Hair volume decides which of these styles works for you, because clip size follows how much hair goes into it: thick hair needs an extra-large clip with strong springs, long teeth and a sturdy hinge, while fine hair holds better in a smaller one.
The styles run from a clean French Twist to a relaxed Messy Bun, with a Decorative Clip Updo for days when the clip itself is the accent.
A matte, slightly textured clip grabs strands far better than a glossy one, so finish counts almost as much as size.
1. French Twist
A French twist sweeps all the hair into one vertical roll that sits against the back of the head, with the ends tucked inside and pinned out of sight.
Set the clip across the top of the fold so its teeth hold both the twist and the tucked ends.
I like a clip here because it replaces a handful of pins with one piece. A tortoiseshell shade, like the one on this blonde hair, reads neutral and goes with nearly anything.
2. Messy Bun
A blue claw clip stands in for the elastic in this bun, and it becomes the one bright spot on brown hair.
Twist the hair into a loose coil, wrap it against the back of your head, and push the clip’s teeth through the wrapped section.
Then tug a few pieces loose around the crown. A low-effort bun looks best when it isn’t pulled tight.
3. High Ponytail with Claw Clip
Put the clip at the base of the ponytail instead of an elastic, and the tail gains lift and volume while the clip becomes the finish. A white clip against brown hair, as here, is a clear accent.
Pull the hair up to the crown before you secure anything, then run your palms over the top so the surface looks sleek.
Snap the claw clip shut around the base of the ponytail and leave the ends loose below it.
4. Messy French Twist
Loose ends separate this from the classic twist. Roll the hair up the back as you would for a French twist, clip it, and then let the tips spill from the top.
On red hair the spilled ends add texture and color variation. Tease out a few strands near the nape and face rather than all of them, so the shape still reads as a twist.
5. Messy Half-Bun
Only the top section goes up here, twisted and folded into a small bun, with the clip anchored underneath. Light brown waves make the loose, undone texture easy to get.
For a messy half-bun, pick up the hair running from one temple to the other, twist it loosely, and fasten it at the back of the head with a clip. Leave the rest down.
For an add-on, a claw clip is the easiest way to hold a messy half-bun in place, and it gives the style a little extra grip. I’d save that for evenings and keep the plain clip for daytime.
6. Half-Up Half-Down
Long waves, a silver clip, and the lower half left loose: this is the simplest style on the list. Section the hair from ear to ear, twist the top piece back lightly, and close the clip at the crown.
If your hair is fine and straight, a little texture spray before clipping gives the clip something to grip.
7. Curly Half-Up
Natural curls do half the work here: the top section gets clipped back and the rest falls loose, so the volume stays where it is.
Gather the hair from the crown forward, smooth it back without brushing it flat, and close the clip over it.
Skip the comb on the curls themselves, since brushing breaks up the curl pattern and adds frizz. Dark curls against a white top look polished with nothing added.
8. Claw Clip Updo
A big clip wrapped around a bun gives you an updo that looks planned even though it takes about a minute.
Twist the hair up, fold the ends under, and let the clip’s teeth catch both the twist and the fold.
Here the clip is gold, and it matches the earrings.
Matching metals is a small move that makes a quick style read as finished. I’d choose a clip wide enough to hold the whole bun, because a small one slides.
If you have lots of curls or super thick hair, the thought of a simple claw clip actually keeping your hair held up may seem very unlikely. But, alas!
9. Half-Up Claw Clip Bun
Two loops are better than one. The maker of this look suggests pulling the hair through the elastic twice without drawing it all the way through, which gives you two separate loops instead of one split bun.
Do that with the top section, then let the ends plume out above the elastic.
Slide a claw clip right over the hair tie and it hides the elastic while adding a second layer of hold. On long blonde hair like this, the loose ends fall down the back and the lower half stays smooth.
10. Braided Half-Up Clip Style
Braids already have structure, so the clip only has to gather them. Pull the long twisted braids together at the crown and close a flower-shaped clip around the bunch.
A white flower reads as the single decorative piece, which is why I like it on dark and brown braids: the contrast does the styling.
Heavy braids need a clip with a firm bite, so test it by tilting your head before you head out.
11. Decorative Clip Updo
With a bird-shaped clip pinned into a loose, messy updo, the hair becomes the backdrop and the clip is what people notice first.
Twist the hair up without fussing, pin the shape with the clip, and leave a few strands out around the face.
Keep the rest of the look simple, since the clip is the statement.
On blonde hair, a clip with a distinct shape stands out clearly. This is the style I’d choose when I want the accessory to do the styling, and I’d skip it on days when a plain clip is enough.
Choosing a Clip Size
Clip size follows 2 things: the style you want and how much hair goes into it. Thick or plentiful hair needs a bigger clip, and fine hair does better with a smaller one.
For thick hair, I’d go extra-large, with strong springs, long teeth and a sturdy hinge. Thin, bendy plastic gives out under thick hair, and the clip springs open by mid-afternoon.
Finish matters too. Clips with a matte, slightly textured finish grab strands far better than glossy, slick ones, which tend to slide.
If one twist is too much for a single clip, work in two parts.
Keep the twist loose.
Hair Tension and Breakage
A claw clip pulls less than an elastic, which is the main reason it’s easier on your hair. The gentlest versions are the loose ones, so resist the urge to crank everything tight.
Let your hair dry before you clip it up. Damp hair stretches more than dry hair, and it can snap if it’s pulled too firmly.
For curls, check the inside of the clip. Smooth inner edges won’t snag, and a clip doesn’t flatten the curl pattern the way a tight elastic can.
For sleeping, I gather everything into a loose pineapple at the crown, which protects both the curls and the shape you styled.
Placement and Staying Power
Gravity wins against long, heavy hair, so start with a ponytail. It gives the clip a base to hold and stops the sag.
Then place the clip higher than feels natural. A higher position fights the pull.
For a lifted ponytail, you have a choice. Using only the clip is quicker, but with thick hair a single hold may not give enough height, so tie a regular elastic first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to properly clip your hair up?
Heavy, long hair grips better if a ponytail goes in first as an anchor; then position the clip an inch or so higher than seems right, because gravity will pull it down over the day.
Is a claw clip professional?
It can be, as long as the style is neat and the clip stays quiet. I’d keep sparkly extras like a crystal barrette for evenings.
