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Claw clips have come and gone from the trend list for decades, which says something about how well they work. The accessory is simple: a hinged jaw with teeth that grips a section of hair. According to Wikipedia’s overview of the claw clip, it was designed by a French businessman, Christian Potut, and may have been inspired by the banana clip that was popular in the 1980s.
One clip can produce a surprising range of looks, from a quick knot before the gym to a polished bun for dinner. This guide covers 19 ways to wear one, grouped by when you’d reach for them, along with tips on picking the right size and keeping your hair in good shape.
Choosing the Right Claw Clip Before You Start
Size matters more than most people expect. Stylist Raven Hurtado of Maxine Salon in Chicago told HuffPost that small clips, about one to two inches, suit finer or shorter hair along with half-up styles and updos. Medium clips work for most people, and she recommended them for twisted looks. A clip that is too small will slide out, while one that is too big can look bulky on a delicate style.
Teeth spacing and grip matter too. Wider teeth hold thicker hair better, while a tighter set works for fine strands. If you have slippery, freshly washed hair, a light texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots gives the clip something to hold onto. Metal clips tend to look more polished, while acetate or plastic versions are lighter and better for everyday wear.
Start with dry hair. Clips tend to slip on silky, freshly washed strands, so most styles hold better once the hair has settled.
Everyday Claw Clip Styles for Busy Days
These five looks take less than two minutes and work with most hair lengths.
1. The Low Twist Clip. Gather your hair at the nape, twist it into a loose rope, then fold the twist up against the base of your head. Clip it underneath. The twist hides second-day texture and looks more deliberate than a plain ponytail.
2. The Claw Pony. Pull your hair into a low ponytail and clip the ponytail at the spot where an elastic would sit. Wrap a thin strand of hair around the clip to hide the teeth. A medium or large clip works best here.
3. The Side-Swept Clip. Sweep your hair to one side and clip the front section at the crown or just behind the ear. This pairs especially well with side-swept bangs and keeps hair away from your face without making it look severe.
4. The Loose Crown Clip. Lift your hair into a loose pile on top of your head and clip it at the crown, letting a few strands fall around your face. It is forgiving and quick, which makes it a good option for mornings when you’re running late. For more fast ideas, see easy long hairstyles for busy weekday mornings.
5. The Nape Knot. Twist your hair into a low knot at the back of your neck and clip the ends underneath. Pull out a few shorter pieces at the temples for a relaxed finish that suits casual days.
Twists, Chignons, and Updos
Updos are where a claw clip does the most visual work. The clip often becomes part of the design, not just the thing holding it together.
6. The Rope Twist Fan. Twist your hair from the ends toward the scalp, pin the twist up with a large clip, and fan the ends outward over the top. This gives height and a bit of drama without any teasing.
7. The Clipped Chignon. Smooth your hair into a low chignon at the nape and secure it with a clip placed beneath the bun. A metal clip with a sculptural shape looks especially good here because the bun stays neat and the clip stands out.
8. The Modern French Twist. Gather your hair at the back, twist it, and tuck the ends under. Anchor the twist with a clip. A light texturizing spray before you start helps the hair hold the shape through the day.
9. The Crossed Double Clip Bun. Gather your hair into a bun and place two small clips so they cross over the top. This adds structure without a hair tie. Smaller clips suit finer hair and keep the look from feeling heavy.
10. The Slick Back Bun. Brush your hair back with a smoothing product, form a low bun, and place a clip at the base to lock it in. A light hold product gives the finish a glossy, pulled-back look that works well with a clean face and minimal jewelry.
11. The Messy High Knot. Gather your hair high on the crown, twist it, and secure with a clip. Loosen a few pieces around the hairline so the knot looks lived-in rather than carefully arranged.
Half-Up and Half-Down Looks
Half-up styles are the easiest way to show off a clip while keeping length around your shoulders. L’Oréal Paris calls the basic version one of the most foolproof ways to wear a claw clip, and the three variations below build on that.
12. The Classic Half-Up Clip. Section off the top layer of your hair and clip it at the crown or the back center. Keep the sides and back loose. Raising the clip slightly higher gives more lift at the top. For special occasions, see bridal half-up hairstyles that last for techniques that hold up through a long day.
13. The Parallel Double Clip. Part your hair down the center, then section each side horizontally. Clip the top two sections back with two smaller clips placed side by side at the back of your head. The repeated shape adds a playful, structured detail.
14. The Waterfall Half-Up. Clip the top section of your hair and let the lengths below fall in soft, textured waves. This works especially well with wavy hair or hair that has been styled with a curling tool. Pieces around the face can be left out for a softer frame.
Short, Fine, and Curly Hair
A claw clip does not need a lot of length to work, but the approach changes with hair texture.
15. The Mini Clip for Bobs. Take a small section from the front of your hair, pull it back, and secure it with a small clip at the crown. This works on chin-length to shoulder-length hair and adds a bit of shape without a full updo. Bob cuts also suit this approach, as covered in bob haircuts for fine, flat hair.
16. The Curly Top Clip. Gather the top section of curly hair loosely and clip it at the crown with a jumbo clip. Avoid pulling the hair tight, since that can flatten the curl pattern. The rest of the curls can fall naturally around your face and shoulders.
17. The Volume Clip for Fine Hair. Lift your hair at the crown with a round brush, then clip the lifted section at the back of the crown so it holds the shape. Leave the rest free. This gives the impression of fullness. For more ways to add visible body to fine hair, see long hairstyles that make thin hair look fuller.
Dressier Looks for Evenings and Events
A claw clip can move from casual to dressy with a few changes in material and placement.
18. The Metallic Evening Bun. Form a low bun at the base of your neck and secure it with a metallic or jeweled claw clip. The clip becomes the focal point, so keep the rest of your look simple. This suits a dinner date or a night out without much extra effort.
19. The Pinned Side Twist. Twist a section of hair back from one temple and clip it at the nape, leaving the rest of your hair soft. A small decorative pin tucked beneath the clip adds a finishing detail. This suits daytime events and is easy to adjust if the twist loosens during the evening.
Caring for Your Hair While Wearing Clips
A claw clip should hold your hair comfortably, not pull it. Avoid clipping in the same exact spot every day, since repeated tension in one place can lead to breakage over time. Rotating the placement, even slightly, gives the hair a rest.
Take the clip out at the end of the day rather than sleeping in it. Clean the teeth now and then, because product buildup can make the clip slip. Choose a clip that matches your hair’s density, and if a style feels tight at the scalp, loosen it. Comfortable hair always looks better than hair that is clipped as tightly as possible.
Finding Your Favorite Claw Clip Look
Nineteen styles can feel like a lot, but most people end up relying on just a few. Start with one everyday look and one occasion look, then build from there. A clip that suits your hair type and daily routine will get more wear than one that looks good only in photos.
The beauty of the claw clip is how little it asks of you. It takes a few seconds, works with many lengths, and changes the mood of an outfit with a single shape or color. Pick the style that fits your morning, keep a few clips in different sizes, and experiment when you have a free moment.
Ella is a fashion and beauty writer who shares inspiring ideas about hairstyles, nail designs, wedding outfits, and seasonal fashion trends. She loves discovering fresh styles and creating…
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