3 Easy Ways to Style Your Hair With a 90s Claw Clip (Yep, They’re Back!)

claw clip hairstyles claw clip hairstyles

Remember the claw clip? You know, the hair accessory everyone wore in the 90s and 00s? Well, she's back.

If you grew up in the 90s or were old enough to be doing your hair in that decade, the claw clip is like an old friend you haven’t seen for a while, but when you catch up, it's like nothing’s changed. 

Maybe yours was a plain black plastic one that just held all your hair up in the most effortless way. Or tortoiseshell - that was the claw clip you got if you were classy and grown up.

If you were more into the 90s Y2K fashion that came later on in the decade, or were still in primary school, your claw clip would've been electric blue. Or a crystal butterfly.

Bonus points if you had a heavy layer of body and hair glitter, lilac capri pants and Backstreet Boys blasting from your CD player.

Just like everything else in fashion and beauty, claw clips are officially cool again.

Thanks to celebs like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, Gen Z have discovered the amazingness of said hair accessory (along with every other 90s-00s trend), and are rocking the style all over social.

Wanna know how to style claw clips? Keep scrolling for my step-by-step tutorial.

How to Use a Claw Clip - Tutorial.

OK, so what products do you need for a claw clip hairstyle?

We’ll start with the obvious one, a claw clip!

Claw hair clips come in different shapes, sizes and patterns depending on how you want to style your claw clip, and your hair length/texture.

For example, you can find large claw clips for thick hair, and smaller claw hair clips.

Shop our most popular claw clips here:


As for other hair styling products, here are some of my favourites to use when styling with claw clips:


3 Claw Clip Hairstyles. 

Now, for your claw clip styling tutorial. 

Watch the YouTube video below to see how I style claw clips three ways. Or read on for all the details.


1. How to Use a Claw Clip for a Half Up, Half Down Style.

What: A ridiculously easy style that makes it look like you put effort in, also great for second or third day hair.

Best for: Anyone! Short, medium, long hair friends can all wear this style.

Products you may need: A small claw clip, a rat tail comb and hairspray.

How to use your claw clip:

  • Divide hair horizontally from ear to ear.

  • If you want the style to read ‘effortless’, use your index fingers to split your hair and meet at the back of your head.

  • If you’re after a sleek style, use the rat tail end of a comb to create a clean line.

  • Gather the hair from the top half and twist the pony.

  • Secure with your claw clip.

  • Pull out some strands in the front if you want a little face-framing action.

Balmain Paris Small Clip - Tortoise Balmain Paris Small Clip - Tortoise


2. How to Use Large Claw Clips for a Low Bun Style.

What: A sleek-ish style worn low with the hair twisted back and secured with a clip.

Best for: Short to long hair of all textures, anyone who wants their hair away from their face.

Products you may need: Large claw clip, texture spray (if you have hair that needs a little extra grip), hairspray (if you want hold), hair tie to secure the ponytail (if you want it to feel tight).

How to use your claw clip:

  • Start by slicking hair back, centre part or combed back. Totally up to you.

  • Gather hair into a ponytail, secure with a thin hair tie if you want extra hold.

  • Twist it until the end of the pony is facing upwards and clip your hair.

  • If your hair is long enough, it should spill out over the top of the clip.

Mermade Hair Claw Clip - Clear Mermade Hair Claw Clip - Clear


3. How to Use Claw Hair Clips for a Faux Chignon Hairstyle.

What: Similar to the above style, but worn higher up with the ponytail twisted and tucked into the clip to create a faux chignon (chic style of bun).

Best for: If you have long hair and want everything tucked neatly away, this is the ultimate style for how to use a claw clip with long hair.

Products you may need: A medium to large claw clip, comb, hair tie, hairspray or wax (a product that will give hold).

How to use your claw clip:

  • Start by combing hair back and into a medium to high ponytail.

  • Twist it round as though you’re putting it in a bun but stop when the ponytail is facing down.

  • Secure just under the hair tie and so the pony is fully hidden in the clip.

Mermade Hair Claw Clip - Pink Mermade Hair Claw Clip - Pink


A few final claw clip hairstyle tips:

  • If you have fine hair, add a little volume and grit with a mist of volumizing spray and blow dry. Or wave your hair!

  • If your style is more sleek, keep a pomade, gel or hairspray handy to slick back any flyaways.

That's it! Now, put on your late 90s playlist, silver eyeshadow and get to styling your hair!

How to Use Hair Clips, Hair Claws Clips and Elastics Without Damaging Your Hair

To keep your hair looking glossy and gorgeous, here are a few damage-free ways to style your hair into an updo.

  • Work with smooth hair. Make sure you brush your hair and keep it knot free when popping it in an updo.

  • Dry your hair first. Never put damp hair up in a ponytail or bun, your hair is very fragile when wet. Tying your hair up can cause breakage.

  • Keep your hair hydrated. Pop in some leave-in conditioner, serums, or sprays to give it a little more hydration. Dry strands can lead to breakage and damage.

  • Watch your ends. The rest of your hair may be glossy and shiny but that doesn't mean your ends are. Pop in some serums, oils, or treatments to keep those ends looking healthy.

  • Get creative. Wearing your hair the same way every day can cause breakage overtime. If you wear your hair in a bun one day, try wearing it down another, or go for a loose bun.

  • Keep it loose. Putting your tresses up in a tight ponytail or bun can cause damage, of course sometimes we all want a sleek bun but make sure you're not doing it every day or your hair may pay the price.

    Subscribe for beauty sales, free goodies, advice and SO much more!