Claw Clip Hairstyles for Thick Hair

Whoever said those with thick hair can’t use claw clips have never met the right claw clip hairstyles for thick hair. The hairstyling staple can tame any mane—most notably fuller, thicker hair types—with a simple gather and grasp. But there are a few things to keep in mind when reaching for the accessory, so we enlisted the help of Gina Rivera, stylist and founder of Phenix Salon, and Nicolette Rauchet, senior stylist at Lrn Beauty, for a few claw clip lessons, including a trio of easy-to-follow tutorials to achieve the look at home. Read on for a crash course on your new favorite hair clips.

Table of Contents

    What are the benefits of using claw clips?

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Prose: Custom Haircare (@prose)

    Claw clips are great for those who love ponytails but hate the breakage that’s associated with the classic updo. 

    “It’s easy to remove claw clips without the hair suffering from the normal indents and creases that are created from ponytail holders, barrettes, and other hair accessories,” says Rivera, adding that “claw clips are terrific for pulling the hair back fully or in sections.” 

    Rauchet agrees: “They allow for less tension and less manipulation of the hair shaft.”

    Claw clips do’s and don’ts

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Prose: Custom Haircare (@prose)

    As with most beauty hacks, there are do’s and dont’s when it comes to claw clips. Rauchet breaks them down below.

    DO Find a claw clip that works for your hair type or, more specifically, one “that suits your thickness.” Not all clips are created equal. A simple rule of thumb? “If you feel any pulling or struggle to gather all of your hair in a clip, it’s not the correct size,” says Rauchet. “Size up!” 

    DON’T jam up the clip. “If you just start roughing the hair into it you may get some strands of hair stuck in the mechanics of the clip and end up pulling and causing breakage,” shares Rauchet. “Less is more.”

    DO your research. “Investing in an expensive, heavy duty clip is usually best,” adds Rauchet. “Using two clips to get all the hair up defeats the purpose of it looking fashionable. Go for the larger size!”

    Products for claw clip hairstyles for thick hair

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Prose: Custom Haircare (@prose)

    Keeping the hair hydrated with a leave-in conditioner is key when using claw clips. Not only does the leave-in keep hair healthy, but it also makes it a lot more manageable when it comes to styling. Rivera recommends opting for a leave-in conditioner that boasts hair-boosting ingredients like biotin, collagen, and B vitamins.

    The easiest claw clip hairstyles for thick hair

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Prose: Custom Haircare (@prose)

    It’s true what they say: Thick hair don’t care—especially if claw clips are involved. These three claw clip hairstyles for thick hair are expert-approved and recommended. Find your best match below and try them out yourself.

    Hairstyle #1:

    Gather the hair slightly above the nape of the neck, twist hair in one direction to create a French twist, then clip the twisted portion to the scalp. Allow remaining hair to cascade out of the top of the clip at the crown for a fun and messy look.

    Hairstyle #2:

    Simply pull the hair above the ears back and clip into place, mid-crown on the back of your head. For extra height, tease the hair at the top of the crown and gently comb or brush the top layer of the hair over the teased portion prior to holding into place.

    Hairstyle #3:

    Gather the hair at the nape of the neck. Twist the hair 2-3 times counterclockwise, depending on the hair length. Place the claw clip low on the scalp over the twisted hair. Allow the remaining hair to create a ponytail that drapes over the top of the claw clip. Pull out a few face-framing hair for an effortlessly charming look.

    ONLY GOOD HAIR DAYS—Think of us as your partner in haircare. Start with our innovative consultation.GET YOUR FORMULA

    FOLLOW US: