Why the claw clip has us hooked
BY Samantha Petrelli ★ november 1st, 2026
Picture Credits: Maia Simmons
From practicality to practically everywhere, the claw clip has taken over the fashion scene. While claw clips have been around since the 1980s, they surged in popularity beginning in 2020 and have only increased since. Influencers like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Bella Hadid have been seen sporting the claw clip, aiding the rise of this must-have accessory.
The beloved claw clip has infiltrated college campuses, offices, social media, and almost everywhere you look. But, why do people love claw clips so much? The answer is simple: practicality and aesthetic. Bad hair day? Claw clip! Can’t decide on what to do with your hair? Claw clip! Want your hair out of your face? Claw clip! In a rush? Claw clip! Claw clips provide a simple, easy, and quick way to do your hair while still looking put together.
The trendiest style to wear your claw clip is the classic half up half down. Just pull back the face framing sections of your hair and secure it to the back of your head with the clip positioned in the center. Although, the proper height of the clip is a controversial topic,when is the clip too far up on your head? Make sure to put your claw clip in a comfortable place on your head, but not too far up where it looks like a hat.
Another way to wear a claw clip is to put all of your hair up into it, so it kind of looks like a bun. There are two approaches: 1) Wrap your hair around the clip and fasten it around all of your hair, or 2) Gather all of your hair up and then fasten the clip around it. Other styles include a French twist, ponytail, low twist, and using smaller clips to pull back bangs or other pieces of hair to the side so they are not in your face.
There are many brands that have emerged that make claw clips to keep up with the trend. The most prominent and well known (and ultimately the most expensive) is Emi Jay. They are most known for making very strong and high-quality clips that can hold hair no matter how much you shake your head or move around. Another brand is Parke. Most famously known for their mocknecks, Parke also makes matching claw clips with mockneck drops. Each claw clip comes in a little Parke pouch to carry the clip around in or put other essentials in.
Anthropologie, Altar’d State, Alo, and Roller Rabbit also make their own claw clips as well. Additionally, you can almost always find claw clips on Amazon, at Target, or any other similar store. The brand Mello is known for making flexible and soft claw clips. They are squishy, so if you put your head back against something, such as when in a car, it won’t hurt.
Claw clips combine style and comfort. Effortless hairstyles can be created in seconds, keeping you chic and fashionable while on the go. Utilizing different clip styles and colors and matching them to your outfits can seamlessly elevate any look. They easily hold hair securely and out of your face whether you are studying, working, or running errands. There are versatile sizes to hold any hair type. Claw clips create a practical solution for managing hair and look great with any outfit, a perfect mix of convenience and style.
Edited by maia Simmons