The Best Claw Clips That Make Lazy Updos Look Runway-Ready

If you know anything about claw clips, you’ve heard the name Emi Jay. As seen on it-girls Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber, these clips not only come in dozens of sizes and playful designs, but they also boast a strong hold on all hair types.

Material: Acetate

Size: Large

Revolve rating: 4.7/5

An ELLE editor says: “Emi Jay is just that girl when it comes to claw clips. I have a variety of sizes and designs in my arsenal, but my top choice has to be the Big Effing Clip (although it was very hard to choose). Contrary to the name, it’s more of a medium-large size. Regardless, it holds my long hair so securely without creating dents or causing any discomfort. Plus, the colors and patterns offered are just adorable.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer

If you love repping your own name or initials on your accessories, RPZL created the perfect claw clip to avoid any girls’ trip mishaps. The chic tortoiseshell design also features an engraved gold initial of your choosing.

Material: Acetate

Size: Medium

Amazon rating: 3.9/5

An ELLE editor says: “Nothing makes me feel more elite than rocking a personalized claw clip, and I love the tortoiseshell design of this one. It doesn’t have the strongest hold, so it may not be best for extra-thick strands, but it secures my medium-thick mane for all-day wear. I especially like throwing it in for a polished half-up, half-down style.”—Emma Aerin Becker

Struggling to find a claw clip that can tackle extra-thick, extra-long locks? The Hair Edit’s Epic Clip is a rectangular claw clip that is absolutely jumbo, making it ideal for securing heavy hair.

Material: Plastic

Size: Extra large

Ulta rating: 4.8/5

An Ulta reviewer says: “If you want the strongest hair clip on earth, I’ve found it! Holy cow, it holds hair no matter what you do. I love wearing it when working out in the garden, when mowing the lawn, running to the store, keeping my hair up in the shower, driving down the road with the windows down and the music cranked—It. Never. Slips! Love, love, love this hair clip so much. It’s epic, indeed!”

Adina Eden has taken claw clips to the next level. The brand offers hair clips shaped like all your favorite fruits, foods, cocktails, flowers—even dogs. Their smaller size and looser hold make these great for adding accents to updos or half-up styles.

Material: Acetate

Size: Small-medium

An ELLE editor says: “I could spend hours browsing all the fun and playful Adina Eden claw clip designs. I’ve loved wearing the lemon clip all summer long, but the dogs and cocktails are just as—if not more—adorable.”—Emma Aerin Becker

Lelet NY makes metal claw clips that channel the cool-girl energy of bold, chunky jewelry. Match your hoops to your hair with the brand’s luxe metallic clips, available in a range of shapes and sizes. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of shine to any outfit.

Material: 14 karat gold or rhodium

Size: Large

Lelet NY rating: 4.6/5

A Lelet NY reviewer says: “This claw clip looks and feels so luxurious! I have thick, long hair and it holds perfectly.”

The Stella Petite Crystal Hair Claw from Violet and Brooks is small but mighty. Larger than the iconic butterfly clips of the ’90s but not quite the size of a medium claw clip, it’s the perfect in-between size to accent an updo.

Material Acetate

Size: Small

An ELLE editor says: “I was on the hunt for the perfect petite claw clip that’s not too small, not too big, and actually has some hold. I purchased the Stella Petite Crystal Hair Claw on a whim, and immediately purchased a second color after trying it. The black rhinestone colorway is so chic, and it seriously secures my strands in place—whether it’s just my money pieces, half my head, or the full mane in an extra-tight bun.”—Emma Aerin Becker

My one problem with claw clips is that you can’t lay your head against anything without the combs digging into your scalp—until now. Kitsch’s flat claw clips solve the issue, delivering the same secure hold with a flat-back design.

Material: Recycled plastic

Size: Small, medium, large

Amazon rating: 4.2/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have hip-length hair and ordered the biggest clip in navy. This clip lays flat and gives me more peace of mind when laying my head against the head rest—not to mention it’s a lot more comfortable and I don’t have to strain my neck forward to make room for it when sitting in my car or in an office chair. It surprisingly holds my hair really well, too, and is made really well. I’ve had this clip now for a few months.”

Sometimes all you need is a mini claw clip with a cute design, especially if you have short or thin hair. Machete is praised for its pretty, iridescent clips with an extra-strong hold, and the mini version still manages to deliver both.

Material: Acetate

Size: Extra small

Amazon rating: 4.4/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my favorite claw clip, I wear my hair in a low bun daily with this. The color looks great with my dark blonde hair. I’ve dropped this a bunch of times too and none of the prongs have broken. It holds my thick hair very well. At first I was hesitant about spending this much for one clip, but it’s totally worth it for how much use I’m getting, and it looks expensive too!”

The Jennifer Behr Czarina Jaw hair clip may be pricey, but it’s crafted from 100 percent rhodium-plated brass and encrusted with pavé crystals. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, after all.

Material: Rhodium-plated brass, synthetic crystal

Size: Large

A Farfetch reviewer says: “While Jennifer Behr might be on the pricier side, the quality here is worth it! My hair is down to my waist and VERY heavy, but this claw clip didn’t even budge while I was wearing it!”

If you’re looking to add a little spice to your claw clip collection, look no further than the Chunks Nimbus Claw. The medium-sized accessory features a unique cloud-like shape and is available in 24 vibrant patterns.

Material: Acetate

Size: Medium

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “The Nimbus Claw Clip is by far the most durable-feeling hair clip I’ve ever owned. I have long, thick, straight hair, and this clip does a great job at holding up my hair. My hair does not budge when I use this clip to secure it in an updo. If you do have thicker, longer hair, just beware that this clip is larger than you might think, so it may stick out if you’re looking to use it for an updo. The ‘Jelly’ pattern is very pretty and looks almost iridescent in person. So far, this clip has proven to be well worth it.”