Hair type decides which of these clip-up styles works: curls fill a large claw clip on their own, long waves hold a half-back twist, and short hair does better with small accent clips than with a big claw.
The list runs from a 1-minute top-section clip to a full twist updo that needs a tight twist to last, and thick hair calls for a jumbo clip with teeth long enough to grip 2–3 inches of twisted hair.
1. Low Looped Bun
A low bun with a gold clip can look editorial instead of tidy, and the asymmetry does most of that work.
Split the hair into 2 sections at the nape, twist them loosely, and set the clip over the middle where they separate, as the maker describes it.
Pull the loops out a little after clipping so the shape sits off-center. A clip in a metal finish like this one also reads as jewelry, so it suits a plain halter or a simple top.
2. Top Section Clip
Gather only the crown section, twist it once, and clip it back while everything below stays down. It takes under a minute and needs no heat or pins.
A flower-shaped clip does the styling for you, so I’d keep the rest of the outfit quiet. Brown off-the-shoulder knits show it off nicely from behind.
3. Half-Back Claw Clip Hairstyle
Long, wavy hair is what makes a half-back style work: the waves fill in around the clip and hide any uneven sections. Lift the hair from temple to temple, twist it once, and clip it at the crown.
A white flower claw clip is a soft accent against dark hair. Give the loose lengths a quick shake with your fingers and leave them alone.
4. Messy French Twist
Messy here means you skip the smoothing. Twist the hair upward, tuck the ends in, and clamp the clip across the twist, then tug a few pieces loose near the face and neck.
I prefer this to the polished French twist for everyday wear, since no pins or brushing are needed. Clean, freshly washed hair slips out of the clip more easily, so day-2 hair holds better.
5. Ballerina Bun Claw Clip Hairstyle
Swapping the elastic for a claw clip gives a ballerina bun a softer, cleaner finish with no ridge or pulled spot.
Smooth the hair high on the head, twist it into a coil, wrap it around itself, and press the clip over the base so the teeth grip both the bun and the hair underneath.
A white clip stands out well against blonde hair. Brush the front back first, since smoothness is what makes this look neat.
6. Small Accent Clips
Short hair rarely fills a large claw clip, so small accent clips are the better fit. Place two or three along one side, spaced a little apart, rather than lining them up in a row.
Pearl and flower styles mix well when you keep the colors close. They add detail without changing the haircut, and they work as pure decoration on days when you just want something small.
7. Full Twist Claw Clip Updo
Long hair does the work here. Twist it upward in one direction, keep the twist flat against the back of the head, and press a large claw clip across it so the teeth catch the twist and the hair beneath.
A tortoiseshell or marbled beige clip blends with brown hair and looks finished with a plain tee. Twist tightly before clipping, because a loose twist sags within an hour or so.
8. Messy Claw Clip Bun
Gather everything at the back of the head, twist it loosely once, fold the length over, and clamp the clip across the base. Nothing needs to be smooth, and that is why this is the easiest option on the list.
I’d pull a few strands loose around the face instead of tucking them in, since a messy bun looks deliberate once it has a little softness at the edges.
9. Half-Up Twisted Bun
Take the top half of long, wavy hair, twist it into a knot at the crown, and let the clip hold the knot while the rest hangs free.
Waves give the knot extra grip and body, so you rarely need to rough up the hair first.
Keep the knot a little loose instead of cinching it flat. Leave the lower lengths untouched, since the contrast between the knot and the loose waves carries the look.
10. Claw Clip for Curly Hair
Curly hair is the best match for a large claw clip, because the volume fills the jaws and holds without extra pins.
Gather the curls up loosely with your fingers and skip the brush, which pulls each curl apart into frizz.
Choose a clip big enough to close over all that hair, like a large pearlescent white one. A small clip will slip or pinch, so size up if the teeth barely meet.
Benefits of Claw Clips
A claw clip grips hair with its teeth instead of cinching it with an elastic, so there’s less tension pulling on any one strand.
That matters because elastics are the usual cause of breakage and split ends where a ponytail or bun sits.
Frizz tends to follow the same pattern. Less tugging means fewer snapped hairs sticking out around the hold, so the finish looks smoother with no extra product.
If you wear your hair up most days, switching from an elastic to a clip is the simplest change I know for healthier-looking lengths.
Move the clip up or down a bit each time, so the same spot doesn’t take all the pressure.
Styling Tips for Thick Hair
Thick hair is hard on small clips. The spring strains, the teeth splay open, and plastic can crack under the load.
Thick hair needs a jumbo claw clip, one with teeth long enough to grip a full 2–3 inches of twisted hair without sliding. The wider jaws close over all that hair without forcing it.
Test the fit before you buy: gather your hair the way you’d wear it and see whether the teeth meet comfortably at the back.
If you have to squeeze hard to close it, go up a size. A clip that closes easily also puts less stress on the hinge, so it lasts longer.
Ease of Use
Claw clips forgive nearly every mistake. Claw clips skip the perfect part, the smooth surface and any practiced technique, so they suit anyone who struggles with updos.
The simplest version is to pull your hair half up and snap the clip in place. Your hair is out of your face in seconds.
A casual, slightly loose finish looks better than a precise one, so you can stop fussing early.
“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.”
— Elle
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you properly clip up hair?
For a basic updo, scoop the hair at the nape or crown, give it one twist, and slide the clip over so the teeth bite into the twist and the hair under it.
A tight twist is what keeps the style up past lunch; a loose one slides down within about an hour.
What hairstyles can you do with a clip?
Twists, messy buns, ballerina buns, French twists and half-up styles all work with a clip. On long, wavy hair, a half-back version works well: take sections from both temples, twist once, and set the clip at the crown.
Are claw clips better for your hair than elastics?
Yes, generally. Because the teeth hold hair in place instead of squeezing it, each strand carries less tension than with an elastic, which is the usual culprit behind breakage and splits at the base of a bun or ponytail.
