Types of Hair Clips: A Guide to 12 Clips and What Each One Does

Quick answer: The main types of hair clips are claw, flat claw, banana, duckbill, snap and spring clips, decorative barrettes, hair slides, twist clips, bow clips, bobby pins and U-shaped pins. They differ in how they close and how much hair they hold, from a few strands at the temple to a full updo.

Key takeaways

• Clips that hold a lot of hair have teeth and a spring hinge (claw clips). Clips that hold a small section are flat and press shut (duckbill, snap and side clips).
• Spring clips and barrettes sit flat against the head and are best for half-up styles and the base of a ponytail.
• Hair slides, twist clips, sticks and pins hold buns by tension instead of by clamping.
• Material changes the look and weight more than the function: acetate, acrylic, resin, metal, fabric and leather-look finishes all do the same job.
• If you only own three clips, make them a medium claw clip, two small side clips and a pack of U-pins.

How hair clips work: three ways to hold hair

Every hair clip holds hair in one of three ways: it clamps with teeth, it presses flat against the head, or it anchors a bun by weaving through it. Knowing which method a clip uses tells you how much hair it can manage and how it will feel after a few hours.

• Clamping clips such as claw and banana clips use two toothed jaws and a spring. They can hold a full head of hair because the teeth interlock around a twist.
• Pressing clips such as duckbill, snap, spring and side clips close flat over a small section. They are discreet and comfortable but hold less hair.
• Anchoring pieces such as hair slides, twist clips, hair sticks and pins weave into a bun or twist and use the hair's own tension to stay put.

The 12 main types of hair clips

Below are the twelve clip types you will see most often in US stores, with how each one closes, the hair it suits and the styles it is made for. Sizes mentioned are examples from our own listings, so you can compare against something real.

1. Claw clip

A claw clip has two curved, toothed jaws joined by a spring hinge. You twist your hair, open the clip and close it over the twist so the teeth interlock. It is the most versatile clip for updos because it can hold anything from a half-up section to a full head of thick hair, depending on size. Lengths range from about 5 cm minis to 13 cm clips for thick hair. Our pillar guide on how to use a claw clip shows nine styles.

Best for: French twists, messy buns, half-up styles, quick everyday updos.

2. Flat claw clip

A flat claw clip is a claw clip with a low, wide profile. The jaws lie flatter against the head, so you can lean back on a sofa or headrest without the clip pressing into your scalp. It works best with a low, horizontal twist.

Best for: lounging, car rides, working at a desk with a high-back chair.

3. Banana clip

A banana clip is a long, curved comb-like clip that hinges along one side and closes vertically, so it holds hair in a ponytail shape running down the back of the head. It was a common accessory in the 1980s and is still used for full, voluminous ponytails. We do not currently sell banana clips, but the vertical placement of a large claw clip in a French twist gives a similar line.

Best for: volume through the length of a ponytail.

4. Duckbill clip

A duckbill clip is a long, narrow clip shaped like a duck's bill that presses shut with a hinge. It holds a narrow section flat, which is why stylists use plain metal ones to section hair. Decorative duckbills, like our leopard print teardrop duckbill clip (7 cm), are made to be worn.

Best for: bangs, face-framing pieces, one side of a part.

5. Snap clip

A snap clip is a thin, flexible piece of metal that clicks open and closed when you press it. It is the lightest clip type and holds only a small section, so it is ideal for bangs and flyaways. Snap clips covered in fabric or leather-look material look more grown-up than plain metal ones.

Best for: bangs, short hair, small sections near the face.

6. Spring clip or French barrette

A spring clip, often called a French barrette, has a flat decorative top and a hinged metal clasp underneath that snaps closed. It lies flat against the head and holds a medium section securely, which makes it the classic choice for a half-up style or the base of a low ponytail. Curved versions follow the shape of the head.

Best for: half-up styles, low ponytails, holding back the sides.

7. Decorative barrette

A decorative barrette is a slim bar clip that is mainly about the finish: pearls, rhinestones, enamel or metal. It holds less hair than a spring clip and is usually worn to accent a side part or a twist. Our freshwater baroque pearl barrette (5.5 cm) is a typical example.

Best for: events, side parts, adding detail to a simple style.

8. Hair slide with stick

A hair slide is an open shape, often round or oval, that sits against a bun or twist while a stick passes through it and the hair underneath. The stick does the holding; the slide spreads the pressure and adds a decorative frame. It is one of the most secure ways to hold a low bun.

Best for: low buns, half-up twists, long hair.

9. Twist clip

A twist clip is a long, slim clip that you push into a twist or bun so it holds. Many have a decorative top such as a bow or stones. It suits French twists and small buns where a claw clip would look too bulky.

Best for: French twists, small chignons, dressier looks.

10. Bow clip

A bow clip is a fabric, velvet, satin or metal bow attached to a barrette, spring or claw base. The clip underneath does the holding; the bow is the accessory. Oversized fabric bows suit low ponytails, while small rhinestone bows suit half-up styles. Our guide to bow hairstyles covers placement.

Best for: finishing a ponytail, braid or half-up style.

11. Bobby pin

A bobby pin is a small, closed pin with one straight and one wavy prong that springs shut to clamp a few strands flat. The name comes from the bob haircut that became popular in the early 20th century, when women needed a way to keep short hair in place (Mental Floss, 2024). Bobby pins are the workhorse for securing braids, pinning flyaways and anchoring updos from underneath.

Best for: flyaways, securing sections, hidden support in updos.

12. U-shaped hair pin

A U-shaped pin is open, not closed. You push it into a bun or twist and it holds by tension against the hair around it. It is gentler on fine hair than a bobby pin and better at holding volume. Decorative U-pins with pearls or metal leaves double as jewelry. Learn the technique in how to use U-shaped hair pins.

Best for: buns, chignons, French twists.

Hair clip types compared

The quickest way to choose is to decide how much hair the clip must hold and whether you need it to lie flat. This table compares all twelve types on those two points, plus the styles they are made for.

Which clip should you choose for your hair?

Choose by hair density first. Fine hair needs clips with closely spaced teeth or flat clips that press firmly; thick hair needs large claw clips or a combination of an elastic and a clip. Then choose by style: half-up and side styles favor flat clips, while full updos need claw clips, pins or sticks.

• Fine or thin hair: small claw clips, snap clips and U-pins grip without sliding. A big clip on fine hair often cannot close tightly enough.
• Thick hair: large 11–13 cm claw clips, sturdy spring clips and several U-pins rather than one.
• Curly hair: large claw clips with wide jaws that hold volume without crushing curls.
• Short hair: mini claw clips, duckbills and snap clips on small sections.

Our pillar guide on hair accessories for your hair type goes deeper on each.

Which clip for which situation?

Situation often decides faster than hair type. Think about what you will be doing: leaning back, moving a lot, dressing up or just keeping hair off your face for a few minutes. This table matches common situations to the clip that handles them best.

Hair clip materials at a glance

The same clip type comes in several materials, and the material mostly changes look, weight and feel rather than function. Acetate is a plant-derived plastic known for rich patterns; acrylic and resin come in solid and frosted finishes; metal clips are heavier and sleek; fabric and leather-look clips are soft to the touch.

For a deeper comparison, read What Is Acetate? Acetate vs Acrylic vs Metal Hair Clips.

A starter clip kit for everyday styling

A small set of clips covers almost every everyday hairstyle. Start with one medium claw clip for twists, a pair of small side clips for bangs and face-framing pieces, a spring clip for half-up styles and a pack of U-pins for buns. Add a statement piece, such as a pearl barrette or velvet bow, for events.

1. Medium claw clip (8.5–10.5 cm): daily twists and low buns.
2. Two small side or duckbill clips: bangs and face-framing pieces.
3. One spring clip: half-up styles and ponytail bases.
4. U-pins: buns and French twists.
5. One dressy piece: pearl or rhinestone barrette, or a bow clip.

How to make any hair clip hold better

Most clips slip for the same reasons: freshly washed hair is slippery, the section is too big for the clip, or the clip is sitting on the surface rather than gripping hair near the scalp. Fix those three things and nearly any clip holds better.

• Add a little texture spray or dry shampoo to clean hair before clipping.
• Take smaller sections for flat clips; size up for claw clips.
• Angle flat clips slightly against the direction the hair wants to fall.
• Cross two bobby pins in an X for extra hold on heavy sections.

Caring for different clip types

Care depends on construction more than on clip type. Acetate, acrylic and resin clips can be washed briefly in lukewarm soapy water and dried well. Plated metal clips should be wiped rather than soaked. Fabric, velvet, pearl and rhinestone clips should only be spot cleaned, because water can loosen glue and backings. Whatever the type, dry the spring thoroughly and store clips where they will not fall onto hard floors.

Hair clip glossary

Clip names vary between brands and regions, which makes shopping confusing. These are the terms you are most likely to see on US listings, and what each one usually means.

• Jaw clip: another name for a claw clip.
• French barrette: a spring clip with a hinged clasp.
• French pin: an open, U-shaped hair pin.
• Alligator clip: a long, toothed clip that opens like a jaw; often used for sectioning.
• Snap clip: a thin clip that clicks open and shut.
• Hair slide: an open frame held in place with a stick.
• Bun pin: a large U-pin designed to hold a bun alone.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a barrette and a hair clip?

A barrette is one type of hair clip: a flat bar with a clasp underneath. "Hair clip" is the umbrella term that also covers claw, duckbill, snap and bow clips.

What is a banana clip?

A banana clip is a long, curved, comb-like clip that closes vertically along the back of the head to hold hair in a full ponytail shape.

Which hair clip is best for thin hair?

Small claw clips with closely spaced teeth, snap clips and U-pins tend to hold fine hair best, because they grip a small amount of hair firmly instead of closing loosely around it.

What is the difference between a bobby pin and a U-pin?

A bobby pin is closed and clamps a few strands flat. A U-pin is open and holds a bun or twist by tension.

Are claw clips and jaw clips the same thing?

Yes. "Jaw clip" and "claw clip" describe the same toothed, spring-hinged clip.

Shop clips by type

Find spring clips, duckbills, side clips, barrettes, hair slides and twist clips in our hair clips and barrettes collection, or browse claw clips for updos. Orders ship within the US for a flat $6.99, or free on orders of $79 or more, and are processed in 1–3 business days.

Sources

• Encyclopaedia Britannica, Cellulose acetate, published July 22, 2009, accessed October 21, 2026.
• Jake Rossen, Why Do We Call Them Bobby Pins?, Mental Floss, updated October 15, 2024.