How to tie thick hair in a bun without pin?

I've been wearing my hair in a ponytail for a while but it always gets in the way. However, the only way my hair stays in a bun (it is really freaking thick) is by using a stick as a pin and two hair bands tightly. I use this Chinese hair pin and it works so well but I heard it can be dangerous if it falls. I've tried multiple other methods and bobby pins but I'm struggling to get those to work. I also feel like bobby pins are also dangerous. I could possibly find a smaller stick but I'm not sure. I've tried braiding as well but it hurts to tighten due to the thickness of my hair and it ends up falling apart way too easily. Can anyone with long and thick hair let me know what you do? Or if it's even taboo to use a stick or bobby pins because I'm starting to think I can't hold it up otherwise.