Claw clips are one of the hottest hair trends for summer, and especially on those sticky days when you need an easy heat-proof hairstyle. Brilliant for work or play, they’re a chic way to get your strands out of your face – and there’s a host of affordable, grown-up options from brands like M&S, Next, FatFace and Boden that really flatter mature hair.
Oh, and claw clips require minimal time, effort or skill, and make fine hair appear instantly fuller. What better reason to snap them up?
What is a claw clip?
As you no doubt know, a claw clip is a simple hair accessory with interlocking teeth that snap into place and hold your hair. ‘It’s designed to secure the hair without the need for elastics or pins,’ says celebrity hairdresser and salon founder Larry King.
‘It's one of those timeless tools that has come full circle, moving from a practical everyday essential to a fashion accessory in its own right,' says Larry. 'The beauty of a claw clip is that it allows you to create effortless-looking styles in seconds while being kinder to the hair than tight hair ties.’
Why are claw clips trending right now?
We’re all for ease these days. ‘We're seeing a real shift towards easy, low-maintenance hairstyles, and the claw clip fits perfectly into that trend,’ says Larry. ‘There's also a broader movement towards healthier hair habits, with people looking for alternatives to tight ponytails and styles that can cause unnecessary tension. Add in the influence of 90s and early 2000s fashion making a comeback, and it's no surprise that claw clips are everywhere again.’
You don’t need to worry about looking like a throwback to Claire’s Accessories circa 1999. ‘Claw clips tap into that nostalgic element, but with a more modern, minimal feel,’ reassures Jason Collier, founder of Studio23 and key opinion leader for Jerome Russell Bblonde. GH likes the chic £10 clips at M&S.
Claw clips tick the ‘useful’ box, too. ‘They’re incredibly practical during warmer weather and heatwaves because they lift the hair away from the neck while still looking stylish,’ says Jason. ‘Unlike tighter updos, claw clips create airflow through the hair, which makes them far more comfortable during summer.’
Are claw clips good for older hair?
Yes, absolutely! ‘As we age, hair naturally becomes more fragile and can lose density and elasticity,’ notes Larry. ‘Claw clips are a great option because they hold the hair securely without pulling too tightly on the roots or creating tension around the hairline. They're a gentler alternative to elastics, helping to minimise breakage and reduce stress on more delicate strands.’
Do claw clips suit fine or thinning hair?
‘They’re particularly beneficial for anyone experiencing thinning around the temples or hairline because they don’t create the same constant strain as tight ponytails or buns,’ says Jason. ‘For finer hair, claw clips can actually help create the illusion of volume because the hair isn’t being pulled completely flat against the scalp. Leaving a little softness and lift around the crown and face helps to maintain movement and fullness.’
Essential for all hairstyles, this heart claw clip will keep your hair off your face whilst looking sleek and stylish.
How should I wear a claw clip?
There are ways to get more from your claw. ‘One of the reasons claw clips remain so popular is their versatility,’ says Larry. ‘For a casual look, a loose twist secured at the back of the head creates an effortless, undone finish that works beautifully for everyday wear. You can also use a clip to secure a half-up style, keeping hair away from the face while maintaining movement and texture.’
For something smarter, ‘keeping the crown smooth and twisting the hair neatly upwards gives a much more elevated, polished result,’ advises Jason. A sleek French twist plus a chic clip is a great daytime event hairstyle.
Oliver Bonas Agnes Pink, Blue & Green Flower Resin Claw Clip
How can I keep my claw clip securely in place?
Prep with a product that adds holds without stiffness. ‘Preparing the hair with a texturising product such as Larry King Ride or Die Texture Spray helps create grip and hold for claw clips, while maintaining a soft, natural finish,’ says Larry. ‘The result feels elevated and sophisticated without looking overly styled. This formula also makes the style feel fuller while ensuring the clip stays comfortably in place.’
Larry King Ride or Die Texture Spray
Do claw clips work on shorter styles?
‘Claw clips absolutely work on shorter hair,' says Jason. ‘It’s just about adapting the technique. Half-up styles, mini twists and smaller clips are ideal for shorter lengths, while fine hair benefits from lightweight clips that don’t overpower the style. Opt for smaller clips with tighter teeth, as oversized styles can slide out more easily.’ FatFace has a good range of sizes.
‘If you have thicker hair, using two smaller claw clips instead of one oversized clip can often provide better support and prevent slipping throughout the day,’ says Jason.
Are claw clips a good option for lightened hair?
‘Claw clips look especially beautiful on highlighted hair because the twist and shape of the style naturally showcases the dimension throughout the hair,’ says Jason. ‘When the hair is clipped up, you see all the different ribbons of blonde, caramel or lighter pieces running through the lengths, which adds movement and depth to the overall look.'
‘Balayage in particular works incredibly well with claw clip styles because the placement of the lighter pieces around the face and through the mid-lengths becomes much more visible in twisted or half-up styles. It creates that effortless, sunlit effect that feels very chic and expensive. You can DIY the look with the Jerome Russell Bblonde Balayage Kit for effortless, sun-kissed highlights, or the use the Jerome Russell toner to combat brassiness from the sun and keep colour looking fresh.'
Jerome Russell Bblonde Maximum Blonding Balayage Kit
Speaking of which, a claw clip also helps save your blonder bits from fading in the sun, at least to some extent. ‘It can absolutely help reduce how much of the hair is sitting directly in the sun throughout the day, especially the more fragile top layers and face-framing pieces that tend to lighten fastest,’ says Jason. But don’t forget to use a good UV hair spray, too.
Happy clipping!
