The word trend gets thrown around a lot in the beauty space, but when it comes to the purported resurgence of the claw clip we must respectfully disagree. Sure, the accessory has made more appearances on it-girls and celebs in recent years, but the tried-and-true clip never really went out of style. The uptick in 90's and Y2K nostalgia may have recirculated some OG hairstyles, but our claw clip loyalty never waned. (Butterfly clips, however, are a whole different story.) But if you're not as much of a devotee (read: You don't have one permanently within arm's reach—just in case), we've got everything you need to know about utilizing the accessory to its fullest potential.
To help you incorporate the cool hair clips into your routine, we tapped two hairstylists for their tips. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right size claw clips and how to style them.
Meet the Experts
- Alma Elezaj is an advanced stylist at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa New York.
- Holly Mills is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist.
How to Choose the Right Size Claw Clip
According to hairstylist Alma Elezaj, there are a few factors to consider when shopping for claw clips. She says you'll want to think about the amount of hair you have, your hair's length, and your desired style. Density also plays a significant role; as celebrity hairstylist Holly Mills explains, "The thicker your hair, the larger the clip you'll need."
Today, many brands offer claw clips in various sizes, from mini to jumbo. You'll also want to inspect your desired claw clip to ensure it has additional features ideal for your hair type (like bendable teeth, strong springs, and non-slip material). "If your hair is super thick, those claws need to curve and really grip onto your hair to hold the style together," Mills adds. "And if you have less hair, a smaller clip that doesn't overwhelm is best."
How to Use a Claw Clip on Different Hair Types
Straight Hair
For straight hair, Elezaj suggests twisting your hair from a low ponytail, clipping it in place, and leaving a few pieces down in the front. According to our experts, if you have a silkier texture that tends to be more slippery, placing the clip closer to the roots and opting for clips with longer teeth is advisable. "I've also seen half-up, half-down styles and low ponytails on the runway, which are super easy and cute to execute [on straight hair]," Elzehaj points out.
Mills also likes updo styles like a chignon for those with straight hair. In addition to a regular-sized claw, she recommends securing the bun with an extra small clip at the base. To complete the look, Mills suggests leaving out a few face-framing pieces.
Coily, Curly, and Wavy Hair
Those with coily, curly, and wavy hair can have fun experimenting with creative claw clip styles, as the options are endless. For beginners, Elezaj suggests fully twisting your hair upward and clipping it around the ear level. "I find that putting all of the hair up into a claw clip is easiest for [people with textured hair]," Mills adds. "Plus, pieces that go astray [make the look appear] more effortless."
If you want a more elaborate look, Elezaj recommends doing a half-up, half-down style, placing a small clip on top towards the nape of the neck. Leave just a few textured tendrils in the front for balance.
Long, Thick Hair
“If you have long, thick hair, you're going to need a really big clip with long teeth to secure your hair in place, especially if you want all of your hair up," Elezaj says.
For a half-up, half-down look with long, thick hair, she suggests scaling down a bit on the size of the claw clip to hold the section of hair in place. Mills adds, "The half-up look is also really great for heavy hair because you only need the clip to hold half the hair density."
Short Hair
Elezaj says a half-up, half-down style with a tiny claw clip is the most effortless style for short hair, but she says you can also use a claw clip to pull bangs off your face.
For those with bob haircuts, Mills suggests using a small claw clip on the sides to pull your hair back. "Joan Didion would just pull some hair back away from her face on one side with a small clip, and it looked so chic," she notes.
Final Takeaway
There are countless ways to achieve an updo, but one of the easiest and quickest is to throw your hair up with a claw clip. The resulting style feels incredibly effortless but maintains a chic, elevated look that works with a variety of hair textures and lengths.
