, I just buy it!  When I get home, though, I made sure to laquer the locking device (those two little prongs that tend to catch the hair) with a couple of coats of clear nail polish.  I let each layer dry before reapplying, and it takes about 4 coats, but it turns those french-style barrettes into harmless hair holders!     The edges aren't sharp anymore and I've never caught my hair on one of them.