And it’s the lazy-girl hair trick we’ll be doing all summer
There’s one thing clipped to every cute girlie right now. From hot pink Hawaiian claw clips hanging off Prada bags in St. Tropez to neutral matte claws stashed in office drawers for post-Zoom touch-ups, the claw clip renaissance is in full swing. And just when we thought the comeback couldn’t get any better, TikTok handed us the ultimate upgrade: the claw clip ponytail hack.
It’s the kind of beauty trick that feels almost illegal in how easy it is. You’re not blow-drying. You’re not curling. You’re not even trying that hard. But the result? A high, lifted ponytail that screams effort—even if you pulled it together between dry shampoo spritzes.
This isn’t your average pony. It’s slicked in the front, full in the back, and holds all day with zero sagging. No teasing, no tight elastics, no bobby pins that vanish into the void. Just one flip, one clip, and you’ve got volume that fakes a blowout.
And because it works no matter if your hair is long, short, fine, thick, clean, or slightly chaotic, we’re calling it: the claw clip ponytail hack is the official lazy-girl hairstyle of summer.
Scroll for the how-to, insider tips, and the exact products to help it hold up—literally.
The viral claw clip ponytail hack, explained
You know a trend is official when it’s got a chokehold on TikTok, is casually referenced in a Sofia Richie GRWM, and has infiltrated every brunch in America. That’s exactly where the claw clip ponytail hack is sitting right now—on top of our heads and on top of the charts.
This isn’t just a random “hair hack” (we’re using that term loosely, because it’s honestly more genius than hack). It’s a legit ponytail revolution. Instead of your classic mid-head pony that slowly slouches into sadness by noon, this one flips the script entirely.
Here’s the 5-second explainer: pull your hair into a pony, split it, flip the tail upward, and clamp a claw clip right underneath the base. Boom—instant lift. It gives your hair structure, bounce, and that editorial pony look you didn’t know was possible without a FULL on glam squad.
It’s what you get if Ariana Grande’s ponytail and the “clean girl aesthetic” had a baby, and that baby was raised on iced matcha, Dyson airwraps, and TikTok beauty hacks.
The hack first popped off thanks to creators like Emilie Kiser, whose viral video made everyone pause mid-scroll like: wait… why does her hair look so good?
And it’s not just for long hair or influencer girlies. This trend is all about accessibility. Short hair? Fine hair? Day-three texture? The claw clip ponytail doesn’t discriminate. It's the perfect fix when your hair needs a pick-me-up and you’ve got literally 45 seconds to spare in the morning.
Basically, it’s the ponytail equivalent of adding a filter: subtle, snatched, and secretly doing the MOST.
Step-by-step—how to do the claw clip ponytail hack
We’re not gatekeepers over here girlie pop. Here’s how to pull off the claw clip ponytail hack like you’ve been doing it forever—even if your hair’s in chaos mode and you’ve got T-minus three minutes until you need to leave the house. Get ready to skip your alarm, because we’ve got the lowdown to get you out the door.
Step 1: Start with texture
The hack works best when your hair has a little grip. If it’s freshly washed, spray in a little dry shampoo or texture spray to give it some body. We love using the Moroccan Oil Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner to lay the groundwork for volume, then go in with a quick blast of dry texture if needed.
Step 2: Secure your pony
Pull your hair into a mid-to-high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Don’t *ever* go too tight—you want some space to work the flip. Think polished, but not scalp-snatching.
Step 3: Flip it good
Now for the hack part. Use your fingers to make a little opening above the elastic, then flip the ponytail through it. This alone gives a subtle lift—but don’t stop there.
Step 4: Add the clip
Take your claw clip and place it under the flipped ponytail, right at the base. Gently clamp it so the clip supports the flipped section. Your hair should fall over the top of the clip, instantly looking fuller and lifted. Like a mini hair shelf. A ponytail push-up bra, if you will.
Step 5: Finish the look
Pull out some front pieces if that’s your thing, or slick it back with a touch of Moroccan Oil Finishing Spray for that Sofia Richie clean-girl finish. Bonus points for a tiny claw clip in your bag—just in case you need a mid-day refresh.
Our stylist-approved top tip
This hack is also extension-friendly. If you’re wearing a clip-in ponytail or claw clip ponytail extensions, this trick helps blend your natural hair with your extension for that seamless, luxe finish. Major red carpet energy with zero red carpet effort.
And don’t worry—if you’re not working with a lot of length, we’ve got tips coming up next on how to make the hack work no matter what you’re working with.
How to make the hack work for your hair type
Let’s be real—not everyone’s rocking waist-length, freshly blow-dried influencer hair. That doesn’t mean the claw clip ponytail hack is off-limits. No matter if you’ve got fine hair, thick curls, or something in-between, here’s how to make this trend work for your dream look.
Short hair girlies, listen up
You don’t need long layers to get in on the action. The trick is placement: keep your ponytail mid-height, and go for a mini claw clip to avoid overwhelming your strands. Add some dry texturizing spray before flipping to help the hair stay structured. For bonus lift, try gently teasing the base with your fingers before clipping—low effort, high reward.
If your hair’s fine, thin, or baby soft
This hack was practically made for you. Fine hair often flattens in a ponytail, but flipping and clipping adds a subtle bend that gives it structure and support. Wash with a volumizing duo like the OG Moroccan Oil products such as the Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner to build lift from the roots. Then go in with a spritz of Finishing Spray to lock everything in place—no sagging allowed over here.
Got thick or curly hair? You’ve got options
This hack can totally work on thicker textures—you just need the right clip. Use a strong, oversized claw that can handle the volume, and don’t skip the flip step. If your curls are coily or tight, gather them into a loose pony, flip, and secure with a wide-tooth claw clip. You’ll still get lift and shape, without flattening your natural curl pattern.
Want drama? Add extensions
If your goal is maximum ponytail, this is where the claw clip ponytail extension comes in. Use the hack first to set your base, then attach a ponytail extension for extra length and volume. It’s like hack-on-hack energy—and it photographs like a dream.
Why claw clips are suddenly everywhere again
Claw clips aren’t just back—they’re booked, busy, and completely unbothered. Once a Y2K accessory collecting dust in your mom’s bathroom drawer, they’ve officially gone from outdated to outfit-maker. And the girlies? Obsessed.
Let’s start with the fact that they’re clipped to everything. Purses. Reusable coffee cups. The backs of car seats. They’re just as much a fashion statement now as they are a functional fix. Whether it’s a baby-pink floral claw on a coconut girl at the beach or a matte black essential spotted at the office, we’re not just wearing them—we’re styling around them.
A huge part of the claw clip comeback is tied to the quiet luxury movement. Think Sofia Richie’s bridal content that we were ALL glued to. The clean-girl aesthetic. Minimalism with maximum impact. In a world full of overdone everything, claw clips say: I look good, but I’m not trying too hard.
They also win points for being ridiculously easy. Updos without the breakage? Check. A polished pony without heat tools? Done. That effortless undone vibe TikTok can’t stop talking about? Yup, the claw clip ponytail is the unsung hero behind it.
And let’s not forget the nostalgia factor. Claw clips are giving early 2000s, mall with your friends, low-rise jeans and Juicy Couture energy—but updated. It’s like they grew up, booked a facial, and moved to a chic walk-up in West Hollywood.
So yeah, they’re everywhere. And with this new ponytail twist? We’re keeping them in heavy rotation all summer—and probably fall, winter, and next spring too.
Common mistakes to avoid
The claw clip ponytail hack might be low-effort, but even the best hair trick can flop if you miss the mark. Here’s how to avoid rookie errors and keep your pony sitting pretty all day long.
Using the wrong size clip
Not all claws are created equal. If your clip is too small, it won’t hold the flip. Too big, and it’ll swallow your ponytail whole. Pick one that fits your hair type—mini for short or fine hair, oversized for thick or curly strands.
Placing the clip too low
You want volume, not a droopy disaster. Make sure your clip is positioned right at the base of your flipped ponytail—not underneath your neck. The sweet spot is mid-to-high on the back of your head.
Skipping the texture
The hack needs a little grip to work its magic. Super clean, slippery hair won’t hold the flip. Use dry shampoo or texturizing spray, or prep with a volume-boosting wash like the Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner combo from Moroccan Oil.
Pulling your ponytail too tight
If your elastic is super snug, you’ll crush the lift when you flip and clip. Keep it secure, but not stretched to the max—think tension that holds but still allows movement.
Forgetting the final spritz
Want your pony to last past brunch? Lock it in with the Moroccan Oil Finishing Spray. It gives shine, hold, and keeps flyaways from crashing the party.
Final thoughts + your next pony upgrade
There’s something deeply satisfying about finding a hair trick that looks high-effort but takes less time than picking an oat milk latte. The claw clip ponytail hack is one of those rare finds. It’s snatched and it works for basically everyone.
If you’re running errands in a hoodie or headed to a rooftop in heels, this pony hack pulls your look together in seconds. And paired with the right products? Chef’s kiss. You’re not just faking volume—you’re building it.
Always remember that you’re one flip and clip away from main character energy, girl.
✨ Ready to try the claw clip ponytail hack for yourself? Tag us @thelaurenashtyncollection so we can see your glow-up in action.
