How to Choose a Claw Clip for Your Hair and Style

Choosing the right claw clip for your hair isn’t just about length. Consider how much hair you’re gathering and the style you want to create.

A mini or small claw clip works well for smaller sections, while a medium clip is a great choice for many half-up styles. Fuller twists and thicker hair may need a larger clip with more capacity.

Look at the jaw opening, teeth, hinge and overall shape too. A flat-back clip sits closer to the head, while rounded or octopus-style clips can provide grip around a gathered section.

Always check the clip’s actual dimensions and try it at home to make sure it feels comfortable, stays secure and doesn’t pull on your hair.

Claw clip shapes compared

 The categories are a helpful starting point, but product dimensions and construction should always take priority. Use the table as a guide, then check the individual clip’s size, shape and design before choosing.

Hair amount matters more than length

When choosing a claw clip for your hair, the amount of hair you want to hold is often more important than its overall length. Long hair isn’t necessarily thick, and shorter hair can still need a larger clip depending on how much you’re gathering.

Think about the style you want to create:

• All your hair in a twist
• A half-up section
• A small face-framing section
• A low gathered style
• A small section for decoration

A simple way to work out the size you need is to create the hairstyle with your hands first. This gives you a much better idea of how much hair needs to fit inside the clip’s jaws than looking at your hair length alone.

The home fit test

The best way to find the right claw clip for your hair is to test it with the hairstyle you actually want to wear.

• Create your chosen style without the clip first.
• Hold the section where the clip will sit and open the clip naturally.
• Place it without forcing the hinge or pulling at the scalp. 
• Release and check that the teeth grip the hair evenly.
• Gently move your head to see if it stays secure.
• Wear it for 10-15 minutes and only extend the time if it remains comfortable. 

Signs the clip is too large

• The jaws don't close around all the hair.
• Only the outer layers are being held.
• The hinge looks strained.
• The clip repeated springs open.
• You have to force the teeth into position.

Try a larger clip or gather a smaller section of hair instead.

Flat-back vs classic clips

When choosing a claw clip for your hairstyle, the shape can be just as important as the size. Different designs sit differently against the head, so think about where you’ll be wearing your clip and how much hair you need it to hold.

A flat-back claw clip sits closer to the head, making it a great option if you find traditional curved clips feel bulky when leaning against a chair or headrest. Its holding capacity will still depend on the jaw size and tooth design, so check the individual clip rather than the shape alone.

A classic curved claw clip is available in a wide range of sizes, making it a versatile choice for everything from half-up hairstyles to fuller twists. Choose based on the amount of hair you need to hold rather than assuming one shape will work better for everyone.

Octopus claw clips

An octopus claw clip features several curved teeth that wrap around a gathered section of hair, offering a different type of grip to a traditional long-jaw clip. They can work well for loose, gathered hairstyles, but the level of hold will depend on your hair type, how much hair you’re gathering and the specific tooth design.

The Brushworks Octopus Claw Clips are included below alongside Classic and Flat Claw Clips as current examples. Always compare the individual product details, as size and capacity can vary between different clips and packs.

Comfort and placement

Where you position your claw clip can make a big difference to how comfortable it feels. A clip worn high on the head will sit differently from one placed at the back or lower down, so experiment with placement to find what works for you.

Make sure no teeth or part of the hinge are pressing into your scalp. If the clip feels secure but uncomfortable, try adjusting its position or choosing a different shape.

Avoid sleeping in a hard claw clip unless the product specifically states that it is suitable for overnight use. It’s also best to remove hard hair accessories before activities where they could cause discomfort or become unsafe.

Styling ideas by capacity

Small claw clips: Perfect for face-framing sections, small twists or adding decorative details.

Medium claw clips: Great for half-up hairstyles, moderate twists and sectioning.

Large claw clips: Better suited to gathering more hair into twists or undos provided the jaw and teeth can comfortably accommodate it. 

These are simply starting points. Hair type, thickness, style and the individual clip all affect the fit, so always test the exact hairstyle before committing to it.

Choose a clip for common styles

Different hairstyles call for different levels of grip and capacity, so choosing the right claw clip for your hairstyle can make styling much easier.

Half-up style: Gather the top and side sections of your hair. A small or medium claw clip may be enough without adding unnecessary weight. Check that the lower teeth sit comfortably and don’t press into your scalp.

French twist: Gather your hair, create the shape you want and consider the thickest part of the twist before choosing your clip. A longer classic claw clip or higher-capacity design may work well, depending on its exact size and construction.

Low gathered style: A rounded or octopus claw clip can work nicely around a low ponytail or gathered section, while a flat-back clip may feel more comfortable if you’re leaning against a chair or headrest.

Decorative placement: A mini or flower-shaped claw clip is ideal for securing smaller sections or adding a finishing touch. Just don’t rely on a decorative clip to hold a full updo unless it’s specifically designed for it.

Sectioning while styling: Choose a clip that’s comfortable to repeatedly open and release when sectioning your hair. Keep it away from direct dryer heat unless the product instructions say it’s suitable.

Common mistakes

• Choosing by hair length alone
• Forcing the hinge to fit a full section
• Assuming the largest clip is always most secure
• Ignoring pressure behind the ears or against the scalp
• Wearing a hard clip in an unsupported sleep position
• Storing clips open beneath heavy items
• Continuing to use a cracked tooth or exposed spring