How to Keep a Claw Clip in Thick Hair All Day

Quick answer: To keep a claw clip in thick hair, use a large 11–13 cm clip whose jaws close fully over your twist, place the twist low where gravity helps, and spread the weight: split the hair into two twists with two clips, or tie a loose ponytail first so the elastic carries the weight.

Key takeaways

• Thick hair defeats clips through weight and volume, not slipperiness.
• The clip must close completely; if it strains, it is too small.
• Low twists hold longer than high ones in heavy hair.
• Two clips or an elastic plus a clip spread the weight.
• Deep, wide jaws and a sturdy hinge matter more than the clip's style.

Why claw clips fail in thick hair

In thick hair, a claw clip has to close around a large, heavy twist. If the jaws barely meet, the spring is under constant strain and can pop open, and the weight of the hair slowly drags the clip down. The fix is to give the clip less work to do: a bigger clip, a smaller twist or a second anchor.

• The clip is too small: jaws do not meet or meet only with force.
• Too much hair in one twist: the rope is wider than the clip's interior.
• The twist sits too high: weight pulls it down over the day.
• The clip only grips the twist: it needs scalp hair too.

Step 1: Choose a large, deep clip

For a full twist in thick hair, start with a claw clip of about 11–13 cm. Look at the depth of the jaws as well as the length: deeper jaws hold a wider twist. Rectangular and square shapes with long, straight jaws grip thick hair well.

Our claw clip size guide explains how to judge density and length.

Plastic, acetate or metal for thick hair?

All three can hold thick hair if the clip is large enough. Acrylic, resin and acetate clips are lighter, which helps when the twist itself is already heavy. Metal clips add weight but have a sleek, dressy look and are a good choice for medium to thick hair in a low twist. Whatever the material, check that the jaws close fully over your twist.

Step 2: Twist low and firmly

For heavy hair, twist at or just above the nape rather than at the crown. A low twist sits on the curve of the back of the head, so the clip rests against your skull instead of hanging. Twist firmly so the rope is compact; a loose, wide rope will not fit inside the jaws.

1. Brush out tangles so the twist is smooth.
2. Gather the hair at the nape.
3. Twist firmly, two or three turns.
4. Lift the rope only a short way up the back of the head.
5. Fold the ends down or tuck them in.
6. Push the clip into the base of the twist and close it.

Step 3: Split the weight

If one clip still struggles, divide the work. Splitting thick hair into two sections, each with its own twist and clip, halves the weight on each hinge. Alternatively, use a soft elastic to make a loose ponytail first; the elastic carries the weight, and the clip only shapes the style.

Two-clip stacked twist

Take the top half of your hair, twist it and clip it at the crown. Then twist the bottom half and clip it just below the first clip. The two clips together look intentional and hold far more than one.

Elastic-anchored claw clip

Tie a loose, low ponytail with a soft hair tie. Twist the ponytail upward, fold it and clip over the elastic. This is the most secure option for very heavy or long hair.

Step 4: Clip into scalp hair

Before closing the clip, push it slightly into the base of the twist so the lower teeth catch hair close to your scalp. This anchors the clip to hair that is attached to your head, which stops it sliding down under the weight of the twist.

Best claw clip styles for thick hair

Some styles suit thick hair better than others because they spread weight or sit low. These four are the most reliable for a full day.

• Low French twist: a vertical roll at the back of the head held by a large clip. See how to do a French twist with a claw clip.
• Stacked two-clip twist: two sections, two clips.
• Claw clip ponytail: elastic first, clip on top.
• Half-up: a medium clip easily holds just the top section of thick hair.

A quick routine for thick hair

Thick hair rewards a little preparation. Detangle first so the twist is smooth and compact, decide whether today needs one clip, two clips or an elastic, and keep the placement low. Most mornings, the whole routine takes about two minutes.

1. Detangle, so there are no knots bulking out the twist.
2. Decide on the anchor: one large clip, two clips or elastic plus clip.
3. Twist low and firmly.
4. Clip into the base of the twist.
5. Do the shake test; add a bobby pin inside the twist if anything moves.

Comfort with heavy hair

Heavy hair can make the scalp ache by the end of the day, especially if a style pulls. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that hairstyles that constantly pull on the hair can lead to traction alopecia and recommends loosening styles and switching them up (AAD, updated November 6, 2024). With claw clips, that means using a clip big enough that you do not need to cram hair into it and taking it out when you get home.

• Choose low styles for long days.
• Switch the clip position between days.
• Do not sleep in a claw clip; the clip can press into your scalp or snap.

Caring for clips you use on thick hair

Clips used on heavy hair work harder, so treat the hinge kindly. Do not open a clip wider than it wants to go, avoid dropping it on hard floors and store it closed or on an organizer rather than loose in a bag. Our guide on how to clean and care for claw clips has more tips.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get claw clips to stay in thick hair?

Use a large 11–13 cm clip, twist the hair low and firmly, clip into hair near the scalp and, if needed, split the hair into two twists or use an elastic underneath.

What type of claw clip is best for thick hair?

A large clip with deep jaws and a sturdy hinge. Rectangular and square shapes with long, straight jaws tend to grip thick hair well.

Why does my claw clip keep popping open?

It is probably too small for the twist, so the spring is under strain. Size up, or twist a smaller section.

Can I use a claw clip on thick curly hair?

Yes. Choose a large, roomy clip and gather curls loosely. Our hair type guide covers curly hair in detail.

How many claw clips do I need for very long, thick hair?

Often two: one for the top half and one for the bottom half, or one large clip over an elastic.

Shop clips for thick hair

Every listing in our claw clip collection gives the length, so you can look for 11–13 cm. 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.