Quick answer: To use a flat claw clip, gather your hair low at the nape, twist it once or twice, fold the twist up so it lies flat against your head, then place the flat clip horizontally over the fold. Its low profile lets you lean back on a sofa, car seat or desk chair without it pressing into your scalp.
Key takeaways
- Flat claw clips have a low, wide profile designed to lie close to the head.
- They work best with low, horizontal twists rather than high buns.
- Fold the hair flat before clipping; a round coil makes the clip stick out.
- They are ideal for lounging, driving and long days at a desk.
- On very thick hair, a flat clip may need a larger size or a second clip.
What is a flat claw clip?
A flat claw clip is a claw clip with shallow, wide jaws and a low profile, so it sits close to the back of the head rather than standing away from it. It holds hair the same way as a regular claw clip, by closing toothed jaws over a twist, but the twist is folded flat instead of coiled into a bun.
| Feature | Flat claw clip | Regular claw clip |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Low, lies close to the head | Taller, stands away from the head |
| Best twist | Low, folded flat | Twist, French twist or bun |
| Leaning back | Comfortable | Can press into the scalp |
| Volume held | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Best for | Lounging, driving, desk work | All-round styling |
In our range, rectangular and bar-shaped clips with straight jaws give the flattest result, such as the bar styles of the Large Matte Claw Clip (13 cm) and the flat-head style of the Textured Large Claw Clip (about 12 cm).
How to use a flat claw clip, step by step
The key difference from a regular claw clip is the fold. Instead of coiling the twist into a round shape, you lay it flat and clip across it. Practice once in a mirror and it becomes automatic.
- Brush and gather low. Gather all your hair at the nape, as for a low ponytail.
- Twist once or twice. Just enough to make a soft rope; too many twists create a round coil.
- Fold up. Lift the rope and fold it upward so it lies flat against the back of your head.
- Flatten the ends. Let the ends sit flat above the fold or tuck them under.
- Clip horizontally. Place the flat clip across the fold, teeth catching the fold and the hair close to your scalp.
- Test. Lean back against a chair. If the clip presses, move the fold slightly lower.
Four flat claw clip styles
Flat clips are mostly used for low, comfortable styles, but there are a few variations that look polished enough to wear out.
1. Low flat twist
The everyday flat-clip style described above: low, folded and clipped horizontally. It is comfortable enough for a long car ride or an afternoon on the sofa.
2. Flat half-up
Take the top section from temple to temple, twist once and fold it flat at the back of the head, then clip. The rest of your hair stays down. It is a good alternative to a regular half-up if you lean back a lot. See more in half-up claw clip hairstyles.
3. Folded flat ponytail
Tie a low ponytail with a soft elastic, fold the ponytail up flat against your head and clip over the elastic. The elastic takes the weight; the clip keeps the fold in place.
4. Side flat twist
Gather the hair at one side of the nape, twist and fold it flat behind one ear, then clip diagonally. It is soft and slightly asymmetric, and still comfortable against a headrest.
When a flat claw clip is the better choice
A flat claw clip is the better choice whenever you will be leaning back or resting your head. Regular claw clips stand away from the head and can press into the scalp or get pushed out of place against a chair, a car seat or a pillow. Flat clips avoid both problems.
- Long drives and flights.
- Working at a desk with a high-back chair. Our office hairstyles guide has more desk-friendly looks.
- Lounging, reading or watching TV.
- Skincare and makeup, when you need hair off the face but low.
Flat claw clips for travel
A flat clip is one of the most useful things to pack for a trip. It keeps hair tidy on a plane or train while you lean against the seat, and it fits flat in a toiletry bag without getting crushed. Pair it with one larger regular claw clip for days out and you have most hairstyles covered. Keep it in an outside pocket so you can put your hair up quickly during the journey.
Choosing the right size flat clip
A flat clip should be long enough to span the width of your folded twist. For medium-density hair that is usually 10–12 cm; for fine hair, a shorter clip that closes tightly works better; for thick hair, choose 12–13 cm or use two clips. The jaws should close fully over the fold.
Our claw clip size guide has a full chart by hair density.
Flat claw clips for different hair types
Flat clips suit most hair, but each type has a small adjustment. Fine hair benefits from a little texture spray so the fold stays put. Thick hair can make a bulky fold, so split it into two flat twists or use an elastic underneath. Curly hair should be folded loosely so curls are not crushed. For fine hair, also see how to make a claw clip stay in fine hair.
Common mistakes
- Coiling instead of folding: the round coil pushes the clip away from the head.
- Clipping too high: high placement defeats the purpose of a flat clip.
- Using too much hair: a bulky fold stops the jaws closing.
- Sleeping in it: even a flat clip can press or snap overnight. Take it out before bed.
Comfort and hair health
Low, loose styles are among the gentlest ways to wear hair up. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding hairstyles that pull on your hair and changing styles so hair gets a break (AAD, updated November 6, 2024). A flat clip holding a loose fold fits that advice well, as long as you do not drag the hairline back tightly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a flat claw clip and a regular claw clip?
A flat claw clip has a lower, wider profile, so it lies close to the head. A regular claw clip stands away from the head and holds more volume.
Can you lean back with a flat claw clip?
Yes, that is their main advantage. Place the fold low so the clip sits below where your head rests.
Do flat claw clips work on thick hair?
Yes, with a long clip of about 12–13 cm or two clips. Split very thick hair into two flat folds.
Should a flat claw clip go horizontal or vertical?
Horizontal, across the fold. Vertical placement makes the clip stand out.
Can I sleep in a flat claw clip?
It is better not to. Any clip can press into your scalp or break when you move in your sleep.
Find a low-profile clip
Look for rectangular, bar and flat-head shapes in our claw clip collection, and learn more styles in How to Use a Claw Clip. Orders ship within the US for a flat $6.99, or free on orders of $79 or more.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology, Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss, last updated November 6, 2024.
