It’s official: retro hairstyles are having a moment, and the claw clip is perhaps the most popular. That is not the only one—every time you open Instagram or TikTok, you are likely to be inundated with prom-style tendrils, tiny hair clips, and baby braids. (I am aware of this.) However, it is the basic claw clip that has convinced me to give up all my glittering pins, expensive scrunchies, and pearl-encrusted everything.
Claw clips have always struck me as functional. My mother has worn a basic tortoiseshell one while cooking for as long as I can remember, and I used to wear one in elementary school to keep my hair out of my face. It wasn’t something I anticipated to want to wear again until a pre-COVID vacation in Tokyo when I was browsing a cheap store. It was there: the most adorable pink clip. I purchased it on a whim, intending to use it to keep my hair back throughout my bedtime ritual.
Initially, my new claw clip was confined to the house, but I saw them popping up everywhere I looked. Overnight, it appeared as though every Insta-girl was sporting a candy-colored Emi Jay clip, and sleeker versions began to appear in celebrity press pictures. Then it occurred to me: Claw clips are now officially trendy.
Fast forward to the present day, when claw clips are everywhere, and I never leave the home without one in my hair or tucked into my bag (or sometimes clipped on my purse strap). While the clip excels at its primary function—holding a lot of hair up with minimum effort—what I appreciate most about it is its flexibility.
My first foray into wearing a claw clip outside the home is a style called the Brigitte Broke-dot by comedian and host of the Glowing Up podcast Caroline Goldfarb. Essentially, it’s stacking hair into a half-upstyle, cutting it, and leaving your front tendrils or bangs out. It’s romantic, effortless, and ridiculously flattering—the half-up look with some pieces around the front frames your face beautifully. The style instantly improves any poor hair day and adds a touch of polish to any outfit.
On TikTok, effortless French twists fastened with a claw clip are trendy, while superstar models Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber like a slicked-back bun secured with the claw clip. It’s a very ’90s supermodel style that nevertheless seems fresh and contemporary. While the sleekness of the bun appears put-together, a claw clip provides it an air of “oh, this old thing?” effortlessness. I’ve never been a fan of smooth hair, but the convenience of wearing it with a clip makes it completely wearable. Additionally, this style accentuates a beautiful clip—it creates the illusion of having jewels in your hair.
While there are undoubtedly more upscale alternatives, my favorite aspect of this trend is that the majority of clips are around $25. Believe me when I say that you will not regret resurrecting them.