hair styling · easy hairstyles
Claw Clip Hairstyles: 10 Easy Ways toWear One
Ten claw clip hairstyles, from the classic French twist to half-up and short-hair versions, with steps, which clip size to use, and how to keep the clip from slipping.
Hairover Team
The easiest claw clip hairstyle is the classic twist: gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist it up against the back of your head, and clamp the clip over the twist. It takes under a minute, works on most lengths from the shoulders down, and looks polished enough for the office. The other nine styles below build on the same move.
Choosing the right claw clip
| Hair | Clip size |
|---|---|
| Long or thick | Large, around 4 inches or more |
| Shoulder length or medium density | Medium, 3 to 4 inches |
| Bobs, fine hair, or half-up styles | Small, under 3 inches |
A matte finish grips better than a shiny one, and a strong spring matters more than the material.
10 claw clip hairstyles
1. Classic twist. Low ponytail, twist up, fold the ends over the top or let them fan out, clamp. The everyday staple.
2. French twist. Gather all your hair to one side, twist it upward into a vertical roll along the back of your head, tuck the ends inside, and clamp vertically. Elegant enough for events.
3. Half-up twist. Take only the top section, twist it once, and clamp. Perfect for keeping hair off your face. See more in our half-up half-down hairstyles guide.
4. Low bun clip. Twist your hair into a loose low bun and clamp the clip over it, teeth facing sideways. Softer than a twist.
5. High twist. The classic twist placed near the crown, with the ends spilling out on top. Adds height and works well with face-framing layers.
6. Double clips. Part your hair down the middle and twist each side into a small clip at the back. Playful and good for bobs.
7. Side-swept clip. Gather hair to one side behind the ear and secure with a medium clip, leaving the lengths loose over the shoulder.
8. Short hair side clip. On bobs and pixies, twist a small section back from one temple and clip it with a small claw clip.
9. Curly claw clip. For curly hair, gather curls loosely into a high or low twist and clamp with a large clip, letting the curls fan out. No need to smooth them first.
10. Twisted crown clip. Twist a section from each temple back, join them, and clamp with one clip at the back of the head.
How to keep a claw clip from slipping
- Add grip: dry shampoo or texture spray on the section you’ll twist.
- Twist tightly before clamping, so the clip has something solid to hold.
- Clamp against the head, not just around the twist.
- Use an elastic underneath on very fine or silky hair.
Are claw clips better for your hair?
The American Academy of Dermatology warns that buns, ponytails, and updos pulled tightly and worn often can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia, and that a style that hurts is too tight (AAD). A claw clip lets you wear hair up over a loose twist, without pulling it tight. Keep it loose, switch positions from day to day, and don’t sleep in it. Our guide to fixing split ends covers other ways to reduce breakage.
Related guides
- Easy Office Hairstyles for 2027
- Hot Weather Hairstyles
- Thanksgiving Hairstyles
- Hairstyles for Nurses: Easy Looks for 12-Hour Shifts
- Slicked-Back Bun: How to Get It Sleek Without Damage
- How to Do a French Twist: Classic and Easy Versions
- Headband Hairstyles: Easy Looks for Every Hair Length
Want a cut that clips up easily?
Layers and length both change how well hair clips up. Try different cuts on your own photo first in Hairover’s Style Studio. See how hairstyle try-on works.
FAQ
How do you put your hair up with a claw clip?
Gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist it upward against the back of your head, fold the ends down or tuck them, and clamp the claw clip over the twist with the teeth facing up or sideways.
What size claw clip do I need?
Large clips (around 4 inches or more) for thick or long hair, medium clips for shoulder-length hair, and small clips for half-up styles, bobs, and fine hair.
How do I stop my claw clip from slipping?
Add texture first with dry shampoo or texture spray, choose a clip with a strong spring and matte finish, and twist the hair tightly before clamping. On very fine hair, a small elastic under the twist gives the clip something to grip.
Do claw clips damage hair?
A claw clip over a loose twist does not need to pull hair tight. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that styles pulled tightly and often, such as tight buns and ponytails, can lead to hair loss over time, so keep the twist loose and change where you clip it.
