Claw clips for thin and thick hair – how to choose and use one

A claw clip (hair claw) is the quickest way to put your hair up – one twist and a click, and it's done. But for the clip to stay put all day, it needs to suit your hair. Thin hair needs a smaller clip that grips, thick hair a bigger one with a strong spring. Here we go through how to choose the right claw clip and show four easy updos.

What is a claw clip?

A claw clip has two rows of teeth and a spring in the middle. You twist your hair up and let the teeth grip it. Unlike a hair tie, the clip doesn't have to be stretched around your hair, so it pulls less and leaves no dents. The claw clip has gone from a practical everyday item to an accessory in its own right – with pearls, in metal or shaped like a flower.

How to choose a claw clip for your hair

Your hair	Choose	Tip
Thin or fine hair	Small to medium clip with closely spaced teeth	Twist your hair tightly and give it grip with dry shampoo or texture spray
Medium-thick hair	Medium-sized clip	Works for both full updos and half-up styles
Thick or long hair	Large clip with a strong spring and teeth all the way along	Split your hair between two clips, or use the clip for a half-up style
Short hair	Small clip	Put the top layer up in a half-up style

Claw clip for thin hair

With thin hair, the problem is rarely that the clip isn't strong enough – it's that the hair is too slippery for the clip to grip. Choose a smaller clip with closely spaced teeth so they don't slide apart. Twist your hair firmly before you add the clip, and spray a little texture spray or dry shampoo at the roots and through the lengths. If you want the updo to look fuller, you can add a hair extension scrunchie around the bun – read more in the guide hair extension scrunchies for thin hair.

Claw clip for thick hair

Thick hair is heavy, and a clip that's too small slides down or opens. Choose a large clip with a strong spring and long teeth that reach through the whole twist. If you have a lot of hair, you can split it in two and use a clip in each section, or do a half-up style where only the top layer goes up. A smaller, decorative clip is perfect for that.

Types of claw clips

• Large claw clip: for thick and long hair and full updos.
• Small claw clip: for thin and short hair, half-up styles and pinning back strands around the face.
• Flat claw clip: lies flat against the back of your head, so you can lean back on the sofa, in the car or at work without it pressing.
• Metal claw clip: sleek and durable, but can slip in very smooth hair.
• Pearl claw clip: makes a simple updo feel special – just as nice at the office as at weddings and dinners. See four ideas in our guide wedding hairstyles with hair extensions.
• Flower claw clip: a playful accessory for summer and half-up styles.

Our Tangled Claw – Pearl Edition comes in three styles: Square Pearl (rectangular), Loop Pearl (round loop) and Arc Pearl (arch). All three work for updos, half-up styles and twists.

4 easy claw clip hairstyles

1. Classic twisted updo

1. Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape.
2. Twist the ponytail upwards towards the back of your head.
3. Tuck the ends down or let them stick up, and fasten the clip over the twist.
4. Pull out a couple of strands around your face for a softer look.

2. Half-up style

1. Section the hair from the temples back.
2. Twist the top layer once and fasten it with the clip at the back of your head.
3. Let the rest of your hair hang loose.

The half-up style suits every hair type and is perfect for a decorative pearl clip.

3. Low bun at the nape

1. Make a low ponytail and twist it into a bun.
2. Fasten the clip crosswise over the bun.

Neat for work, and the clip sits low so you can lean back.

4. Full updo with hair extensions

1. Make a firm bun and add a hair extension scrunchie or a small Mini Ponyo.
2. Add a claw clip above or beside it for a pretty detail.

Perfect if you have thin hair and want both volume and an accessory.

Are claw clips gentle on your hair?

Yes, a claw clip is one of the gentlest ways to put your hair up. It isn't stretched around the hair like a hair tie, so it pulls less on the scalp and leaves no dents. Still, remember to:

• vary where you place the clip, so the same hairs aren't under strain every day,
• take the clip out when you sleep,
• never pull the clip out with hair still in it – open it fully first.

Common mistakes

• Too small a clip for thick hair: it slides down or opens. Choose a bigger one, or split the hair between two clips.
• Too big a clip for thin hair: the teeth have nothing to grip. Choose a smaller one and give your hair texture.
• Freshly washed, slippery hair: the clip slides. A little dry shampoo or texture spray helps.
• Too loose a twist: twist firmly before adding the clip, so it has something to hold.

Claw clip FAQ

Which claw clip suits thin hair?

A small to medium clip with closely spaced teeth. Twist your hair tightly and use a little texture spray or dry shampoo so the clip can grip.

Which claw clip suits thick hair?

A large clip with a strong spring and long teeth. If you have a lot of hair, use two clips or do a half-up style.

How do you put your hair up with a claw clip?

Gather your hair, twist it up towards the back of your head and fasten the clip over the twist. Pull out a few strands around your face for a softer look.

Are claw clips bad for your hair?

No, they're gentler than hair ties because they aren't stretched around the hair. Vary where you place them and don't sleep with the clip in.

What's the difference between a claw clip and a hair clip?

A claw clip has teeth and a spring and holds a full updo. A hair clip (barrette) is usually flat and used to pin back a strand or your fringe.

Find your favourite in Tangled Claw – Pearl Edition: pearl claw clips in three styles that lift both your everyday look and your party hairstyle.