For a claw clip updo that stays put, gather your hair into a low ponytail with your hand, twist it tightly upward against the back of your head, fold the ends down so they are tucked along the twist, and close the claw over the whole twist so its teeth reach through to the hair lying against your scalp. That last part is the key. A clip that grips only the twist will slide. A clip that also catches the base hair has something to anchor to.
What do you need?
- A claw clip sized to your hair
- A brush or comb
- Optional: texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, and a couple of bobby pins
Which size of clip?
| Hair | Clip | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fine or thin | Small to medium, with closely set teeth | A large clip has gaps the hair falls through |
| Medium | Medium | Holds a full twist comfortably |
| Thick or long | Large, with long teeth and a strong spring | Small clips pop open under the weight |
| Half-up styles | Small | Only part of the hair is held |
The classic twist, step by step
- Brush your hair back and gather it at the nape, as if for a low ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail in one direction until it is firm along its full length.
- Lift the twist straight up against the back of your head.
- Fold the ends down. If the twist extends past the crown, fold the tail back down and tuck it behind or alongside the twist.
- Open the claw wide and place it over the middle of the twist.
- Push the teeth in until you feel them against your scalp on both sides, then release.
- Test it. Shake your head gently. If it moves, reposition the clip so more teeth sit in the base hair.
- Pull out a few face-framing pieces if you like a softer look.
Three more ways to wear a claw clip
Half-up
Take the hair from your temples back to the crown, twist it once and clip it flat against your head. Leave the rest down.
Low twisted bun
Twist the ponytail and coil it into a flat bun at the nape. Clip across the coil with the teeth pointing toward your head.
Fan top
Do the classic twist but leave the ends out over the top of the clip, so they fan out above it.
Why does it slip, and how do you fix it?
- Hair is too clean and silky. Add texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots and through the lengths before twisting.
- The twist is loose. Twist until it is firm before you lift it.
- The clip is only on the twist. Press it in further so it catches the hair beneath.
- The clip is the wrong size. Too small springs open. Too large lets fine hair slide through.
- The clip sits too low. The weight of the twist pulls it down. Move it to the middle of the twist.
- Very fine or layered hair. Tie a small low ponytail with a thin elastic first, then twist and clip. A hidden bobby pin at the base also helps.
A shaped clip for twists and buns
The Uexim butterfly claw hair clip is a butterfly-shaped claw clip for twisting hair up into buns and coiled styles. It comes in seven colors: yellow, blue, green, purple, red, pink and white. One claw clip is included.
How do you keep it comfortable?
- Do not twist so tightly that it pulls at the hairline.
- Position the clip so it does not press into your head against a car seat or chair back. For driving, a lower or half-up placement is more comfortable.
- Take it out before lying down or sleeping.
- Move the position from day to day.
Tips by hair type
- Short hair, bob length: go half-up, or clip a small twist at the crown.
- Curly hair: gather loosely, twist once and clip, leaving curls to spill over the top.
- Layered hair: expect shorter pieces to fall out at the front. Treat them as part of the look, or pin them.
- Very long hair: fold the twist in half before clipping, or coil it into a bun.
Care
Open and close the clip by the handles, not by forcing the teeth apart. Wipe off hairspray and product, and store it where it will not be sat on or crushed. Check the spring and teeth now and then, and stop using a clip with a cracked or broken tooth.
Frequently asked questions
Are claw clips better for hair than elastics?
They hold without wrapping tightly around one spot, which many people find gentler and less likely to leave a ponytail dent.
Can I use a claw clip on wet hair?
Yes, loosely. Tight styles on wet hair can strain it, and hair may dry with a bend.
How do I stop a claw clip giving me a headache?
Loosen the twist and move the clip so the teeth are not pressing on one point.
Do decorative shapes hold as well as plain ones?
Hold depends on the size of the clip, the teeth and the spring, not the shape of the top. Match the clip to how much hair you have.
The bottom line
Twist firmly, lift, tuck the ends, and press the claw in until it grips the hair beneath the twist. With a little texture in the hair and the right size of clip, the updo stays where you put it.
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