Best claw clip 2023: For every hair type, look and budget
Embrace the ’90s trend with our selection of the best claw clips for an easy and stylish updo
Mini UGGs, low-rise jeans and cargo pants are all having a somewhat unlikely resurgence thanks to Gen Z, but one ’90s trend revival we can get behind is the claw clip. The best claw clips are the perfect ratio of functionality and style and give our hair a much-needed break from hair straighteners.
The claw clip takes approximately five seconds to perfect, and there are plenty of different colours and styles to match our aesthetic – even if said aesthetic involves porridge-stained joggers and a greying pyjama top! The effortless hairstyle is also loved by many celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whitely.
Claw clips are gentler to your tresses than traditional hair ties. No awkward twisting or hair looping is required; just clip it back, and you’re good to go. This practical accessory is also beginner-proof, and we promise you’ll be able to master the trendy updo in one fell swoop.
So, whether your hair is thick, thin or somewhere in between, here’s our pick of the best claw clips for every hair type, look and budget.
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Best claw clip: At a glance
- Best overall: Fantesi 6 pcs Hair Claw Clips | £4.99
- Best for thick hair: Kitsch Eco-Friendly Jumbo Open Shape Claw Clip | £10
- Best tortoiseshell claw clip: Asos Design hair clip claw | £8
How to choose the best claw clip for you
What types of hair clips are available?
Several types of claw clips are available to suit all styles and needs. There are purse-friendly multipacks if you’re prone to losing them or simply like to have several options so you can match your claw clip with your outfit. There are extra-sturdy, jumbo clips for those with thick and long hair, and then there are the super stylish clips that will give you a bang-on-trend hairstyle worthy of being in a ’90s sitcom. When choosing a claw clip, it’s all about deciding what your main priorities are.
What are the benefits of wearing claw clips?
They’re kinder to hair: Claw clips are less damaging than tying your hair back with a scrunchie or hair band.
They’re versatile: There are many ways you can clip your hair back depending on your hair type and length, claw clip size and your mood. There’s no right or wrong way to wear a claw clip.
They add fun: Life is too short not to experiment with different accessories. A claw clip is an easy way to add some pizzazz to your look, as they’re available in various colours, and some even have patterns or glitter for more of a party look.
They’re beginner-proof: Since there’s no right or wrong way to wear a claw clip and you can simply twist and clip, you can achieve the finished, care-free beach-babe look in seconds. Yep, it’s that easy.
Are claw clips bad for your hair?
Not at all. In fact, claw clips are less damaging to your hair than standard hair ties and scrunchies. Claw clips don’t pull on your hair as much and gently keep your hair in place without adding friction or being too tight. If you’re on a healthy hair journey or simply want to be kinder to your locks, you can really benefit from switching out your hair bands with a good claw clip.
How we test claw clips
At Expert Reviews, we know that hands-on testing delivers the most complete information about a product. As such, we personally test all the claw clips we review, using these hair tools on a variety of hair types, for styling in a number of ways to review how well they hold. Where claw clips are recommended for a particular hair type or usage, we test the tools on that type of hair to ensure we make an accurate recommendation.
We evaluate the overall ease of use, ability to hold hairstyles in place throughout the day, and the feel of each claw clip against the scalp. We also note how much hair each claw clip can handle, confirming its size and the number supplied, if in a pack.
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The best claw clips you can buy in 2023
1. Fantesi 6 pcs Hair Claw Clips: Best claw clip overall
Price when reviewed: £4.99 | Check price at Amazon
This six-pack of coloured claw clips is our favourite of them all. They’ve amassed over a thousand five-star reviews online thanks to their durable material, attractive matte finish and the fact that they’re a godsend for thick hair. With this convenient six-pack, you’ll always have a claw clip to hand and can even match them to your outfit.
The claw clips boast an extra strong metal spring for maximum staying power but are expertly balanced with soft claw teeth that won’t damage your hair. We can confirm they’re non-slip and work wonders on various hair types. At just over £5 – working out at less than a pound per clip – they’re an absolute bargain. The only problem you’ll have is choosing which one to wear first.
Key details – Units: Six; Colours: Blue, light green, black, pink, dark green, rust; Suitable for: All hair types
2. Kitsch Eco-Friendly Jumbo Open Shape Claw Clip: Best claw clip for thick hair
Price when reviewed: £10 | Check price at LookFantastic
Here to transport you straight back to the ’90s is the Kitsch Jumbo Claw Clip, which is just as trendy as it is practical. This fuss-free jumbo clip effortlessly grips your hair for impressive staying power, even if you are blessed in the hair volume department. We love the pretty and modern design, which promises to add a bit of fun to your look.
It’s perfect for anyone currently in their “clean girl” era, though we wish there were more muted options for those times when you need to look a little smarter. Customers love how the clips are lightweight yet effective at keeping hair stable and out of the way. It’s a fail-safe claw clip that thick-haired girls need in their hair accessory arsenal.
Key details – Units: One; Colour: Brown; Suitable for: Thick and long hair
3. Asos Design hair clip claw: Best tortoiseshell claw clip
Price when reviewed: £8 | Check price at ASOS
A really great tortoiseshell claw clip is the stuff of ’90s dreams, and this ASOS number fits the bill perfectly. It’s a pale twist on the iconic tortoise shell pattern, ensuring it feels chic and modern while still nodding to the days of yore. Customers were impressed with how well it held hair in place while remaining comfortable, even after wearing it all day long.
Some customers have pointed out that if your hair is super long or extra thick you may be more suited to a slighter larger clip, but this was perfect for normal to fine hair types. It’s also rated highly, thanks to its slightly iridescent finish and looking a lot more expensive than it actually is.
Key details – Units: One; Colour: Tortoiseshell; Suitable for: Normal to fine hair types
4. Lululemon Medium Claw Hair Clip: Best claw clip for half-hair updos
Price when reviewed: £15 | Check price at Lululemon
This small but sturdy clip is made for wearing your hair half up, whether you have straight, wavy or curly tresses. The Lululemon athleisure brand is renowned for high-quality accessories that deliver while you’re on the move, and this claw clip is no different.
Available in two stylish colours – tidewater teal and roasted brown – it’s the perfect accessory for keeping your hair out of your face without packing the same bulk as some of the heavier claw clips do. We love the minimal and sleek design that’s very handbag-friendly, and although it’s on the pricey side, it’s a claw clip you can forever rely on.
Key details – Units: One; Colours: Tidewater teal, roasted brown; Suitable for: Half hair updos and fine hair