Claw Clips Are Back: Why This Hair Clip Trend Is Growing Fast

If you've noticed claw clips everywhere lately — on your feed, in the drugstore aisle, on every "get ready with me" video — you're not imagining it. Search interest in claw clips as a styling tool, not just an accessory, has jumped sharply in recent months. The humble claw clip has gone from a "bad hair day fix" to a genuine everyday hair clip staple, and for good reason: it's fast, it's gentle on hair, and it actually looks intentional.

Here's why the claw clip is having a real moment, and how to pick and style the right one for your hair.

Why Claw Clips Are Trending Right Now

A few things are driving the renewed interest in claw clips:

• Low-effort, high-payoff styling. A claw clip hair clip gives you a polished half-up or full updo in under 10 seconds — no heat, no skill required.
• Better hair health awareness. Compared to tight elastics or heat styling, a well-designed claw clip distributes tension more evenly and doesn't crease or snag hair the way older clip designs did.
• Design upgrades. Today's claw clips come in better finishes — matte, textured, oversized — that read as a styling choice rather than "I gave up on my hair today."

Claw Clip vs. Regular Hair Clip: What's the Difference?

Both fall under the broader "hair clip" category, but they work differently:

• Regular hair clips (barrettes, snap clips) are typically flat and best for pinning back small sections — bangs, face-framing pieces, or securing a style that's already done.
• Claw clips use a hinge-and-tension design to grip and hold a full section — or all — of your hair at once, making them better for updos, half-up styles, and quick everyday looks.

If your routine mostly involves small touch-up clips, a hairdressing clip style works well. If you want one tool that can gather and hold a full head of hair in seconds, a claw clip is the better everyday pick.

How to Choose the Right Claw Clip for Your Hair

Not all claw clips are built for all hair types, which is one of the biggest reasons people say "claw clips don't work for me" — usually it's a sizing or tension mismatch, not the tool itself.

• Fine or thin hair: Look for a smaller clip with tighter, closer-set teeth so it grips without slipping out.
• Medium hair: A mid-size clip with medium tension holds securely through a full day without leaving a crease.
• Thick or long hair: Go bigger. A larger claw clip with a wider jaw span and stronger spring tension is needed to actually close around a full thick ponytail or bun — undersized clips will either not close or pop open within the hour.

Browse our full range of sizes and finishes in the claw clips collection to find the right grip strength and size for your hair.

3 Ways to Style a Claw Clip

1. The Quick Bun

Gather hair into a low or high ponytail, twist it around itself once or twice, and clamp a claw clip over the twisted section. Takes seconds and holds all day.

2. Half-Up Claw Clip

Section the top half of your hair, twist lightly for texture, and clip it at the crown. This is one of the fastest ways to get a "done" look with zero heat.

3. Low Slouchy Updo

Instead of a tight bun, gather hair loosely, let a few pieces fall out around your face, and secure with a larger claw clip for an undone, effortless finish — this style specifically calls for a bigger clip with strong hold since it's carrying more volume.

See the full lineup — from everyday matte finishes to statement sizes — in our claw clip collection.

Are Claw Clips Bad for Your Hair?

Not if you're using the right size for your hair thickness. Issues like breakage or creasing usually come from forcing a clip that's too small to close around too much hair, which concentrates pressure on one section of the shaft. Matching clip size to hair volume — not just picking whatever's cutest — is the real key to a claw clip that's both stylish and hair-friendly.

FAQ

What size claw clip should I get for thick hair?

Choose a larger claw clip with a wide jaw span and strong spring tension. Standard or small sizes often won't fully close around thick or long hair and will pop open throughout the day.

Can claw clips damage your hair?

Used in the correct size for your hair volume, claw clips are one of the gentler hair accessories since they don't require pulling tight like an elastic. Damage typically happens when a clip that's too small is forced to hold too much hair.

How is a claw clip different from a regular hair clip?

A claw clip uses a hinge and spring to grip and gather a full section of hair at once, while a standard flat hair clip or barrette is better suited for pinning back small pieces.

What's the best claw clip for everyday wear?

A medium-size clip with a matte or textured finish tends to work best for daily use — secure enough to hold through the day, and understated enough to pair with any outfit.

Ready to find your size? Shop all claw clips →