Because sometimes all you need is a clip and a dream
Somewhere between Pamela Anderson’s 90s bombshell updos and Sofia Richie’s quiet-luxury aesthetic, the claw clip updo made a major comeback—and honestly? We’re here for every single second of it.
It’s one of those rare trends that’s equal parts nostalgic AND now. What started as a lazy-girl essential for throwing your hair up in five seconds flat has transformed into a whole look—especially when you pair it with a satin set, a dewy base, and the confidence of someone who’s never known frizz.
From clean girl to coastal cowgirl, balletcore to office-core, claw clips are doing the most, and asking for the least. It’s the definition of effort-meets-style, and if every influencer has one clipped to their Prada bag in Ibiza, we’re obviously following suit.
So, if you’ve ever stared at your clip wondering how everyone makes it look so chic—this claw clip updo tutorial is your blueprint. If you’ve got fine strands or full volume, we’re breaking down exactly how to get that effortless finish (without overthinking it or needing a glam squad).
Claw clips—the comeback queens
Before we get into twisting and clipping, let’s give the claw clip the love it deserves. A 90s staple turned modern-day must-have, this humble accessory is now firmly in its IT-girl era. Seriously, they’ve been spotted everywhere from model off-duty looks to red carpet beauty recaps.
The real draw? They're equal parts stylish and protective. Unlike traditional elastics, which can tug, snap, and tear, claw clips secure your strands without the drama. No headaches. No creasing. No regrets.
They're like the hair accessory equivalent of a silk pillowcase—pretty, functional, and totally worth it.
Not to mention, flower claw clip styles and crystal-studded minis are popping off right now. We’ve moved far beyond the basic drugstore version. Think: tortoiseshell chic, bold pops of color, translucent jelly finishes, and luxurious matte textures. There’s a claw clip for every girlie and every hair type.
Choosing the right claw clip for your hair type
Not all claw clips are created equal—trust. The wrong size or material can mean the difference between a flawless twist and a midday hair collapse. Before we even get into the how-to, we’ve gotta talk about the what, because picking the right clip is the secret sauce to making the whole thing work (and last).
Got fine hair? You’ll want something lightweight with tighter teeth. Think smaller clips with a strong grip—bonus points for ones with a matte finish to avoid slippage.
Thick or curly strands? Go for the jumbo clips, girl. You need something that can handle volume without giving up halfway through the day. Look for reinforced springs and bendy, wide-spaced claws that can stretch around all that gorgeous hair.
Medium, layered, or straight hair? You’re lucky. Most standard claw clips will work—but opt for a curved shape that hugs the head for a more secure (and comfy) hold.
Want to go the extra mile? Match your clip to your vibe. Soft pastels for a balletcore mood, glossy black or tortoiseshell for a clean-girl moment, and a flower claw clip if you're feeling the Sofia-in-Ibiza aesthetic.
Because here’s the thing: when the clip works with your hair instead of against it, the styling becomes a whole lot easier, and WAY cuter.
How to master the perfect claw clip updo
Okay, you’ve got your claw clip. Maybe it’s tortoiseshell. Maybe it’s a pastel moment. Maybe it’s shaped like a flower because, you know, TikTok told us to. Now let’s talk technique—because the real slay is in the twist.
1. Start with prepped hair
A little texture is your best friend here. Freshly washed? Add a spritz of dry shampoo or texturizing spray for grip. Day two or three hair? Even better. A loose wave or natural curl? Iconic.
2. Gather your hair like you're making a low pony
Using your fingers (not a brush—this is not the ballet recital bun), sweep your hair back and down. Think low and loose, but intentional.
3. Twist it up
Start twisting the length of the ponytail upward. Once you’ve got it twisted, lift the twist and lay it flat against the back of your head—tail pointing up or down, depending on the length. If your hair is long, fold the ends down for a flippy moment.
4. Clip it
Open your claw clip and clamp it over the twist. Ideally, it should sit comfortably without slipping or pulling. Adjust any stray pieces to give it that undone-but-done effect.
5. Pull some pieces out
Face-framing strands? Essential. A few pulled at the crown for volume? Yes, ma’am. The goal is low effort, high style—Pinterest hair in real life.
Now step back, check the mirror, and give yourself that little smirk. You didn’t just throw your hair up. You styled it.
Cute claw clip updo variations to try
We love a standard twist, but the updos with claw clips possibilities don’t stop there. Depending on your mood (or your outfit), here are some fun ways to mix it up.
– Half-up clip: Pull the top half of your hair back and clip it high for an instant facelift effect. Ideal for date night or days you want to feel a little extra.
– Bubble twist: Create two twists on either side of your head and clip them together at the center. It’s giving balletcore and we’re into it.
– Low clip bun: Twist your hair into a bun at the nape of your neck and clip it horizontally. Minimal effort, maximum elegance.
– Side-swept: Use a side part and clip just one side of your hair back for a sleek, modern twist on a retro silhouette.
Every style takes under two minutes and looks like you spent way more time than you did.
Why we’re still obsessed with claw clips
Let’s be real—claw clips are the lazy girl saviour. They’re part of the hair-care revolution. Seriously. Not only do they elevate your look, they protect your strands from daily stress.
Elastic bands? Cute, but breakage city. Tight buns? Hello tension headaches. The claw clip lets your hair breathe while still keeping things together (literally and figuratively).
Plus, they’re universally flattering. Long layers, blunt bobs, curls, coils, waves—claw clips love every texture and length. You don’t need a certain face shape or a certain hair type to pull them off. You just need one good clip and a vibe.
The TikTok effect (and why Gen Z got it right)
Of course, we’ve got to thank TikTok for reminding the world how iconic this look really is. From clean girl tutorials to 5-second hacks, Gen Z brought the claw clip out of the archives and gave it a glow-up.
What was once a tool for messy buns and new-mum makeup routines is now part of the main character moment. We’ve seen it styled with slick-back buns, floaty maxi dresses, gold hoops, and even—yes—power suits.
They’ve proved it: The claw clip isn’t just a lazy-girl tool. It’s a styling essential.
How to make your claw clip updo actually stay put
Sometimes what looks Pinterest-perfect on your FYP ends up feeling like a game of structural engineering IRL. If your claw clip updo keeps flopping, slipping, or just falling a little flat, don’t stress.
These easy tweaks will have your style holding strong from coffee runs to cocktail hours.
Start with textured hair
Freshly washed, squeaky-clean strands are the frenemy of any updo. Add some grip with a dry texturizing spray or a little sea salt mist. A bit of grit helps your strands hold shape—and gives your clip something to actually cling to. Bonus: It adds volume.
Use the right size clip
Too big and it won’t clamp down; too small and it’ll disappear under your bun. If your hair is super thick, opt for a jumbo clip with deep teeth and a strong hinge. Finer hair? A medium or small clip usually does the trick. The key is snug, not struggle.
Try the “double twist” method
For layered or extra-slippery hair, do a quick two-step twist: first, gather the bottom half of your hair and clip it up, then twist the top half and fold it over the clip, securing everything with a second one. Yes, it’s technically two clips—but the results are red carpet-worthy.
Backcomb for volume and hold
No one’s saying go full 2000s bump-it—but a quick tease at the crown gives your hair height and helps balance the updo. It also helps anchor the clip in place, especially if your strands are on the finer side.
Set it with a spritz
Once it’s clipped and cute, lock it in with a flexible-hold hairspray. It’ll tame flyaways, add structure, and keep your style from unraveling halfway through your day.
PSA for extension girlies: If you’re working with clip-ins or semi-permanents, make sure your claw clip isn’t clamping directly on the weft. It can cause slippage or damage. Instead, anchor your updo just above or below the weft line.
It really is the clip that does it all
There are trends that demand hours of effort and a perfectly-timed salon booking—and then there’s the claw clip updo. She’s the lazy girl’s forever friend. The kind of style you reach for after Pilates when you’ve got exactly ten minutes to make it from mat to martini. The look that says “I didn’t try” when, really, you just knew better than to.
No matter if you’re hopping from your 9-to-5 to a rooftop spritz, wrangling second-day waves, or doing the bare minimum but still managing to look insanely put-together, the claw clip has your back (and your bun). No heat. No breakage. No stress. Just twist, clip, and live your life.
So next time your hair’s doing the absolute most—or the absolute least—grab your go-to claw clip and serve the look. Effortless is officially in.
