You know those big, usually ugly clips that everyone was hoarding in the 90s? Well, they’re back and better than ever, and they’re clearly here to stay. The question on everyone’s lips: How can you make them look good? There are some people (looking at you, Matilda Djerf) that have that effortless style when it comes to clips and claws, but perfecting your technique isn’t all that easy. If you’re having trouble, read on for some expert advice.
The comeback of the clip-in is a trend much loved by hair experts. “I love that they’re used by everyone — there’s no one way,” she said David Lopeza famous hairdresser.
“I love a good ’90s cut,” said Stephanie Angelone, master stylist at RPZL hair extension and blowout bar in New York City. “My favorite look is pairing a claw clip with textured waves that look like a cascading ponytail like Kim Kardashian did. [her hair] several times recently.” TBlow-drying is essential when trying tousled hairstyles for hold and longevity of the look, Angelone said.
The good thing about clip-in hairstyles is that they can be as glam or romantic as you want them to be. “I love a low, twisted, cropped hairstyle,” said Raven Hurtado, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “Put your hair in a low ponytail, twist it and secure it with a clip. Remove the front and temples and back pieces for velveting.
Can a clip look chic?
Absolutely, according to experts. This is partly due to the endless clip options available today. “Clips don’t look the same as they did in 1989 — they’re embellished with crystals and can be worn all day and even at night,” Lopez said.
In beauty, nothing is ever unique, given how personal our routines are, from skin to body to hair. “A lot of people love the ‘twist and pin,’ which is easy to do, it takes the hair off the face, but those are just accessories,” Lopez said. “Play and experiment.”
Find the right size clamp
It all depends on the style you want to achieve, the type of hair you have and how heavy it is. Clips with smaller claws are preferable for fine hair; for thick curly hair, the bigger the better.
“Depending on the hairstyle, small claw clips (one to two inches) are ideal for thinner or shorter hair, sideburns, half-ups and updos,” Hurtado said. “Medium claw clips are the best for everything, and they’re also great for twists.”
Different hair techniques
Each of the experts I spoke to has their own way of doing things. Below are their suggestions.
Curly hair
Hurtado: “Part your hair at the top like you would in a half-up, half-down style and secure it in a loose bun with a clip. Repeat the same step for the bottom half. You should have two loose buns secured with claw clips. Let the pieces fall naturally and around the face for a chic look.
Angelone: ”For curly hair, I would recommend using curl creams. Wash your hair [and] add your favorite curl cream and curl enhancing products so your hair looks full and textured after you cut it.”
Here are some TikTok tutorials for curly hair:
Heavy hair
Lopez: “When it comes to heavy hair, you want to create a foundation underneath. So, if you find that the clip is slipping out of your hair, then you want to add some texturizing spray or hairspray to the clip itself to get a little more grip. If you want to go halfway through the style, you can also add a texturizing spray directly to the hair.
Hurtado: “Put your hair in a low ponytail, securing it with a tie, so you know the hair isn’t going anywhere. Twist and pin it in place and let the ends of the hair hang from the claw clip.
Frizzy hair
Lopez: “I would even suggest embracing the frizz! Have fun, put a bobby pin here and there and tuck some hair behind your ears. Do it with a purpose!
Hurtado: “Put your hair in a ponytail at the back and section it in half, then braid the sections together to form a rope braid. Once you’ve braided all the way through, pick it up, wrap it, and secure it with a claw clip. You should have a structured style.
Angelone:Most frizzy hair tends to look its best on day two when the natural oils have diffused through the hair and tamed the frizz at this point so it will be easier to style , smoothed and have a textured result.”
Wavy hair
Hurtado: “Section the top half of your hair and pull your hair back as if you were putting it in a ponytail. Test the ponytail around your fingers once, then secure it with a pin. The ends of the hair should be out and visible from the bottom of the claw clip. This style should be a tousled look.
Angelone: Cut your hair and curl it section by section. I would recommend curling with a similar wave Brand Beauty Babe Waves. This will help enhance your natural waves and give you extra hold.”
Smooth hair
Hurtado: “For straight hair, it’s easy to run out the door. If you’re in a rush, quickly wrap your hair once and secure with a fun clip.”
Lopez: “I embrace straight hair and love bobby pins [old school metal clips]. The embellished ones look great and are so easy to use in the front of the hair. It simply clicks into place.
Curtain photos
Hurtado: “Run through the fringe of the curtain until you get a bang effect. Wrap your hair high enough and secure with a clip. Pull out random pieces of hair. This style gives Pamela Anderson vibes.
Lopez: “I like to use pins to hold the side of the curtain fringe and highlight the center of the fringe”
Angelone: ”Those bobbies are literally made for people with bangs! It gives you that extra volume and up-do look in the face while the hair is cut. I cut mine on purpose so I could do this hairstyle!

I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.