Hair Clips for Women: Popular Types, How to Choose & Best Options

Anyone who has ever stood in front of a mirror wrestling with a too-small clip knows the frustration of trying to get a secure hold without damage. This guide breaks down the most popular types of hair clips for women, which ones work best for fine versus thick hair, and how to pick the right size and material based on expert recommendations.

Main types of hair clips: 8 (claw, snap, barrette, slide, butterfly, alligator, jaw, French) ·
Best for thick hair: Claw clips ·
Best for fine hair: Snap clips or butterfly clips ·
Most popular material: Acetate and metal ·
Average price range: $3 – $20

Five key facts about hair clips for women, one pattern: the clip size and spring strength are the primary drivers of fit, not the brand name.

What hair clips are popular right now?

Current trending styles: claw clips, butterfly clips, snap clips

• Claw clips are currently the most popular type, available from nearly every major accessory retailer.
• Butterfly clips have made a comeback in the last two years, especially in smaller sizes for fine hair.
• Snap clips remain a staple for light hold and are often sold in multi-packs.

Popular colors and finishes

Acetate tortoiseshell and metallic finishes dominate the 2024 market. Pearl and crystal details are also widely seen, particularly on barrettes and slides.

Celebrity and influencer influences

Oversized claw clips have been spotted on celebrities and influencers, driving demand for larger sizes. According to Prevention (health & beauty publication), stylists recommend considering hair density first when choosing these clips.

The implication: trending styles vary by hair type, so choose based on your needs.

What are the hair clips that hold a lot of hair?

Large claw clips for thick hair

For thick hair, stylists recommend larger clips with strong springs and wider teeth (Prevention). Flirty Pineapple’s size guide lists three options: Basic (3 inches) for thin to fine hair, Next Level (4 inches) for medium hair, and Extra XL (5 inches) for the thickest hair (Flirty Pineapple (hair accessory brand)).

Jaw clips and alligator clips for heavy hair

Metal jaw clips provide a strong hold for heavy or long hair. TELETIES recommends starting at 4.5 inches or larger for long hair when choosing flat clips (TELETIES (hair accessory brand)).

Snap clips with strong grip

Snap clips with reinforced springs can hold a surprising amount of hair, though they are best for fine to medium textures. A common mistake is choosing a clip that is too small, causing slipping or breakage (Prevention).

The pattern: larger clips with stronger springs offer the best hold for thick hair.

Which hair clip is the best?

Best overall hair clips

No single clip suits everyone – it depends entirely on hair type and styling goal. Top-rated brands include Scünci, Goody, and Kitsch, though customer reviews highlight durability and hold. Kōv Essentials markets separate clips for thick hair and thin hair, with their Daily Clip reportedly working for thick hair without slipping (Kōv Essentials (specialised hair clip brand)).

Best for different hair types

For fine hair, the best clip is often a small snap clip or mini claw clip. Into The Gloss described one clip for fine hair as holding very well, though at $38 it is expensive (Into The Gloss (beauty editorial site)). For thick hair, a large claw clip or metal jaw clip is more reliable.

Best budget options

Most drugstore brands offer multi-packs under $10. The key is to match the clip size to your hair volume, not just the price.

The pattern: no universal winner, but the right combination of size, spring strength, and material makes any clip work.

What are the different types of women’s clips?

Claw clips

Claw clips are versatile for all hair types. They come in various sizes and can hold both full updos and half-up styles. Discover popular hair clips for women and find the perfect fit for your hair type, like the New Balance 327 women’s trainers. New Balance 327 women’s trainers

Snap clips

Snap clips are best for fine hair because they grip lightly without pulling. They are also popular for pinning back sections.

Barrettes

Barrettes range from simple metal designs to decorative pieces with beads or enamel. They work well for straight or slightly wavy hair.

Hair slides

Hair slides (or French slides) are long, flat clips that slide into hair. They work best for medium to thick hair.

Butterfly clips

Butterfly clips have a hinged spring and are often used for half-up styles. They have made a comeback for fine hair.

Alligator clips

Alligator clips have long teeth and a strong spring, used mainly for styling sections.

Jaw clips

Jaw clips are larger, with a wide opening, designed to hold thick hair securely.

French clips

French clips are similar to claw clips but have a continuous bar instead of separate prongs.

Eight types, one insight: each serves a different purpose, and the best choice depends on your hair’s density and the style you want.

Which hair clips are best for fine hair?

Best snap clips for fine hair

Stylists recommend smaller clips with a tighter grip for fine hair (Prevention). Snap clips are gentle and hold well without creasing.

Mini claw clips for fine hair

Flirty Pineapple lists its Basic (3-inch) claw clip as suitable for thin, fine, and short hair (Flirty Pineapple (hair accessory brand)).

Butterfly clips for fine hair

Butterfly clips are light and add a retro touch without weighing hair down. They are a good option for fine hair if used sparingly.

Tips for using clips on fine hair

• Avoid heavy clips that can cause breakage.
• Use multiple small clips for better hold rather than one large clip.
• TELETIES notes that fine hair needs less room in the clip, so 3.5 inches is a good starting point (TELETIES (hair accessory brand)).

The catch: fine hair requires careful selection to avoid damage.

For anyone shopping for hair clips, the choice is clear: measure your hair thickness, consider the clip’s spring strength and material, and buy from a retailer that allows returns. The one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work.

For those seeking more dramatic volume, clip-in hair extensions offer a temporary alternative to traditional hair clips.

Frequently asked questions