If there is one hair tool that earns its place in every drawer, it is the claw clip, because claw clip hairstyles turn a rushed morning into a finished look in about two minutes. There is no heat, no long list of products, and no skill requirement beyond twisting your hair and snapping a clip shut, which is exactly why these styles have stayed popular long after their first comeback.
Below you will find a claw clip updo for busy days, gentle half-up ideas, and easy claw clip styles that work whether your hair is fine, thick, curly, or straight. I have grouped the looks by what they solve, from slippery fine hair to heavy lengths that defeat ordinary clips, so scroll to the problem you recognise and start there.
Quick Picks
Easiest to learn: The Everyday Upright Twist
Strongest hold: Two-Clip Hold for Thick Hair
Kindest to fine hair: Crown Volume Clip for Thin Hair
Most evening-ready: Evening Twist With a Pearl Clip
Quickest before a workout: Workout-Secure Twist Clip
How to Choose the Right Claw Clip Look
The clip matters as much as the style, so choose by weight first and appearance second. Heavy or very long hair calls for a jumbo clip with a firm spring, medium hair is happy with a standard large clip, and short or fine hair stays neater under a mini clip that will not drag the style down. A matte finish grips smooth strands more reliably than a glossy one, and a spritz of texture spray helps freshly washed hair behave.
Length: mini clips for short styles, large clips for long twists, and folded twists for extra-long hair.
Thickness: two clips beat one for heavy hair, while one light clip suits fine hair best.
Texture: curls grip on their own, and straight hair needs spray or second-day texture.
Occasion: tidy twists for the office, soft messy ones for weekends, and pearl clips for nights out.
Comfort: a style that tugs at the hairline needs loosening or moving down a little before you head out.
1. The Everyday Upright Twist
Start with the upright twist, the foundation every other clip style builds on: gather all your hair up the back, fold it once, and close a large tortoiseshell clip over it lengthwise. A soft ridge forms down the middle, the ends lift gently at the top, and a couple of loose strands near the face stop the result from looking strict. Straight, wavy, and lightly curled hair all take to it, and after two tries you will do it without thinking.
Best for: Daily wear and hair on its second day
Face shapes: Oval, round, square, and heart
Tools & products: Large claw clip, texture spray, smoothing brush
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 2 minutes
Tip: Twist upward so the clip lies flat, instead of rolling the hair sideways where it can bulge.
Make it your own: Reach for a matte black clip when you want the hardware to vanish into the style.
2. Relaxed Low Bun Clip
For a claw clip messy bun, gather the hair loosely at the nape, give it a single twist, and catch it with a medium clip so the bun stays soft and a little undone. Escaped strands and gentle fullness at the crown are what make it charming rather than messy, and the whole effect reads as relaxed on purpose. I use it for weekends, flights, and mornings when a neat bun feels like more discipline than I have.
Best for: Weekends, travel, and low-key days
Face shapes: Oval, round, and heart
Tools & products: Medium claw clip, dry shampoo, bobby pins
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 3 minutes
Tip: Keep the bun looser than instinct suggests, since a clip settles slightly tighter over time.
3. Half-Up Twist at the Crown
This half up claw clip takes just the upper section, twists it once behind the crown, and fastens it with a small or medium clip while everything below falls loose. It lifts the face, adds a little height, and keeps hair out of the eyes without sacrificing length, which is why it suits nearly everyone. On wavy hair it is especially pretty, because the free lower layers supply movement the clipped section cannot.
Best for: Daily polish and an open face
Face shapes: Round, oval, and square
Tools & products: Small or medium claw clip, fine-tooth comb, light hold spray
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 2 minutes
Tip: Section above the ears so the clipped portion carries enough weight to stay put.
Make it your own: Backcomb the crown lightly before twisting if you fancy extra lift without teasing everywhere.
4. Lifted High Twist
Set higher up the back of the head, the lifted twist rises like a soft column and gives the neck a longer, more elegant line. The added height makes it a natural partner for earrings and open necklines, and it carries a dressier mood than the everyday version without any extra effort. Leave the front pieces soft and slightly released, and the finish stays graceful rather than pulled-back and severe.
Best for: Nights out and dressier occasions
Face shapes: Oval, heart, and long
Tools & products: Large claw clip, smoothing serum, tail comb
Skill level: Easy
Time: 3 minutes
Tip: Tilt your head slightly back while gathering so the twist lands high without tugging the hairline.
5. Low Twist Swept to One Side
Instead of running straight up, this twist travels diagonally, with the hair swept to one side at the back and clipped low near the nape on the other side. The slanting line flatters quietly, pulling the eye across the head, and layered ends fan out to one side in a way a centred twist never shows. It is a wonderful pick for dinners and dates, when you want a considered look in about three minutes.
Best for: Dinners, dates, and layered cuts
Face shapes: Oval, round, and heart
Tools & products: Medium claw clip, shine spray, wide-tooth comb
Skill level: Easy
Time: 3 minutes
Tip: Establish the sweep before twisting, or the diagonal will drift back to the centre.
Make it your own: Release one longer face-framing strand on the side the hair sweeps toward for extra softness.
6. Twin Small Clip Twist
Here two mini clips share the job of one large one: the hair twists up the back, one clip anchors it at the nape, and a second clip catches the twist halfway up. Splitting the weight means the style outlasts a single clip on the same hair, and the pair itself adds a small decorative touch. Matching clips look tidy, while mixed tortoiseshell and gold bring a bit more character to an otherwise simple style.
Best for: Long days and hair that escapes single clips
Face shapes: All face shapes
Tools & products: Two mini claw clips, texture spray, hair tie (optional)
Skill level: Easy
Time: 4 minutes
Tip: Anchor the lower clip first, then use the upper one to secure the ends.
7. Smooth Low Chignon Hold
This is the clip style dressed up for the evening: hair brushed smooth, twisted low at the nape, and held by a slim dark clip that all but vanishes into the shape. A flawless surface is the secret, lightly smoothed with serum and free of flyaways, so the result reads as a proper chignon rather than a hurried fix. It belongs among my favourite bun hairstyles for weddings and work functions, partly because it looks good photographed from behind.
Best for: Weddings, work functions, and formal nights
Face shapes: Oval, heart, and long
Tools & products: Slim claw clip, smoothing brush, light oil or serum
Skill level: Easy
Time: 5 minutes
Tip: Brush serum through before twisting so the surface stays sleek after clipping.
Make it your own: Fold the ends underneath the clip for a tidier, more formal outline.
8. Pineapple Curls Clip
This claw clip for curly hair sweeps the curls up high like a pineapple and fastens the base with a large, wide-toothed clip that holds without squashing the curl shape. Curls tumble forward and outward, their pattern protected, while the neck stays completely clear. It is ideal for warm days, for keeping a wash-day curl set intact, and for anyone who wants big volume without reaching for a single bobby pin.
Best for: Curly and coily hair and warm weather
Face shapes: Round, oval, and heart
Tools & products: Large wide-tooth claw clip, curl cream, satin scrunchie (optional)
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 2 minutes
Tip: Gather with fingers only, never a brush, to keep the curl clumps whole beneath the clip.
9. Half-Up Waves Clip
Waves and a half-up clip belong together: the upper section twists back and clips at the crown while the waves underneath swing free. The clip supplies enough structure to stop hair falling into the face, and the waves supply the romance and movement. A little sea-salt spray scrunched through the lengths beforehand makes the result look far more considered than the two minutes it actually takes, especially on second-day waves.
Best for: Brunch, holidays, and gentle romantic styles
Face shapes: Oval, round, and square
Tools & products: Medium claw clip, sea-salt spray, wide-tooth comb
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 3 minutes
Tip: Clip a touch looser than feels safe, because waves settle and firm up the hold themselves.
Make it your own: Twist two small front sections back into the clip too, for a plaited impression with no plaiting.
10. Braid Crown Secured by Clip
Two thin braids travel from above each ear to the back of the head, where their ends meet and are gripped by one decorative clip rather than an elastic. The braids provide the detail, while the clip carries the real load at the centre back, holding both braid ends plus the loose hair under them. From behind it looks elaborate, yet it is only two simple braids and a single clip working together.
Best for: Festivals, garden parties, and picture days
Face shapes: Oval, heart, and round
Tools & products: Decorative claw clip, clear elastics, texture spray
Skill level: Intermediate
Time: 10 minutes
Tip: Keep the braids loose so the crown sits wide and soft instead of tight on the scalp.
11. Mini Twist for Short Hair
Shorter lengths get their own version here, with the back twisted upward and caught by a mini clip while shorter front layers frame the face. The clip must be small enough to grip a short twist without slipping, and a little lift at the crown gives the style shape instead of letting it sit flat. It shines on growing-out bobs and lobs, right when the back finally grows long enough to twist at all.
Best for: Bobs, lobs, and growing-out cuts
Face shapes: Oval, round, and heart
Tools & products: Mini claw clip, dry shampoo, small smoothing brush
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 2 minutes
Tip: This claw clip for short hair works best on second-day hair, or with dry shampoo adding grip first.
Make it your own: Set the twist a little off-centre for an asymmetric finish that flatters shorter layers.
12. Two-Clip Hold for Thick Hair
A claw clip for thick hair usually needs a partner, so this style twists the hair upward as normal, then fixes it with two large clips, one low at the nape and one midway up the twist. Sharing the load stops the gradual slide thick hair causes by afternoon, and it lets the twist stay softer and fuller instead of being wound tight purely for security. Pick clips with firm springs and broad teeth, because weak ones give up on heavy hair.
Best for: Thick, heavy, and very long hair
Face shapes: All face shapes
Tools & products: Two large strong claw clips, texture spray, sectioning clips
Skill level: Easy
Time: 4 minutes
Tip: If one twist feels too heavy, split the hair into two twists and clip each on its own.
13. Crown Volume Clip for Thin Hair
This claw clip for thin hair begins with a gentle backcomb at the crown, followed by a soft, loosely clipped twist that lets the lifted roots create the impression of fullness. The clip should be small and light, since a heavy one pulls fine hair flat within the hour. Combined with dry shampoo at the roots, the loose twist gives fine hair height that a tight style would only press away.
Best for: Fine and thin hair that lies flat
Face shapes: Oval, round, and long
Tools & products: Small lightweight claw clip, dry shampoo, backcombing brush
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 4 minutes
Tip: Backcomb just the under-layers at the crown, leaving the top layer smooth over the volume.
Make it your own: Choose a clip close to your hair colour so the eye notices fullness, not hardware.
14. Looped-End Clip for Medium Hair
This claw clip for medium hair folds the ends into the twist instead of letting them jut out, forming a tidy looped shape that suits shoulder-length cuts perfectly. The loop calms the silhouette and stops medium layers from sticking out in all directions, the classic frustration at this length. Fasten the loop near the top of the twist, keep a small cushion of volume above it, and the style looks complete from behind as well as from the front.
Best for: Shoulder-length and medium cuts
Face shapes: Oval, round, and square
Tools & products: Medium claw clip, light hold spray, smoothing brush
Skill level: Easy
Time: 3 minutes
Tip: Tuck the ends under, not over, so the loop lies flat against the twist.
15. Folded Twist for Long Hair
A claw clip for long hair must cope with genuine length, so this version folds the twist in half before clipping, cutting the weight the clip bears while doubling the thickness of the shape. From behind, the folded twist looks lush and substantial, the ends hide inside the fold, and the clip bites into the thickest part for a hold that survives the whole day. It is the most dependable long-hair clip method I know, and it rarely needs touching up.
Best for: Long and very long hair
Face shapes: All face shapes
Tools & products: Jumbo claw clip, texture spray, wide-tooth comb
Skill level: Easy
Time: 3 minutes
Tip: Flatten the fold at its midpoint before clipping so the teeth grip evenly across it.
Make it your own: Let the last few inches of ends escape the fold for a playful fountain shape on top.
16. Twist With a Deep Side Part
A deep side part transforms a plain twist, drawing the hair across the forehead on one side before it gathers and clips at the back. The imbalance brings instant drama and root volume on the heavier side, which flatters straight hair that might otherwise fall flat in an updo. Define the part cleanly with a tail comb, and the style moves from daytime to evening without a single other change.
Best for: Straight hair and evening looks
Face shapes: Oval, heart, and long
Tools & products: Large claw clip, tail comb, shine serum
Skill level: Easy
Time: 3 minutes
Tip: Form the part while hair is damp or freshly brushed so it holds cleanly once clipped.
17. Knotted Low Texture Clip
Begin with a loose knot at the nape, looping the hair through itself once, then fasten a clip across the knot's base so it grips both the knot and the loose ends together. The clip does the holding, not a hidden elastic, which is what gives the style its knotted outline. Work dry shampoo through first to roughen the texture, or the knot will slide smooth and lose its shape.
Best for: Textured hair and easy evenings
Face shapes: Oval, round, and heart
Tools & products: Medium claw clip, dry shampoo, texture spray
Skill level: Intermediate
Time: 5 minutes
Tip: Keep the knot loose, because a tight knot is difficult for clip teeth to grip evenly.
Make it your own: Tease a few short pieces free around the knot for a deliberately lived-in texture.
18. Sleek Workday Twist
This is the office-ready version of the classic twist: hair brushed smooth, twisted firmly up the back, and fastened with a neat dark clip, with no stray pieces and no visible texture. It stays comfortable through long meetings, keeps every strand off the collar, and sits well with a blazer or a plain blouse. Think of it as the clip equivalent of sleek ponytail styling: controlled, tidy, and quietly confident rather than showy.
Best for: Work, interviews, and professional settings
Face shapes: Oval, square, and heart
Tools & products: Medium dark claw clip, smoothing brush, strong hold spray
Skill level: Easy
Time: 4 minutes
Tip: Mist the finished twist lightly, then press the surface smooth with your palms to banish afternoon flyaways.
19. Loose Boho Twist With Tendrils
Softness leads here: a low twist clipped gently, with several long tendrils left free around the face and neck to drift as you move. The clip should look natural, like wood or tortoiseshell, and the twist stays intentionally imperfect, with lightness and air between strands. It fits outdoor weddings, holidays, garden lunches, picnics, or a relaxed brunch with friends, and any occasion where a strict updo would feel out of place and overdressed.
Best for: Outdoor events, holidays, and relaxed romance
Face shapes: Oval, heart, and round
Tools & products: Tortoiseshell or wooden-look claw clip, sea-salt spray, curling wand (optional)
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 4 minutes
Tip: Release the tendrils after clipping, not before, so each one lands exactly where you want it.
Make it your own: Give just the tendrils a light curl for a polished edge that still feels effortless.
20. Low Tail Wrapped in a Clip
Skip the hair tie for this one: gather the hair into a low tail and grip its base with a broad claw clip, then wind a small section of hair around the clip to conceal it. The clip gives the tail a softer, wider base than an elastic would, and the wrapped section makes the result look styled rather than merely tied. It sits nicely between a ponytail and an updo, and suits straight and wavy hair equally.
Best for: Workdays and sporty-casual days
Face shapes: All face shapes
Tools & products: Wide claw clip, small elastic (optional base), smoothing brush
Skill level: Easy
Time: 4 minutes
Tip: Wind the covering section tightly and tuck its end beneath the clip teeth so it cannot unwind.
21. Twisted Front Pieces Clip
When only the front of your hair refuses to cooperate, twist the two front sections back from the temples and clip them together behind the crown, leaving everything else down. The clip forms a small focal point at the back, and the twisted sections behave like a gentle headband holding hair away from the face. It is perfect for long-hair days when a full updo feels excessive, and for a fringe on its second day that will not lie flat.
Best for: Long hair and an open face
Face shapes: Round, oval, and heart
Tools & products: Small decorative claw clip, tail comb, light hold spray
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 3 minutes
Tip: Twist each section away from the face so both twists lie flat and even at the back.
Make it your own: A pearl or gold clip shows up beautifully in this spot, more so than in a full twist.
22. Evening Twist With a Pearl Clip
Pearls turn the familiar twist into evening wear: hair smoothed and twisted up the back, held by a clip set with pearls along its spine. The pearls catch light as you move, so the hairstyle works a little like jewellery, while the twist underneath stays plain to let the clip shine. Keep everything else understated with this one, because the clip already supplies all the sparkle you need for the whole evening.
Best for: Evening events, weddings, and celebrations
Face shapes: Oval, heart, and long
Tools & products: Pearl claw clip, smoothing serum, fine-tooth comb
Skill level: Easy
Time: 4 minutes
Tip: Check the spring strength before buying a decorative clip, since pretty clips are sometimes weaker than plain ones.
23. Everyday Twist With a Matte Jumbo Clip
This is the dependable daily workhorse: a large matte clip closing over a full twist on long or thick hair, holding from morning until night. Matte finishes grip smooth hair better than shiny ones, and the jumbo size lets the teeth reach through a thick twist instead of balancing on its surface. It may not be the prettiest clip you own, but it will be the one you grab every single day.
Best for: Daily wear and very thick hair
Face shapes: All face shapes
Tools & products: Matte jumbo claw clip, texture spray, smoothing brush
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 2 minutes
Tip: Press the clip shut firmly at the twist's thickest centre point for the strongest hold.
Make it your own: Own one matte jumbo clip in black and one in tortoiseshell to match any outfit.
24. Half-Up Curly Cascade Clip
The second curly style takes only the top half of the curls, twists them once, and clips them at the crown, leaving the remaining curls to tumble down the back at full length. The half-up position clears the face while displaying the curls' bounce below, and the clip teeth slip between curl clumps without pulling them apart. It is the curly version of the classic half-up, and it keeps its shape in photographs all day long.
Best for: Curly hair and displaying length
Face shapes: Round, oval, and heart
Tools & products: Medium wide-tooth claw clip, curl cream, diffuser (optional)
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 3 minutes
Tip: Clip the upper section while curls are still a little damp with cream for the firmest, least frizzy hold.
25. Workout-Secure Twist Clip
Built to survive movement, the workout twist is wound firmly, folded once, and fastened with a strong matte clip plus a mini clip at the nape for backup. Nothing slips free, nothing bounces loose, and the result still looks neat enough to wear from the gym straight to errands without redoing it. If your clip styles usually fall apart by lunch, try this double-anchored version before anything else you own.
Best for: Workouts, active days, and humid weather
Face shapes: All face shapes
Tools & products: Strong matte claw clip, mini clip, texture spray, hair tie (optional)
Skill level: Easy
Time: 4 minutes
Tip: Wind the twist tighter than normal for active wear, since movement loosens a twist faster than sitting still.
Make it your own: Stick to a plain dark sporty clip and skip decorative finishes to keep the style purely practical.
Quick Comparison
| Item | Difficulty | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Everyday Upright Twist | Beginner | 2 minutes | Daily wear |
| Relaxed Low Bun Clip | Beginner | 3 minutes | Low-key weekends |
| Half-Up Twist at the Crown | Beginner | 2 minutes | An open face |
| Lifted High Twist | Easy | 3 minutes | Dressier occasions |
| Low Twist Swept to One Side | Easy | 3 minutes | Dinners and layers |
| Twin Small Clip Twist | Easy | 4 minutes | Hair that escapes |
| Smooth Low Chignon Hold | Easy | 5 minutes | Formal nights |
| Pineapple Curls Clip | Beginner | 2 minutes | Curly textures |
| Half-Up Waves Clip | Beginner | 3 minutes | Gentle romance |
| Braid Crown Secured by Clip | Intermediate | 10 minutes | Festivals and parties |
| Mini Twist for Short Hair | Beginner | 2 minutes | Bobs and lobs |
| Two-Clip Hold for Thick Hair | Easy | 4 minutes | Heavy thick hair |
| Crown Volume Clip for Thin Hair | Beginner | 4 minutes | Flat fine hair |
| Looped-End Clip for Medium Hair | Easy | 3 minutes | Medium cuts |
| Folded Twist for Long Hair | Easy | 3 minutes | Very long hair |
| Twist With a Deep Side Part | Easy | 3 minutes | Straight evening hair |
| Knotted Low Texture Clip | Intermediate | 5 minutes | Easy evenings |
| Sleek Workday Twist | Easy | 4 minutes | Professional settings |
| Loose Boho Twist With Tendrils | Beginner | 4 minutes | Outdoor romance |
| Low Tail Wrapped in a Clip | Easy | 4 minutes | Workdays and casual days |
| Twisted Front Pieces Clip | Beginner | 3 minutes | An open face |
| Evening Twist With a Pearl Clip | Easy | 4 minutes | Evening celebrations |
| Everyday Twist With a Matte Jumbo Clip | Beginner | 2 minutes | Daily thick-hair wear |
| Half-Up Curly Cascade Clip | Beginner | 3 minutes | Curly length |
| Workout-Secure Twist Clip | Easy | 4 minutes | Active days |
Mistakes to Avoid
Picking a clip too small for your hair: A mini clip on heavy, long hair gives up by midday. Size the clip to your hair's weight, not only to the look you prefer.
Clipping squeaky-clean hair with no texture: Freshly washed strands slip. Dry shampoo or texture spray gives the teeth something to bite into.
Winding the twist too tightly: An over-tight twist pulls at the hairline and flattens the shape. Keep it firm yet soft, easing the crown a little.
Burying a beautiful clip out of sight: The clip belongs in the style. Let a pretty one show, and save plain clips for days you want them invisible.
Relying on one clip for heavy hair: A single clip rarely survives a full day on thick hair. A second clip at the nape is sensible insurance, not excess.
Pulling everything straight back: A twist with no softness at the front can look harsh. Free two gentle pieces first for a kinder frame.
Final Tips for Claw Clip Hairstyles
Own clips in mini, medium, and jumbo sizes so every look in this list stays possible.
Keep clip springs closed in storage and away from heat, because a tired spring is the usual cause of a failed hold.
Turn a daytime twist into an evening one by swapping in a pearl or tortoiseshell clip instead of restyling.
When a clip keeps sliding, the twist is usually too smooth; backcomb the under-layers briefly to fix it.
Wash clips now and then in warm soapy water so product residue never dulls their grip or shine.
How long does a claw clip style last?
On second-day or textured hair, a good claw clip style normally holds all day, while freshly washed hair may give you only a few hours. Thick hair does better with a second clip, and fine hair benefits from dry shampoo at the roots. When a style drops by afternoon, the clip is most often too small or the twist too sleek, rather than the style being wrong.
Can claw clips harm your hair?
Claw clips tend to be kinder than tight elastics, since they spread pressure instead of wrapping repeatedly over one spot. Never yank a clip free, favour smooth teeth without sharp seams, and avoid wearing a very tight twist in the same place every day, because repeated tension along one hairline can weaken strands over time.
What size claw clip do I need?
Let thickness and length decide: mini clips for short and fine hair, medium clips for most medium lengths, and large or jumbo clips for long or thick hair. When in doubt, buy one medium and one large, because that pair covers almost every style here.
Do claw clips suit short hair?
Yes, provided the back section reaches far enough to twist, which holds true for lobs and growing-out bobs. Choose a mini clip, use second-day hair for grip, and begin with half-up styles, since those need the least length to stay secure.
What claw clip styles flatter curly hair?
Curly hair grips clips easily, so pineapple gathers, half-up cascades, and loose twists all shine. Wide-toothed clips slide between curl clumps without splitting them, gathering with fingers beats a brush, and clipping while curls are slightly damp with cream keeps frizz to a minimum.
One Last Thought on Claw Clips
What I love most about claw clip styles is how little they demand: a single clip, a couple of minutes, and hair that looks like you planned it. Begin with the upright twist, then explore the double-clip holds and the pearl evening version once you trust your clip. And if you are gathering more seasonal inspiration, take a look at our fall hairstyles for ideas that pair beautifully with these clips.
