Wear your hair all the way up with a clever twist, in a comfortable ponytail or half up if you have a lot of hair. If you want to keep the ends in place, simply spritz with stronghold hairspray. Long hair will require a relatively large claw clip to secure every inch.
Why claw clips are a game changer for medium-length hair
Better yet, today’s claw clips come in countless sizes, shapes, and finishes designed to suit every hair type and texture, from fine and straight to thick and curly. And because they require virtually no technique, they’re just as beginner-friendly as they are stylish. “You don’t need perfect technique for a claw clip to look intentional, which is what makes it such a confidence-building tool for clients who say they’re not good at doing their own hair.”
To help you get the most out of the accessory, I asked experts to break down seven favorite claw-clip hairstyles, complete with tips for recreating each at home. Ahead, discover the chicest claw clip styles to wear this season, and the ones worth adding to your collection.
Slicked-Back Twist
Rather than the classic, tousled twist, opt for a sleeker version of the style. To get the look, simply gather your hair at the nape of the neck and secure it high on the crown with a medium claw clip. For an even sleeker version, smooth the front sections first with a flat iron. Top with hairspray or gel, smooth down flyaways with a boar-bristle brush, and you’re good to go.
Effortless Bun Wrap
To achieve this style, gather hair into a loose, low bun, then secure it in place with a clip rather than an elastic. “This is the one people are always shocked takes ten seconds,” Small says. “It works best on hair that isn’t fighting frizz, so I’ll often have clients blow it out first so the bun stays smooth.”
Small Claw Pony
For this Hailey Bieber-inspired style, a low ponytail is wrapped with a small section of hair, then pinned with a small claw clip instead of being tucked and taped. “It’s a fun way to dress up a basic ponytail for dinner or a date without changing the whole style,” Small notes.
Twisted Half-Up
Two slim face-framing pieces are twisted back and met in the center with a small claw clip, leaving the rest of the hair down. “This is great for keeping hair out of your face on a windy day while still looking done,” Small says. “If a client wants soft movement in the hair that’s left down, I’ll run a curling iron through a few sections first.”
Low Looped Bun
For this easy-to-achieve look, gather hair low at the nape, loop it once through itself, and hold it with a large claw clip. “It reads more editorial than a typical bun because it’s a little undone and asymmetrical,” Small explains. “I like to rough-dry with a diffuser attachment beforehand so there’s already some texture to work with.”
Side-Swept Twist
All the hair is swept to one side, twisted loosely, and clipped above the ear. “This is one of my favorite event looks because it photographs beautifully from the front and shows off earrings or a strapless dress,” Small says. “For this one, I almost always start with a full blowout for volume at the root, since the twist needs something to grab onto.”
Casual Top Section Clip
Rather than meticulously gathering pieces of your hair up and back to create this style, simply clip the top section back and let the rest stay fully down and loose. “This is for clients who want the styled look of an updo but don’t want to commit to having their hair up,” says Small. “It’s subtle, but it changes the whole shape of the hairstyle.”
Always consider hair length when choosing a clip size: long hair may require a large square clip to secure the twist or bun without slipping. For extra hold, you can use hairspray to lock the style in place and tame flyaways.
- Longer lengths: opt for a relatively large claw clip to secure every inch of hair.
- Medium lengths: most styles can be achieved with a medium or small claw clip, depending on the technique and desired volume.
- Shorter lengths: adjust by using a few twists or half-up variations to maintain hold and balance.
The charm of claw clip hairstyles lies in their simplicity and speed. You can recreate each look in minutes, even on busy mornings, while still achieving a polished, fashion-forward appearance.
Practical tips for choosing and styling
When selecting claw clips, consider size, material, and grip. A sturdy, non-slip design helps keep the style intact through daily activities. If you have frizz-prone or very fine hair, a smoothing serum can help reduce flyaways and improve overall sleekness. For textured or thick hair, you may prefer a stronger hold and a clip with more teeth to secure the weight.
Celebrity and fashion-week inspirations can guide your choice of look and accessory. The styles highlighted here range from sleek, modern twists to relaxed, editorial-inspired buns, offering a spectrum of options for different occasions and hair textures.