The claw clip has become one of the most versatile tools in modern hair styling, prized for how quickly it can turn unwashed or unstyled hair into something that looks deliberate. What started as a purely functional accessory has evolved into a genuine styling category, with countless ways to twist, fold and clip hair into looks that range from effortless to genuinely polished.
Part of the claw clip’s appeal is how forgiving it is. Unlike a tight elastic or a series of bobby pins, a claw clip grips hair firmly without requiring precise sectioning, which means even a rushed five-minute style tends to look considered rather than thrown together.
This guide covers fifteen claw clip hairstyles, from the simplest everyday twist to more detailed variations suited for work or going out, along with tips for making each one hold up through a full day.
Claw clips pair well with plenty of other looks, too, from easy hoodie hairstyles to polished business casual hairstyles for the workday.
The Classic Twisted Updo
The most fundamental claw clip style involves gathering all of the hair, twisting it upward along its length, and securing the twist with the clip positioned vertically at the crown or back of the head.
This style works on medium to long hair, and it remains the fastest, most dependable option on this list for mornings when there’s no time for anything more involved.
Twisting the hair away from the face before clipping, rather than straight up, helps keep face-framing pieces from immediately falling loose throughout the day.
Because it takes under a minute and works on both clean and second-day hair, this remains the default choice most people reach for first.
The Half-Up Claw Clip
Clipping just the top section of hair, rather than all of it, keeps hair out of the face while leaving the rest down for a softer, more casual finish than a full updo provides.
This style works on nearly every hair length and texture, and it has become one of the most popular everyday looks precisely because it requires almost no technique beyond gathering and clipping.
Twisting the top section loosely before clipping, rather than gathering it flat, adds volume and texture that makes the finished style look more intentional.
This version pairs naturally with nearly any outfit or occasion, making it a genuine everyday default rather than a special-occasion style.
The Low Twisted Bun
Positioning the clip low and horizontal rather than high and vertical creates a more polished, bun-like finish that reads as slightly more put-together than the classic upward twist.
This style suits medium to long hair particularly well, and its lower placement tends to feel more comfortable for extended wear, including sitting back against a chair.
Folding the twisted length under itself before clipping, rather than leaving it standing upright, gives this version its neater, more rounded bun shape.
This style also transitions easily from daytime into an evening look, needing only minor adjustment to feel appropriately dressed up.
The Voluminous Top Clip
Building extra volume at the crown before clipping high on the head creates a bold, voluminous look that reads as more of a statement style than a purely practical one.
This style works well on most hair lengths and textures, and it’s a good option for anyone wanting a bit more drama than the standard twisted updo provides.
Backcombing a small section at the crown before gathering the rest of the hair over it adds lift that holds up well underneath the clip’s grip.
A light dusting of dry shampoo before backcombing adds grip, helping the added volume last considerably longer throughout the day.
The Braided Claw Clip Updo
Braiding the top portion of hair before gathering the rest into a clip adds a layer of detail and texture that elevates this style beyond a simple twist.
This style suits medium to long hair, and a simple three-strand braid works well without requiring much additional time beyond the standard clipping technique.
Braiding loosely rather than tightly keeps the overall look feeling relaxed and in keeping with the casual nature of a claw clip style.
This variation is an easy way to add visual interest to an otherwise basic style once you’re comfortable with the core clipping technique.
The Face-Framing Claw Clip
Pulling back the majority of the hair while intentionally leaving a couple of soft pieces loose around the face softens what could otherwise look like a very severe, fully pulled-back style.
This style works on most hair lengths, and it strikes a good balance between keeping hair controlled and maintaining a relaxed, undone quality.
Curling the loose face-framing pieces lightly before clipping the rest back gives this version a more finished, deliberate look.
This detail has become a favorite for anyone wanting hair up without the style reading as overly severe or formal.
The Double Claw Clip Style
Using two smaller claw clips to secure two separate sections, rather than one large clip for all of the hair, creates a more structured, symmetrical look with a bit more visual detail.
This style suits medium to long hair particularly well, since there needs to be enough length to divide cleanly into two sections without either looking sparse.
Sectioning the hair evenly down the center before twisting and clipping each side separately keeps the finished look balanced.
This version also distributes tension more evenly across the scalp than a single large clip holding all of the hair at once.
The Messy Claw Clip Bun
Deliberately keeping the twist loose and slightly imperfect before clipping creates a relaxed, lived-in look that feels more effortless than a tightly controlled updo.
This style works on most hair textures, and it’s particularly forgiving since small imperfections in the twist actually enhance rather than detract from the intended look.
Pulling a few small pieces loose from the twist after clipping adds to the deliberately undone, textured quality this style is going for.
Because it’s so forgiving of imperfect technique, this remains one of the easiest styles on this list for beginners to master quickly.
The Sleek Claw Clip Ponytail-Style Updo
Smoothing the hair thoroughly with a brush before twisting and clipping produces a much sleeker, more polished version of the classic updo, suited to more formal or professional settings.
This style suits straight to slightly wavy hair particularly well, since achieving a fully smooth finish is more effort-intensive on curlier textures.
A smoothing serum or gel combed through before twisting helps eliminate flyaways and gives this version its glossy, controlled finish.
This polished take works especially well for professional settings where a more textured or undone claw clip style might read as too casual.
The Claw Clip With a Deep Side Part
Creating a deep side part before gathering and clipping the hair adds a bit of asymmetry and polish to an otherwise straightforward style.
This style works on most hair lengths, and the deep part alone is often enough to make a familiar style feel slightly more considered and intentional.
Using a fine-tooth comb to establish a clean, deep part before gathering the hair ensures the asymmetry reads as deliberate rather than accidental.
This small variation is an easy way to refresh a familiar go-to style without learning any new technique.
The Twisted Space Bun Claw Clip
Twisting hair into two separate sections and clipping each high on either side of the head brings a playful, youthful energy reminiscent of space buns, but with far less effort involved.
This style suits medium to long hair, and it works particularly well for casual outings or anyone wanting a bit more personality than a single centered clip provides.
Twisting each section in the same direction before clipping keeps the finished look symmetrical and balanced.
This style suits more relaxed, casual settings especially well, pairing naturally with an easygoing overall look.
The Claw Clip Over Loose Waves
Combining a simple top clip with loose, textured waves left underneath creates a style that feels more finished than either element would on its own, without requiring much additional time.
This style works particularly well on hair with some natural texture or on hair curled beforehand, since the waves give the overall look more visual interest.
A texturizing spray scrunched through the length before clipping the top section enhances natural movement and keeps the look feeling easy and unforced.
This combination has become a popular everyday default, since it looks considerably more finished than the small amount of extra effort it requires.
The Structured High Clip
Gathering the hair tightly and smoothly before clipping it high on the head creates a sharp, structured look with a distinctly different feel from the softer, looser variations on this list.
This style suits most hair textures, and it’s a strong option for anyone wanting a style that reads as more polished and deliberate rather than casual.
Applying a strong-hold gel before gathering the hair helps eliminate flyaways and keeps this structured version looking sharp throughout the day.
This more tailored take works particularly well for anyone wanting a claw clip style that feels appropriate for a professional setting.
The Claw Clip Half-Twist With Curls
Pairing a simple twisted clip at the crown with curled hair left down elevates this style into something suited for a slightly more special occasion or evening event.
This style works on most hair lengths, and it’s particularly effective on hair with enough length for the curls underneath to have visible movement and bounce.
A curling iron used on the sections left down, curled away from the face and brushed out gently once cooled, gives this style its soft, romantic finish.
This is often the go-to version for date nights and evening events, since the added curls photograph particularly well alongside the simple clipped top.
The Layered Claw Clip Updo
Building this style in layers, securing a lower section first before gathering additional hair on top of it with a second clip, creates significantly more volume and hold than a single clip managing all of the hair at once.
This style suits thick or long hair particularly well, since a single clip can struggle to hold very dense or heavy hair securely on its own.
Working from the bottom up, securing each layer before adding more hair to the clip, distributes weight more evenly and prevents the style from feeling like it’s slipping throughout the day.
This layered technique is worth learning specifically for anyone with hair too thick or heavy for a standard single-clip style to hold reliably.
Final Thoughts
Across nearly all of these variations, the claw clip’s real strength lies in how much it can do with so little technique required, whether that means rescuing second-day hair in under a minute or building something more detailed and polished for an evening out.
Having a couple of these styles in regular rotation, one quick option for busy mornings and one slightly more detailed version for special occasions, covers most of what you’ll need without requiring an extensive collection of different accessories or techniques.
Keeping a few claw clips in different sizes on hand also makes it easier to move between the simpler, everyday looks and the more structured, polished versions depending on your hair’s length and thickness that day.
And since the claw clip itself is a throwback accessory, you may enjoy browsing classic 90s hairstyles, iconic 90s hairstyles for black women, and the playful 2000s hairstyles that followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Claw Clip Should I Use for Thick Hair? A larger clip, typically four to six inches, provides more grip and holding power for thick or long hair, while smaller clips are better suited to fine or shorter hair that doesn’t need as much grip.
Do Claw Clips Damage Hair Over Time? Generally, claw clips are gentler on hair than tight elastics since they don’t create the same concentrated tension point, though clipping in the exact same spot every day can eventually cause some strain, so varying placement slightly helps.
Can Claw Clips Work on Short Hair? Yes, particularly on shoulder-length hair, though very short hair may not have enough length to twist and gather comfortably, in which case a smaller clip positioned close to the head tends to work better.
How Do I Keep a Claw Clip From Sliding Out Throughout the Day? Twisting the hair before clipping, rather than gathering it flat, gives the clip more surface texture to grip, which significantly reduces slipping compared to clipping straight, smooth hair.
Is It Necessary to Wash Hair Before Using a Claw Clip? No, claw clip styles are actually one of the most reliable ways to style second or third-day hair, since a bit of natural oil and texture often helps the clip grip more securely than freshly washed, slippery hair.
What’s the Best Way to Transition a Claw Clip Style From Day to Evening? Loosening the twist slightly, pulling a few face-framing pieces loose, or repositioning the clip lower and more horizontal can quickly soften a daytime look for an evening setting.
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