14 Messy Claw Clip Hairstyles That Are Actually Easy to DIY

14 Messy Claw Clip Hairstyles That Are Actually Easy to DIY

If there’s one hair accessory that’s earned a permanent spot in my bathroom drawer, it’s the claw clip. It works on second-day hair, it works when you’re running late, and it somehow always looks like you tried harder than you actually did. Below are 14 messy claw clip hairstyles that come together in under five minutes, no salon skills required.

Small Claw Clip Hairstyle

Small claw clips are perfect when you don’t want a big chunky bun taking over your whole head. This works especially well on fine or medium hair, since a smaller clip won’t slide out under too much weight. Just gather the top half of your hair, twist it loosely, and clip it close to your scalp for a look that reads more “put together” than “thrown together.” It’s a great option for fine-haired girls who feel like bigger claw clips make their hair look thinner than it is.

Medium Hair Claw Clip Tousled Bun

Medium length hair is honestly the sweet spot for a tousled claw clip bun. Twist your hair upward, let the ends fan out a little instead of tucking them in perfectly, and secure with a medium claw clip. The slightly undone ends give it that lived-in texture that feels effortless without looking sloppy. This one’s a favorite for running errands or grabbing coffee because it takes seconds but still looks intentional.

Messy Claw Clip Updo for Relaxed Days

This is the one I reach for on days when I genuinely cannot be bothered to look in the mirror twice. Flip your head upside down, gather your hair into a loose pile at the crown, and clip it in place without worrying about smoothing every strand. A few face-framing pieces left loose actually make it look better, not worse. It suits pretty much every face shape since the volume at the crown balances things out.

Half Up Half Down Claw Clip with Volume

For anyone who loves having hair down but still wants it out of their face, this half up style is the answer. Take the top section of your hair, backcomb it slightly at the roots for lift, then twist and clip it so it sits a little forward on your head rather than flat against it. The volume up top makes even fine or thin hair look fuller. It works beautifully on wavy or curly textures where the bottom half already has natural movement.

Elegant Claw Clip Updo with Floral Accent

Sometimes a claw clip needs to dress up a little, and this is where a small floral pin or clip comes in. Twist your hair into a loose low bun, secure it with your claw clip, then tuck a floral accessory right at the base for a romantic touch. This one’s lovely for brunch dates, garden parties, or honestly any excuse to feel a little extra. It works on long or medium hair and looks especially pretty with soft curtain bangs framing your face.

Claw Clip Braided Ponytail Combo

Braids and claw clips are an underrated combo, and this style proves it. Start with a loose three-strand or fishtail braid down the back, then use a claw clip to gather any flyaways at the crown into a small twist above it. It gives you texture and structure without looking overly styled. This works especially well on thick hair that tends to feel heavy in a regular ponytail, since the braid distributes the weight more evenly.

Curly Claw Clip Puff for Natural Volume

Curly and coily hair deserves its own claw clip moment, and this puff style shows off natural texture instead of fighting it. Gather your curls loosely at the crown, letting some spring out around the hairline, and secure with a wide-tooth claw clip that won’t crease your curls. This is a low-manipulation style, which curly-haired folks know is basically gold for hair health. A little curl cream on the ends beforehand keeps things soft and defined.

Half Up Claw Clip Twist for Soft Texture

This one’s all about that soft, slightly undone twist look. Take two sections from either side of your part, cross them over each other once or twice, and clip them together at the back. It’s subtle, it’s quick, and it works on straight or wavy hair without needing any heat styling. I like this for days when I’ve air-dried my hair and want a little shape without committing to a full updo.

Low Claw Clip Bun for Office Days

When you need something polished enough for work but still want the ease of a claw clip, a low bun is the move. Gather all your hair at the nape, twist it just enough to hold its shape, and clip it low and close to your neck. It reads clean and professional while still taking under a minute to do. This style suits longer hair best, since you need enough length to twist without the ends poking out awkwardly.

Beachy Claw Clip Half Bun

If your hair already has natural waves or you’ve used a texturizing spray, this half bun lets that texture shine. Instead of twisting the top section tightly, just scrunch it up loosely and clip it so it sits a bit messy on top. Leave the rest of your hair down and tousled. It’s giving beach day energy even if the closest you’re getting to sand is your living room floor.

Claw Clip High Pony Twist

For a style with a little more height and drama, try clipping a twisted section at the base of a high ponytail. Pull your hair up into a ponytail first, then take a small piece and wrap it around the base, securing the tail end with a small claw clip instead of hiding it with an elastic. It hides the hair tie completely and adds a cute little detail that photographs really well. This works on most hair lengths as long as you have enough for a proper ponytail.

Side-Swept Claw Clip Updo

Not every claw clip style needs to sit dead center, and this side-swept version proves it. Gather your hair diagonally toward one side, twist gently, and clip it just above or behind your ear. It’s a nice option for asymmetrical face-framing and looks especially good with a deep side part. I love this one for date nights since it feels a little more styled without any actual effort involved.

Double Claw Clip Twisted Style

Using two claw clips instead of one opens up a lot of styling options, and this twisted double-clip look is one of my favorites. Twist each side of your hair separately toward the back and pin them with a claw clip on each side, letting the ends meet or overlap slightly in the middle. It creates a woven look without any actual braiding skill needed. This is great for thick or long hair that tends to overwhelm a single clip.

Claw Clip Top Knot for Short Layers

If you’ve got shorter layers or a lob, a full claw clip bun might not be realistic, but a small top knot absolutely is. Gather whatever hair you can at the crown, twist it a couple times, and clip it so the shorter pieces are still tucked in as much as possible. Some face-framing layers will naturally fall out, and that’s honestly part of the charm. This one’s proof that you don’t need long hair to enjoy a good claw clip moment.

Honestly, the best part about claw clips is that there’s no wrong way to use one. Twist it messy, twist it neat, throw in a braid or a floral pin, whatever fits your day. Keep a few different sizes on hand, and you’ll always have a fast, cute option no matter what your hair’s doing that morning.