The coveted hair accessory is also one of the most beloved ’90s trends making a comeback in recent years. Yes, we are talking about the iconic claw clip. There’s a reason this accessory is a model’s off-time favorite. Just ask Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid, all of whom are fans. Its versatility is unmatched. With countless styles (in fact, there’s a color and size to suit everyone), claw clips offer a variety of ways to style your hair.
So, if you haven’t tried it yet, give this throwback a try. Read on for everything you need to know about styling your hair with nail clips.
how to use nail clips
Using nail clips is very simple, but a little technique goes a long way.according to Andrew FitzsimmonsThe renowned hairstylist and founder of Andrew Fitzsimmons Hair Care starts by brushing your hair to remove unwanted tangles. Then prepare to paste. “The best way to tie your hair into a claw clip is to do something like pulling your hair back into a medium to low pony,” Fitzsimmons explains.
Then begin to twist your hair with your fingers and pull the length of your hair up to create a vertical bun. Finally secure the clip. Then feel free to make adjustments to achieve your desired style.
what style to wear
In addition to the styling possibilities, what makes nail clips so versatile is that they work with a variety of hair lengths and textures. “Most hair lengths and textures work with nail clips,” says Fitzsimmons. “If you have long or thick hair, you can use a larger, more durable clip, or you can style it half-up, half-down and clip it in at the front.”
With all that in mind, check out some of our favorite claw clip hairstyles below.
twist and clip
Instagram @Shay Mitchell
Famous Hairstylist, Owner of 5 Salons & Spas Ona Diaz Santin Twist and clip is said to be the easiest nail clip hairstyle to do. As the name suggests, according to Diaz Santin, all you have to do is twist and secure a section of hair. For a more casual look, leave the ends in a feather, like this one from Madison’s Beer.
low ponytail
Instagram @infantil.accssrs
For a cool low ponytail, you can add a claw clip for a little flair. Diaz-Santin says to achieve this look, gather your hair into a ponytail (which you can position however you like) and add claw clips to keep it in place. I especially like this style with marble and patterned clips.
half up
Instagram @Kendall Jenner
You can also use the claw clip to secure the half-up, half-down style. Simply take two sections, one on each side of your head, gather them together, and clip them in place at the back. Diaz-Santin likes to give each section a unique twist to the look.
half slick back half natural
Instagram @emijayinc
Fitzsimmons recommends a half-back, half-natural style for those with thick or textured hair. “This style involves smoothing the hair with serum or cream, then twisting the rest of the hair back into the clip as usual,” he says.use something like AF1 Rebuild 10-in-1 Leave-in Conditioner To keep curls moist.
messy bang
Getty Images
Diaz-Santin also recommends going the Messi Van route. She says she twists her hair into a bun and secures it with her claw clips, leaving it loose for a relaxed look.
tendrils that frame the face
Instagram @emijayinc
Fitzsimmons is also a fan of the gentle upward twist. If you have layers, he says leaving a few to frame his face gives it a softer look.
reverse ponytail
Instagram @Bella Hadid
“I love the reverse claw clip style on long hair,” says hairstylist and founder of Ours Marilyn Cosmiro. To do this style yourself, first pull your hair into a high pony and secure it with an elastic. Then wrap the length around the elastic and pull down to secure the claw clip under the base. A higher-grade item that gives a classic accessory an edge.