Claw Clips: Complete Guide to Types, Sizes and How to Use Them

Ask ten women what their most-used hair accessory is and most will say the same thing: a claw clip. It takes about five seconds, it doesn’t leave a dent, and on a hot, humid day it gets your hair off your neck instantly.

The catch? The wrong claw clip is useless. Too small and it pops open. Too big and it slides down your head by lunch. Pick the size first, then the shape and finish, and you’ll have a clip you actually reach for every day.

So what exactly is a claw clip?

It’s two curved rows of teeth joined by a hinge and a spring. Squeeze the handles and the jaws open; let go and the teeth lock together around your hair. Because the hair is held by the teeth rather than squeezed tight in one band, it’s a comfortable way to wear your hair up all day.

You’ll hear lots of names for the same thing: claw clip, catcher, clutcher, jaw clip. In Pakistan “catcher” is probably the most common, and the slimmer metal versions are usually called metal catchers.

Getting the size right

This is the bit most people get wrong, so it’s worth slowing down here. Clip sizes aren’t standardised, so treat these as rough guides and always check the product description.

A quick way to check: if you have to force the clip shut over your twist, it’s too small (and you’ll eventually break the spring). If it closes easily but swings around or slides, it isn’t gripping enough hair, so either twist more hair into it or try a smaller clip.

Shapes and finishes

Shapes

• Classic rectangle: the everyday workhorse that holds a full twist.
• Curved: follows the shape of your head, so it sits flatter and feels more comfortable. The Large Curved Hair Claw Clip is a good example.
• Flowers, butterflies and novelty shapes: mostly decorative. Lovely for half-up styles, not great for holding a full head of thick hair.

Finishes

• Matte: understated and office-friendly, and it tends to grip a little better on silky hair. Have a look at our matte catchers.
• Glossy acrylic: bright, fun and easy to match with outfits.
• Metal: slimmer and dressier, often with pearls or flowers. Perfect for weddings and dinners. See metal catchers.
• Furry: soft and cosy-looking, a winter favourite. Our Premium Furry Claw Clips 3 Piece Set comes in soft shades.

Matching the clip to your hair

• Thick hair: go big, with long teeth and a firm spring. The Large Hair Claw Clip for Thick & Long Hair is a good place to start.
• Fine or thin hair: a small or medium clip whose teeth close completely, so there’s no gap for hair to slip through.
• Long hair: large for full twists, medium for half-up looks.
• Short or bob-length hair: mini or medium clips for half-up sections and side styles.
• Curly hair: a large clip that holds volume without crushing your curls.

How to wear one (the basic way)

1. Gather your hair at the back of your head like a low ponytail.
2. Twist it upward so it lies flat against your head.
3. Fold the ends over the top of the twist.
4. Open the clip and clamp it across the twist, with the teeth biting into the base.
5. Pull out a couple of face-framing strands if you want it softer.

We’ve put together a more detailed walkthrough, with versions for long, medium, thick and fine hair, in how to put your hair in a claw clip.

Why does my clip keep slipping?

Nine times out of ten it’s one of these:

• The clip is the wrong size for your hair.
• The twist is too loose to hold its own shape.
• The clip is only holding the ends, not the base of the twist.
• Your hair is very silky. A little dry shampoo or texture spray gives the teeth something to grip.

Making your clips last

Don’t stretch a clip around more hair than it was made for, because that’s how springs break. Try not to clip soaking-wet hair. Wipe off product build-up now and then, dry metal clips properly, and keep them in a pouch so the teeth don’t snap in your bag.

You might also like

• Every type of hair clip, explained
• 12 mehndi hairstyles (several use a decorative catcher)
• How to make a bun with a hair stick

Questions people often ask