How to Wear the Hair Claw Clip Trend

Real talk: Pulling my hair up into a ponytail gets the job done whenever I want my hair out of my face and off of my neck. But, it doesn't matter what kind of elastic or scrunchie I use; I always end up with a headache an hour or so into wearing one.

That's where a giant claw clip comes into play. The quintessential '90s hair accessory has been making a comeback as of late, thanks to models like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, and everyone else who's been finding comfort in nostalgia. Whether it's from bingeing old favorites like Dawson's Creek and Moesha on Netflix or revisiting the sparkly eyeshadows and lip liners of your youth.

"I think the big, exaggerated claw clip is on trend because fashion and hair dictate each other and we're all just reminiscing about another time right now," says Ted Gibson, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of STARRING by Ted Gibson in LA. "The clip can bring out a fun hairdo, and I love that it's versatile in the way that you can use it."

Retro beauty trends aside, the hair accessory is also a practical alternative to an elastic. "Especially when used on wet hair, elastics can cause breakage over time," Gibson shares. "A claw clip is an alternative to putting your hair up without the risk of damaging it."

If you want to take your claw clip styles beyond a basic twist-up, Gibson suggests trying a half-up half-down look or even using it as an anchor to pull one side of your hair over to the other.

Along with the styling possibilities, what also makes the claw clip so versatile is that it works with a number of hair lengths and textures. For curly hair, Gibson recommends prepping hair with a texturizing mousse to enhance and define your coils before pulling them up.

"My Shooting Star Texture Meringue is a versatile product that can be used on wet or dry hair," he says. "It gives you shine, and texture, especially if you have naturally curly hair and want definition before putting it up."

Wherever you decide to place a claw clip on your head, just don't worry about it looking too perfect.

Check out some of our favorite ways to create claw clip hairstyles below, then shop our picks for all of your '90s-inspired styles.

The Best Claw Clips for '90s Updos

Scuni Effortless Beauty Basic Jaw Clips

The OG of claw clips, these three neutral shades cover all the bases, whether you're looking to coordinate the accessory with your hair color or outfit.

To shop: $5; riteaid.com

Large Yoga Claw

Leopard isn't the only animal print that should be considered a neutral. A tortoiseshell claw clip is just as versatile, whether you want to quickly twist your hair up or wear it half-up half-down.

To shop: $28; freepeople.com

Goody Color Collection Mini Claw Clips

Secure your bob or lob with one of these mini clips, or simply embrace the nostalgia and go full '90s by pulling your front layers back like you used to with butterfly clips.

To shop: $5; amazon.com

Kitcsh Elevated Claw Clip

This isn't a regular claw clip — it's a fancy one. Secure your hair with Kitsch's minimalist rose gold clip when you want a simple half-up half-down style or twist to look extra special.

To shop: $7; amazon.com

mle Mini Cloud Claw Clip

In lieu of tugging hair elastics, stack mle's cloud-shaped marble claw clip with other colorful ones to create a bubble pony. Or, simply wear it on its own as a statement piece.

To shop: $16; madebymle.com

Ouidad Made for Curls XL Claw Clips

Not all claw clips are made for thick, curly hair — but the XL clip from Ouidad was created for just that. Gather up every inch of your mane using this gorgeous accessory that comes in both silver and gold.

To shop: $20; ouidad.com

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