Types of Hair Clips: 7 Common Hair Clips

Hair clips are an accessory designed to hold back sections of hair. They come in a various sizes, shapes, and patterns. While sturdy hair clips help secure thick hair in place, lightweight clips assist with intricate updos. Hair clips are also a fashion statement, as they come in many different styles, from tortoiseshell claw clips to hairpins with rhinestone embellishments.

Regardless of your hairstyle and whether you have straight or curly hair, there are different types of hair clips to help maintain your look throughout the day. Some common hair clips include:

1. 1. Alligator clips: Unlike other types of clips, alligator hair clips function as a temporary piece to hold hair back during haircuts or styling. Alligator clips have a unique pinch style that grips hair and prevents it from slipping out of the clip. Since alligator clips have a strong clasp, hairstylists use them to hold curls in place and pin hair off the face.
2. 2. Banana clips: Known for their unique shape, banana clips have a row of stretchy teeth enclosed by two flexible pieces of plastic. Popular during the 80s, banana hair clips create a voluminous ponytail. You can also use a banana clip to secure a French braid or bun hairdo.
3. 3. Bobby pins: As a versatile, lightweight clip, bobby pins are a staple hair accessory. Both thick and thin hair types can use bobby pins. You can use them to create messy buns or clip bangs back. Depending on how you position the bobby pins, you can either display them or hide them in your hair.
4. 4. Claw clip: Also known as jaw clips, claw clips are a hair accessory made with a single clamp and row of teeth. Claw hair clips range in size depending on the number of teeth; however, most claw clips can hold a large section of hair. You can use a claw clip to replace a hair tie and create an elegant French twist or a classic half-up, half-down look. Butterfly clips are small claw clips that look like a butterfly.
5. 5. Duckbill clips: Similar to alligator clips, duckbill clips are for haircuts or styling rather than for use as an everyday fashion accessory. Made with a large, flat prong, duckbill clips divide the hair into sections so stylists can easily cut and style hair. Using duckbill clips also makes the blow-drying and styling process easier if you do your hair at home.
6. 6. French barrette: Unlike other types of hair clips, French barrettes have a tension bar positioned under the clip’s flat surface. Since small sections of hair are secure between the top and bottom piece, the tension bar is out of view. French hair barrettes come in various colors and patterns, from minimalist pastel shades to bold prints.
7. 7. Snap clips: A great option for fine hair, snap clips secure small sections of hair without slipping. Snap clips open and close with a simple push.

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Bobbi Brown, RuPaul, Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, and more.