18 Chic Ways to Style a Claw Clip

What Is a Claw Clip?

If you grew up in the ’90s or early 2000s, chances are you are already very familiar with the concept of a claw clip. Also sometimes called a jaw clip, it’s a type of hair accessory with a spring and pronged “teeth” that close around your hair to hold it in place. 

How to Do a Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle With a Claw Clip

Step 1: Section the Hair 

Section hair by creating a center part and leaving out pieces around the face for softness. Then, gather your hair starting from the top of the ears to the mid-crown of the head. 

Step 2: Start Teasing

Tease the gathered section at the root to create volume and texture.  

Step 3: Twist and Pin

Twist the hair at the back of the head and pin where you want the clip to sit. “This gives it extra security and makes the style easier to hold,” says Burnside. Then, clip over where you pinned the hair (Burnside used the Kitsch Open Shape Claw Clip).

More Claw Clip Hairstyles to Try

Claw Clip Hairstyles for Long Hair

Combine two different hair trends by incorporating small fishtail braids into your claw clip hair look. 

Are you a pro at doing your own hair? Challenge yourself with this incredible half-up, half-down Dutch braid look. 

When in doubt, try this ultra simple claw clip hack. It consists of dragging your open clip from the top of your head starting at your hairline, down to the middle-back of your head to section off the exact amount of hair you need for a half-up, half-down style in seconds. 

Claw Clip Hairstyles for Thick Hair

Ensure thick hair stays secured by doubling up on the claw clips. Using two clips in fun shapes and colors, like these pink and purple flowers, makes for an adorable hairstyle that will stay put.

We love the idea of securing a boho braid crown with a medium-sized claw clip. If you have face-framing layers, this style is a great way to highlight them.

Instead of leaving loose strands of hair around your face, you can side part and slick down your hair in the front for a sleek interpretation of the claw clip trend. Use the Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control Smoother to try the look at home. 

Claw Clip Buns

Buns or twists are probably what you picture when you think of claw clips — and for good reason. Claw clips make styling updos quick and easy for all skill levels.

Want to dress up your claw clip updo for a special event? Reach for a bejeweled clip like the oversized pearl one pictured here.  

To really get the romantic, feminine claw clip bun effect, be sure to leave a few tendrils of hair loose around your face. Keep frizz under control by applying the Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine 10-in-1 Leave-In Spray before you style your hair. 

Claw Clip Ponytails

Claw clips are not just for updos — they’re also useful for creating a super bouncy, voluminous pony like the one in this photo.

If you wear your hair in a protective style, you can always sweep your twists or braids up into a claw clip for a simple, chic look.