6 ways to style hair with a claw clip

Everything old is new again - and that particularly applies to hairstyles. Look no further than the comeback of the quintessential nineties hair accessory, el claw clip. Its rapid rise was inevitable, explains New York City based session hair stylist Shanice Fields, thanks in part to a wave of nineties and Y2K nostalgia.

But there's another reason these clip hairdos are hot again: Hairstyles with claw clips are low maintenance, versatile and effortlessly chic. They're also less likely to cause hair damage than traditional elastic hair ties that pull on and add tension to strands.

So, channel an aughts "It Girl" and grab a claw clip. These are tips for quick, stylish hair - whether it's a timeless French twist, a chic claw clip ponytail or a trendy look with the mini claw clips of yore.

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How to use a claw clip

Start with a high-quality clip, explains Olivia Halpin, a New York City based celebrity hairstylist and bridal expert. "Functionality-wise, I always look for claw clips that have a second set of tiny teeth inside or that have rubber or silicone on the teeth," says Halpin. "This gives extra grip, so the clip doesn't slip out." People can also prep their hair with gel or texturizing spray, so hair isn't too "slippery," as Halpin describes it.

Claw clip styles for long hair

Sleekly styling long hair can be burdensome, but claw clips tend to make these styles simpler and can help anyone achieve great looks on-the-go.

"Claw clips have become so popular recently because they are such an easy way to create interesting styles, achieve volume and incorporate a fun accessory," says Halpin. "Effortless has been the name of the game in fashion recently, and claw clips are a completely effortless way to elevate a look."

Some of the more popular hairstyles with claw clips include:

The French twist

A French twist is a timeless style where hair is twisted into a vertical coil. While a French twist looks fantastic, it’s a tad easier for those with long- and medium-length hair, and it’s a particularly great way to style thick hair. Here’s how to channel a Breakfast at Tiffany’s updo with a claw clip. 

1. Pull hair back into a ponytail, ideally at ear level, suggests Halpin. For thick and/or curly hair, secure the hair into a ponytail with a no-snag elastic hair tie or bungee hook first, explains Fields. (Those with finer, less voluminous hair will likely be able to skip the hair tie step.)
2. Twist the length of the ponytail, then wrap it in an upward direction. While holding the hair up with one hand, fold the length of the twisted ponytail back down.
3. Grab a claw clip large enough to cover both the base of the ponytail and to hold the French twist. (For finer, less voluminous hair, twist the hair upward and secure it with a claw clip, leaving the ends draped over the accessory.)
4. Pull pieces out around the hairline and nape for a more undone and effortless look, adds Halpin.

The claw clip ponytail

A claw clip can provide a sleek upgrade to a standard ponytail, explains Halpin. It's ideal for all hair types and especially useful for long- and medium-length hair (and Halpin notes this style works well for fine strands, helping to give the ponytail a more voluminous appearance).

1. Finger-rake or brush the hair back into a ponytail (aim for around the ear level, suggests Halpin). For extra sturdiness, secure the ponytail with an elastic hair tie. If there are flyaways, slick hair back with pomade or hairspray.
2. Flip up the base of the ponytail and add a claw clip right above the hair tie.
3. Let the hair fall over the claw clip like a fountain. "This gives a super voluminous ponytail while still having a snatched and sleek front," says Halpin.

The bun plus claw clip

A quick and simple way to pull up hair, the bun-plus-claw-clip hairstyle is a must in everyone's styling repertoire. This simple solution is especially easy for finer strands and those with medium to long hair.

1. Finger-rake or brush the hair back into a ponytail. For extra sturdiness, feel free to secure the ponytail with an elastic hair tie.
2. Twist the ponytail downward toward the nape of the neck (as opposed to the French twist, which twists upward) and continue until the entire ponytail is twisted into a bun.
3. Secure the claw clip over the end of the twisted bun.

The half-up, half-down look

Perhaps the easiest look to accomplish on this list is the half-up, half-down claw clip hairstyle. This high-impact but low-effort style looks great on all hair lengths and types and is a particularly great claw clip hairstyle for thick hair. With this look, people can have fun with the type and size of claw clip, too, because this style can support a variety of options, from mini claw clips to colorful, bold designs.

1. Separate the top layer of hair from the bottom. To do this, Halpin suggests using the pointer fingers to trace a line from the top of the ears up to the crown of the head. Gather this hair to create a ponytail.
2. Secure the ponytail with a claw clip that will tightly hold it in place.
3. For a playful iteration of the half-up, half-down claw clip hairstyle, both Fields and Halpin suggest experimenting with the length of the ponytail. Try wrapping the ponytail into a bun and securing it with a claw clip, notes Halpin. Or twist the hair in the ponytail up, secure it with a claw clip underneath and let the ends splay over the clip. Add texture spray to them "for piecey-ness and volume," says Fields.

Claw clip styles for medium hair

Many people with medium-length hair tend to stick with the same tried-and-true styles. But it can be easy (and fun) to switch things up with just a claw clip or two. These hairstyles are ideal for showing off medium-length locks.

The fold over

A take on the half-up, half-down claw clip hairstyle, the fold over is ideal for sprucing up mid-length hair. Try experimenting with the style and design of the claw clip for a fun, individualized look.

1. Use the pointer fingers to trace a line from the top of the ears up to the crown of the head, then gather that top layer of hair into a ponytail. 
2. Twist the hair in the ponytail up into a coil, with the ends facing downward. 
3. Fold the ends into the base of the bun and clip the claw mid-length to secure the look. It sits in the middle of the back of the head.

Mini claw clips

"There are so many looks that can be created with mini claw clips," says Fields. These versatile tools make styling short- and medium-length hair, as well as thin and fine strands, particularly easy.

Here is one of Fields’s favorite ways to use mini claw clips, which is a throwback to the nineties’ butterfly clips.

1. Part the hair in the middle of the head, from ear to ear.
2. With the back half of the hair down, segment hair into two (or as many as someone wants!) sections perpendicular to the center part. Secure hair in place with the mini claw clips.

Another one of Fields' favorites includes twisting hair up into a bun and securing it with numerous mini claw clips. It's an updated, fun take on the bun-plus-claw-clip style.

Claw clip styles for shorter hair

If someone doesn't have enough hair to put in a claw clip, they can keep rocking their current style. But even neck-length hair can benefit from a clip hairdo.

The half-up, half-down look works well for this length of hair, and the fold over works well, too. And there's even a super-simplified version of the French twist. Just pull the hair back and wrap it around an index finger. Apply the clip and let the ends of hair fall down around it.

What kind of claw clip should someone buy?

When searching for the perfect claw clip, consider a few details about hair type, including hair length, density and texture.

Shorter hair will have success with smaller-sized claw clips, while those with medium-length hair will love both smaller- and medium-sized clips. (Consulte el Kitsch Eco-Friendly Oversized Matte Claw Clip Set option below.) For long hair, thicker strands and curls, an oversized clip will flawlessly hold hair in place. Note that even voluminous hair types can have tremendous fun styling with smaller- and medium-sized clips.

Some products to consider include:

• Scünci No-Slip Grip All-Day Hold mini jaw clips. These mini-sized clips can help create endless styles, including nineties butterfly-esque sections and a fresh take on securing a bun updo.
• Kitsch Eco-Friendly Oversized claw clip set. These are the chicest matte clips (in black and tortoiseshell) in a versatile medium size, ideal for a French twist for medium-length hair or long, fine strands.
• Scünci No-Slip Grip jaw clips. Finer strands will find that these Scünci clips, with the brand’s trademarked No-Slip Grip technology, keep updos in place all day long.
• Scünci Textured Hair claw clip. Can't seem to find a claw clip large enough to hold hair in place? This extra-large clip was designed for longer strands and thicker curls.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.