How to Put Your Hair in a Claw Clip: Step-by-Step for Every Hair Length

There’s a moment most of us know well: you clip your hair up, feel very pleased with yourself, and ten minutes later the whole thing is sliding down the back of your neck. It’s rarely your fault. Usually it’s the method, the clip size, or both.

The basic technique is simple. Gather your hair like a low ponytail, twist it upward so it lies flat against your head, fold the ends over, then clamp the clip across the base of the twist. Below we’ve added the small tweaks that make it work for long, medium, thick and fine hair.

Before you start

• A clip that fits your hair. Large for long or thick hair, medium for shoulder-length, mini for small sections. Not sure? Our claw clip size guide will help.
• Dry or almost-dry hair. Wet hair is more fragile, and the clip tends to slip as it dries.
• Optional: a little dry shampoo or texture spray if your hair is very silky.

The basic twist, step by step

1. Brush or finger-comb out any big knots.
2. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and hold it like a ponytail.
3. Twist the length two or three times so it becomes a firm rope.
4. Lift the twist up so it lies flat against the back of your head.
5. Fold the ends over the top, or let them fan out if you like a messier look.
6. Open the clip and place it across the twist, horizontally or on a slight angle.
7. Clamp it into the base of the twist, close to your scalp, so the teeth catch the twist and some hair underneath.
8. Give your head a gentle shake. If anything moves, twist a little tighter or move the clip lower.

If your hair is long

Long hair is heavy, so the twist needs to be compact. Keep twisting until the length coils, wrap the coil once around itself like a quick bun, tuck the ends underneath, then clamp a large clip vertically over it. A vertical clip supports the whole height of the twist and usually holds better on very long hair.

If your hair is medium or shoulder-length

You might not have enough length to fold the ends over, and that’s fine. Twist your hair up and let the ends fan out above the clip, then use a medium clip across the twist. A half-up version (just the top section, twisted and clipped) also looks lovely at this length.

If your hair is thick

• Use the biggest clip you’re comfortable wearing, such as the Large Hair Claw Clip for Thick & Long Hair or the Large Hair Claw Clip for Thick Hair.
• For very thick hair, make two twists and use two clips, one above the other.
• Never force a clip shut. If it won’t close easily, it’s too small and the spring will eventually give up.

If your hair is fine or silky

• Go smaller, with teeth that close all the way.
• Matte clips grip a little better than glossy ones. Have a look at our matte catchers.
• A bit of dry shampoo at the roots gives the clip something to hold.
• Slip one or two bobby pins under the twist for back-up.

Why it keeps falling out (and the fix)

Which way should the clip face?

There’s no strict rule. Horizontal across the twist is the classic look and works for most hair. Vertical is better for long, heavy twists. Either way, point the teeth down into the twist so the spring presses your hair against your head.

Questions people often ask