I've been using metal barettes on DD's hair since she was very small.  Her hair is quite thick, and fine to medium, and waist length. 

I know the metal barettes (the snap closure ones.  I don't know how to describe them.  They don't have that intricate closure that some do, they're very simple) are breaking her hair; there are all these short hairs that fall in her face without them and the ends are ragged. 

Those little plastic barettes slide right out.   I've tried french braids, but those little hairs are too short.  I don't want to use gel, though that may become an option, since I wash her hair every day anyway.  I've done her hair in two regular braids, and pony braids. 

Nothing seems to work.  These metal barettes are the only thing I've found that keeps it out of her face, and I don't want to use them anymore. Argh!  What can I do?

What about an alice band?  Or braid the hair across the front into a kind of hair hairband. http://dreamweaverbraiding.com/braids/lace.htm has instructions. I find if I do it neatly I can leave it in or several days.

Perhaps the breakage isn't from the barettes.  Maybe it's from the way she sleeps on her hair, and I should get her a better pillowcase.  IDK.

I do sometimes get the painted ones.  I'll try those, and try removing them more carefully and telling her to take them out more carefully.  The issue is, I think, that the hair gets wrapped around the front edge (I wish I had a picture, too).  There's a little metal rivet, or something, at the point of the top part, and her hair gets caught in that.  It's less of an issue if I remove it carefully, but she just rips them out impatiently.