Claw Clip Hairstyles That Feel Fresh, Chic, and Effortless

If you’re anything like me, then you probably have a spare claw clip tucked away in every purse, desk drawer, and vanity cabinet. Why? Because it’s the easiest, quickest way to pull your hair back, whether you got caught in the rain, forgot a hair tie before pilates, or simply need to scoop some hair off your face while locked in at work. However, the best claw clips are no longer reserved for lazy updos or last-minute twists. In fact, hairstylist, salon owner, and SRI Labs consultant Jessica Small calls them “the most underrated tools in anyone’s hair routine.”

“People think of them as a ‘no time to do my hair’ option, but I love them because they do the opposite,” she says. “They actually elevate a look in seconds, so you get all the polish of an updo without any of the effort.” Better yet, today’s claw clips come in countless sizes, shapes, and finishes designed to suit every hair type and texture, from fine and straight to thick and curly. And because they require virtually no technique, they’re just as beginner-friendly as they are stylish. “You don’t need perfect technique for a claw clip to look intentional, which is what makes it such a confidence-building tool for clients who say they’re not good at doing their own hair.”

To help you get the most out of the accessory, I asked Small to break down her seven favorite claw-clip hairstyles, complete with tips for recreating each at home. I also rounded up celebrity and fashion week inspiration for every look, along with the best claw clips on the market to help you achieve them. Ahead, discover the chicest claw clip styles to wear this season, and the ones worth adding to your collection.

Slicked-Back Twist

Rather than the classic, tousled twist, Small suggests opting for a sleeker version of the style, as Bella Hadid did above. To get the look, simply gather your hair at the nape of the neck and secure it high on the crown with a medium claw clip. “For an even sleeker version, I’ll smooth the front sections first with a flat iron,” she adds. Top with hairspray or gel, smooth down flyaways with a boar-bristle brush, and you’re good to go.

Effortless Bun Wrap

To achieve this style, gather hair into a loose, low bun, then secure it in place with a clip rather than an elastic. “This is the one people are always shocked takes ten seconds,” Small says. “It works best on hair that isn’t fighting frizz, so I’ll often have clients blow it out first so the bun stays smooth.”

Small Claw Pony

For this Hailey Bieber-inspired style, a low ponytail is wrapped with a small section of hair, then pinned with a small claw clip instead of being tucked and taped. “It’s a fun way to dress up a basic ponytail for dinner or a date without changing the whole style,” Small notes.

Twisted Half-Up

As seen here, two slim face-framing pieces are twisted back and met in the center with a small claw clip, leaving the rest of the hair down. “This is great for keeping hair out of your face on a windy day while still looking done,” Small says. “If a client wants soft movement in the hair that’s left down, I’ll run a curling iron through a few sections first.”

Low Looped Bun

For this easy-to-achieve look, gather hair low at the nape, loop it once through itself, and hold it with a large claw clip. “It reads more editorial than a typical bun because it’s a little undone and asymmetrical,” Small explains. “I like to rough-dry with a diffuser attachment beforehand so there’s already some texture to work with.”

Side-Swept Twist

For this look, all the hair is swept to one side, twisted loosely, and clipped above the ear. “This is one of my favorite event looks because it photographs beautifully from the front and shows off earrings or a strapless dress,” Small says. “For this one, I almost always start with a full blowout for volume at the root, since the twist needs something to grab onto.”

Casual Top Section Clip

Rather than meticulously gathering pieces of your hair up and back to create this style, simply clip the top section back and let the rest stay fully down and loose. “This is for clients who want the styled look of an updo but don’t want to commit to having their hair up,” says Small. “It’s subtle, but it changes the whole shape of the hairstyle.”