Like my emotional support water bottle, I am also deeply attached to claw clips. Somewhere between stealing some from my mom’s stash in middle school and my daily “I need my hair off my neck immediately” spirals, the accessory never really left—it’s just evolved. In the process, claw clips have inspired an entire category of hair accessories to emerge, or, reemerge rather: think French pins and combs, funky elastics, sculptural barrettes, and even tiny embellished magnets that look like hair jewelry. All of them tap into that same appeal—easy, quick styling that will zhuzh up any hairstyle.
Celebrity hairstylist Meri Kate O’Connor gets it. “I love claw clips—I always have one on me,” she tells me, calling them one of the easiest ways to pull off a cute, effortless hairstyle. She’s not wrong. The newer wave (think elevated takes from brands like Emi Jay and Machete) is designed with sturdier materials that actually hold your hair in place—no mid-day snapping, no slow slide down your head. And beyond aesthetics, they’re surprisingly strategic. Instead of reaching for a tight elastic that leaves that dreaded dent, O’Connor points out that claw clips are a smarter option when you want to preserve a blowout or soft wave without creasing it.
Personally, I’ve started keeping one in every bag I own because they solve multiple problems at once: they look chic, take five seconds, and don’t undo all the effort I just put into styling my hair. Whether you’re dealing with second-day hair, post-workout mess, or just want something low-effort but still polished, a claw clip is the answer.
The Classics
These are the everyday, no-thought-required options. These medium-sized, neutral-toned clips are what I reach for when I just need my hair up and out of the way fast. Consider this your baseline claw clip.
Emi Jay took the world by storm with its high-quality, super adorable selection of claw clips that could be seen on every influencer and celebrity.
Undo Hairware
4″ Claw Clip – Tortoiseshell
These handmade in Italy clips from Undo Hairware may be the most gorgeous and sturdy options I have ever tried. All colors are beautiful neautral-leaning tones and can work with every outfit.
Jumbo Hold
If you have thick, long, layered, or curly hair, you already know not all clips are created equal. Enter: oversized styles with reinforced springs that actually grip everything at once. As O’Connor notes, newer designs are made with stronger materials, meaning they won’t snap mid-use or slowly slide out throughout the day.
L. Erickson
Signature Jumbo Claw Clip
L. Erickson excels in luxury, no-damage hair accessories, and I love this simple, oversized black claw that pairs with any outfit.
MACHETE
Jumbo Heirloom Claw in Poppy
This may be the grippiest hair clip I’ve ever tried, thanks to reinforced teeth on the claws. Senior Beauty Editor, Samantha Holender’s sister, who has incredibly thick, wavy hair, says these are the only styles that will hold her hair up and out of her face.
Mini Moments
Tiny clips, big payoff. These are perfect for half-up styles, face-framing pieces, or stacking multiple clips for a more styled look. They’re less about function and more about adding a little something extra—without trying too hard.
Everist
The Confetti Claw Clip Small
Each clip from Everist features a unique, one-of-a-kind design thanks to being made from recycled materials. It’s an adorable pop of color.
Lele Sadoughi
Lily Claw Clip
This bright red lily floral claw clip screams summer, and I can already imagine myself wearing it on the beach or a warm night out.
Embellished Energy
Pearls, rhinestones, abstract shapes—this is where claw clips start to feel like hair jewelry. O’Connor calls out the rise of “cute color options and embellishments,” and this category delivers. Use one to dress up a simple chignon or to make your lazy hair day look fully intentional.
Lelet NY
Eden Mega Claw Clip
Lelet NY has by far some of the most stunning, handmade hair accessories on the market, and this floral design—that works for the thickest of hair, no less—is a work of art.
Jennifer Behr
Satin Ruffle Jaw Clip
The silk-satin ribbon is draped over a claw clip to create a gorgeous, voluminous ruffle that pairs perfectly with a summer dress and ballet flats—chic, no?
Blowout-Savers
This is the sleeper hit category. When you want to throw your hair up without ruining a fresh blowout, skip the elastic. Claw clips loosely secure hair without creating harsh creases, helping maintain volume and shape. These, in particular, come in a flexible, soft material that can physically “squish” in your hands when you apply pressure. They’re the easiest way to extend your style while staying comfortable.
This slightly curved, flexible claw clip has become my go-to when I’m on a walk and want to keep my styled hair fresh. It’s super comfortable on the head and creates zero creases.
MELLO
The Original Hair Claw Clip
Want your flexible hair clip delivered next-day? Mello is stocked up on Amazon and comes with Prime Shipping.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Expert
Meri Kate began her career in Manhattan as an assistant and quickly built a prestigious clientele while gaining national press recognition and working with haircare brands such as Goldwell, L’Oreal, and Paul Mitchell. Meri Kate took her skills and knowledge bi-coastal, working with celebrities, influencers, and on editorial shoots for Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue.
Specializing in all aspects of color, Meri Kate is a true artist when it comes to creating dimensional blondes, rich brunettes, and vibrant reds. Her expert eye and attention to detail ensure customized, stunning results every time. Meri Kate is also an extension expert, working with clients to perfectly match their hair color and texture, delivering seamless, natural-looking fuller and longer hair.
Meri Kate has been named a top colorist by Refinery 29 as well as being featured in Allure Magazine’s Best of Beauty Directory as the best colorist in NYC. She is regularly quoted in Allure, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Marie Claire, and In-Style. Meri Kate’s celebrity clients include Billie Eilish, Mimi Webb, Snoh Aalegra, Kate Micucci, Zara Larson, Elizabeth Posey.
