23 Long Hair Claw Clip Hairstyles Inspo That’s Giving Us Everything

23 Long Hair Claw Clip Hairstyles Inspo That’s Giving Us Everything

If you’ve scrolled past a single claw clip video on your feed this month, you already know these things are having a moment. And honestly? They deserve it. A good claw clip can turn “I have five minutes before I need to leave” into a look that actually feels put together. Whether your hair is thick and unruly or fine and slippery, there’s a claw clip style here that’ll work with what you’ve got, not against it.

We rounded up 23 long hair claw clip hairstyles that go way beyond the basic “twist it up and clip it” move. Some are quick everyday saves, others are dressy enough for a night out, and a few work even if your hair texture usually fights you. Grab your favorite clip (or three) and let’s get into it.

Half-Up Claw Clip Twist

This one’s the reigning champion of low-effort, high-payoff hairstyles. You twist the top section of your hair back and secure it with a medium claw clip, letting the rest fall loose. It works beautifully on wavy or straight hair and suits pretty much any face shape since it keeps movement around your jawline. Add a little texturizing spray before you twist for extra grip and a slightly undone finish.

Low Claw Clip Bun

A low claw clip bun sits right at the nape of your neck and reads polished without trying too hard. Gather your hair, twist it into a loose coil, fold it upward, and clamp it in place. This style is a favorite for thick hair because the clip actually holds the weight, unlike bobby pins that give up by noon. It’s an easy pick for office days or long flights.

Messy Claw Clip Ponytail

Instead of a smooth, brushed-back pony, this version embraces a little chaos. Pull your hair up loosely, let a few pieces slip out around your face, then secure the base with a claw clip instead of an elastic. It’s especially flattering on wavy or curly textures since the natural bend adds volume on top. Fine hair benefits too, since the clip creates instant fullness at the crown.

Claw Clip Space Buns

Space buns got a glow-up thanks to claw clips replacing the usual hair ties. Split your hair into two sections, twist each one, and clip them at the crown or slightly lower for a softer look. This style suits round and heart-shaped faces particularly well because it draws the eye upward. It’s playful, a little retro, and genuinely fun to wear on weekends.

Sleek Claw Clip Updo

When you want something that looks like you spent real time on it, this is the one. Smooth your hair back with a boar bristle brush and some gel, then twist it into a tight coil before clipping. Straight and fine hair types take especially well to this since there’s no frizz fighting the sleek finish. It’s a solid choice for interviews, dinners, or anytime you want to look extra pulled together.

Claw Clip with Face-Framing Pieces

Not every claw clip style needs to pull all your hair back. Leave two soft face-framing pieces out before you twist and clip the rest, and you get a look that softens your features instantly. This works well for square or angular face shapes since the loose strands break up sharp lines. Curl the framing pieces with a wand for a little extra polish.

Double Claw Clip Twist

Two clips, double the hold. Split your hair into upper and lower sections, twist each separately, and secure them with two smaller claw clips stacked vertically. It’s a great option for anyone with really long or heavy hair since spreading the tension between two clips keeps things from slipping. The layered look also adds visual interest that a single twist doesn’t quite give you.

Claw Clip Braided Updo

Braid a loose section from your temple back, then gather everything into a twist and secure with a claw clip at the crown. This one’s ideal for medium to thick hair and gives off a slightly bohemian vibe. It photographs really well too, so keep it in mind for events where you want something that holds up in pictures. Loosen the braid slightly with your fingers for a softer texture.

Beachy Waves with a Claw Clip

Sometimes the best styling move is barely touching your hair at all. Let your natural waves or curls do their thing, then twist just the crown section back and clip it. This is a go-to for anyone with wavy or curly hair who wants texture to stay the star of the show. Sea salt spray on damp hair beforehand enhances the wave pattern before you even reach for the clip.

High Claw Clip Bun

A high bun secured with a claw clip instead of an elastic gives you height and drama without the tightness of a traditional ballerina bun. Twist your hair upward, coil it at the crown, and clip it so the ends fan out slightly. Oval and heart-shaped faces tend to love this one since it elongates the neck. It’s also a lifesaver on hot days when you want hair fully off your neck.

Claw Clip Half Ponytail

A step up from the basic half-up twist, this version pulls the top section into a small ponytail first, then wraps and secures it with a claw clip instead of just an elastic. The extra structure holds better through long days. Medium-length layers work especially well here since the shorter pieces blend naturally into the ponytail rather than sticking out.

Twisted Claw Clip Updo for Curly Hair

Curly hair and claw clips are honestly a match made in heaven. Gather your curls loosely at the crown, twist gently to avoid disrupting the curl pattern, and clip. This keeps volume on top while letting your curls show off underneath. Skip the brush entirely here since finger-detangling keeps the curl definition intact.

Claw Clip Bubble Bun

This one takes a regular bun and adds a playful twist by sectioning it with small hair ties before wrapping it around itself and pinning the whole thing with a claw clip at the base. It reads a little more fashion-forward than a standard bun and works nicely on fine to medium hair. It’s a fun option when you want your everyday updo to feel a bit more intentional.

Claw Clip with Middle Part Waves

A crisp middle part paired with loose waves and a simple back-twist claw clip is one of those combinations that never really goes out of style. It flatters long face shapes especially well since the part adds width visually. Use a curling iron on a low setting for soft, undone waves before clipping the crown section back.

Claw Clip Low Ponytail

Sleek on top, relaxed at the bottom, this low ponytail secured with a claw clip skips the elastic entirely. Smooth the front with a comb, gather your hair low, twist once, and clip. It’s a great everyday option for thick hair since the clip won’t leave that telltale dent an elastic does. Add a light shine serum for a glossy finish.

Claw Clip Top Knot

A top knot with a claw clip is quicker than the bobby-pin version and honestly holds up better throughout the day. Twist your hair into a coil at the very top of your head and secure with a larger clip. This is especially handy for workouts or humid weather since it keeps hair fully off your neck and shoulders. Fine hair might need a little dry shampoo at the roots first for extra grip.

Textured Claw Clip Updo

If your hair has natural texture, lean into it here instead of smoothing it out. Twist damp, texturized hair loosely and let it dry into the clip for a naturally undone updo. Medium and thick hair types get the best volume from this method. A texturizing spray or salt spray applied beforehand makes a noticeable difference in how much grip the twist holds.

Claw Clip with Curtain Bangs Out

If you’ve got curtain bangs, you know the struggle of finding updos that don’t swallow them whole. This style pulls everything back except your curtain pieces, letting them frame your face while the rest goes up in a twist. It suits round and square face shapes especially well. A quick pass with a curling wand on the bangs keeps them looking styled rather than just left out.

French Twist Claw Clip

A modern take on the classic French twist, this version skips the bobby pin marathon and uses one sturdy claw clip instead. Twist your hair vertically along the back of your head and clip it in place. It’s elegant enough for weddings or formal events but simple enough to do in under two minutes once you’ve practiced it. Straight, smooth hair holds this shape especially cleanly.

Claw Clip Side Bun

Instead of centering everything, gather your hair to one side and twist it into a bun just behind your ear. It’s an asymmetrical look that adds a little personality to an otherwise simple updo. This style works well with long layers since they blend into the twist rather than poking out awkwardly. It’s a nice alternative when you want something other than a perfectly centered updo.

Claw Clip Bun with Baby Hairs

For a look that feels a little more editorial, gather your hair into a smooth bun and use a small brush with gel to lay your baby hairs and edges down before clipping. This works on most hair types but looks especially sharp on thicker, coarser textures. It’s the kind of detail that makes a simple bun look considerably more finished.

Claw Clip for Fine Straight Hair

Fine hair often struggles to hold any updo, but claw clips genuinely change the game here. Tease the crown slightly for volume, gather your hair loosely, and use a smaller clip so it doesn’t slide under the weight. This creates the illusion of thicker hair without any extra product buildup. It’s a practical, no-fuss option for those low-maintenance mornings.

Claw Clip Glam Updo for Special Occasions

Save this one for date nights or events where you want something with a little more drama. Curl your hair first, then gather it into a voluminous twist secured with a decorative claw clip, letting a few curled pieces fall loose around your face. It looks like it took far longer than it did, which is really the whole appeal. A shine spray at the end gives it that finished, camera-ready look.

Instagram / @tokyoblondepasta

At the end of the day, claw clips are proof that you don’t need a ton of time or a full styling routine to look like you put thought into your hair. Try a few of these out, see which ones your texture takes to best, and don’t be afraid to keep two or three clips in rotation depending on your mood. Sometimes the simplest tools really do make the biggest difference.