Claw clips have made a major come back and for good reason. They’re stylish, practical, gentle on hair, and perfect for everything from messy buns to sleek updos. But with so many sizes, shapes, and materials available, choosing the right claw clip for your specific hair type can feel overwhelming.
Whether your hair is fine, thick, curly, coily, or somewhere in between, this guide breaks down exactly which claw clips work best and how to use them.
Why Claw Clips Are Worth the Hype
- Less tension than elastic hair ties
- Reduced breakage and snagging
- Fast styling for busy mornings
- Versatile – claw clips work for casual, professional, and elegant looks
- Comfortable enough to wear all day
The Best Claw Clips for Different Hair Types
1. Fine or Thin Hair
What to look for:
- Small to medium clips - fine hair tends to slip out of smooth or heavy clips.
Best styles for fine hair
- Small French twist clip
- Mini claw clips for half-up styles
- Narrow rectangular clips
Styling tip:
Spritz a bit of texture spray or dry shampoo before clipping to help your hair stay in place.
2. Medium Hair
What to look for:
- Medium to large clips - medium density hair is the most versatile and works with almost any clip
Styling tip:
Go for medium clips if you’re doing full updos. Smaller ones are perfect for half-ups or messy twists. Dry shampoo or texturising spray works well to add body to the hair.
3. Thick or Heavy Hair
What to look for:
- Large or jumbo clips
- Strong springs
- Wide claw spacing
Thick hair puts more pressure on a clip, so sturdiness matters. Stay away from flimsy plastic clip they’ll snap quickly.
Best styles:
- All up plait
- create a bun and use the claw secure the hair
- Part up
Styling tip:
Section your hair into two parts before twisting it up, this gives the clip more to grab and helps it hold longer.
4. Curly Hair
What to look for:
- Wide-tooth claws
- Curved shapes that follow head contour
- Clips that won’t flatten curls
Curls need space so they don’t get crushed or lose shape.
Best styles:
- Half up half down
- • twist hair and leave some down at the front to create a mixture of styles
Styling tip:
Apply leave-in conditioner or curl cream before styling to enhance definition without frizz.
5. Coily or Kinky Hair
What to look for:
- Large clip if thick Coily
- Medium clip if hair is less thick
- Long prongs to hold thicker sections
Coily hair has volume and density that can overwhelm a standard clip. Look for medium to large clips
Styling tip:
Try gathering hair into a loose puff before securing the clip. This reduces tension on edges. Use on slightly damp hair.
Cute Claw Clip Hairstyles for Any Hair Type
- Classic French Twist
- Half-Up Half-Down Clip
- Low Twisted Clip Bun
- Clipped Messy Bun
- Side-Swoop Clip Style
- Stacked Mini Clips for Curls
Final thoughts from The Collective
Claw clips are one of the most versatile accessories for all hair type you just need the right size, material. Once you find the perfect match, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
