Hair clips are versatile accessories that can add style, hold hair in place, and help create various hairstyles.
With a wide range of designs, materials, and functions, there’s a hair clip for every hair type and occasion.
Whether you’re looking for something simple to keep your hair out of your face or a decorative piece to complete your look, understanding the different types of hair clips can help you choose the right one.
This blog will explore 15 different types of hair clips, highlighting their uses and unique features.
List of Different Types of Hair Clips
1. Barrette
Barrettes are decorative hair clips that snap shut to hold the hair in place.
They are often used to secure sections of hair at the back or side of the head.
Barrettes come in various sizes and designs, from simple to ornate, suitable for casual and formal hairstyles.
- Purpose: Securing sections of hair
- Features: Snap-shut design, decorative
- Ideal For: Casual and formal hairstyles
2. Snap Clip
Snap clips are small, hinged hair clips that snap open and closed.
They typically hold small sections of hair in place and are popular for securing bangs or flyaways.
Snap clips are often used in children’s hairstyles and come in various colors and patterns.
- Purpose: Holding small sections of hair
- Features: Hinged, snap-shut design
- Ideal For: Bangs, flyaways, children’s hairstyles
3. Alligator Clip
Alligator clips feature a long, narrow design with serrated edges that grip the hair securely.
Hairstylists commonly use them to section hair during cutting, coloring, or styling.
They are strong and versatile, making them a must-have tool in any hair care routine.
- Purpose: Sectioning hair for styling
- Features: Serrated edges, strong grip
- Ideal For: Hair cutting, coloring, styling
4. Claw Clip
Claw or jaw clips have a claw-like design with interlocking teeth that grip the hair.
They are perfect for securing large sections of hair and creating quick updos.
Claw clips are available in various sizes, making them suitable for different hair lengths and thicknesses.
- Purpose: Securing large sections of hair
- Features: Interlocking teeth, claw design
- Ideal For: Quick updos, thick hair
5. Bobby Pin
Bobby pins are small, flat hair clips that discreetly hold hair in place.
They are essential for creating sleek hairstyles and securing stray hairs.
Bobby pins are often used in pairs or multiples to achieve a secure hold, and they come in various colors to match different hair tones.
- Purpose: Holding hair discreetly
- Features: Small, flat, versatile
- Ideal For: Sleek hairstyles, securing stray hairs
6. Banana Clip
Banana clips are long, curved clips that gather the hair and hold it in a ponytail-like shape.
They create volume and are popular for retro-inspired hairstyles.
Banana clips work well with long hair and add a unique twist to a simple ponytail.
- Purpose: Creating ponytail-like styles
- Features: Long, curved design adds volume
- Ideal For: Long hair, retro hairstyles
7. Duckbill Clip
Duckbill clips are flat, elongated clips with a slight curve resembling a duck’s bill.
Hairstylists commonly use duckbill clips to section and hold hair in place during styling and drying.
They are easy to use and provide a strong hold without leaving marks in the hair.
- Purpose: Sectioning hair for styling
- Features: Flat, elongated, slight curve
- Ideal For: Styling, drying, sectioning
8. Hair Comb Clip
Hair comb clips are decorative clips with a comb-like base that slides into the hair.
They are often used to add a touch of elegance to updos or half-up styles.
Hair comb clips are available in various designs, including embellished versions with beads or crystals.
- Purpose: Decorative hold for updos
- Features: Comb-like base, decorative
- Ideal For: Updos, formal hairstyles
9. French Clip
French clips are sleek, hinged hair clips often used for creating ponytails or securing large sections of hair.
They have a strong clasp and are designed to hold thicker hair securely.
French clips are elegant and often used for polished, sophisticated looks.
- Purpose: Securing large sections of hair
- Features: Strong clasp, sleek design
- Ideal For: Ponytails, thick hair, formal looks
10. Sectioning Clip
Sectioning clips are essential tools for hairstylists. They divide hair into manageable sections during cutting, coloring, and styling.
They are strong and can hold large sections of hair without slipping, making them ideal for professional use.
- Purpose: Dividing hair for styling
- Features: Strong hold, professional-grade
- Ideal For: Hair cutting, coloring, styling
11. Spin Pin
Spin pins are corkscrew-shaped hair accessories that twist into the hair to create secure buns and updos without additional pins.
They are easy to use and provide a stronghold, making them ideal for creating elegant, twist-style updos.
- Purpose: Creating secure buns
- Features: Corkscrew shape, stronghold
- Ideal For: Buns, updos, twist styles
12. Jaw Clip
Jaw clips, also known as mini claw clips, are small versions of claw clips designed to hold smaller sections of hair.
They are perfect for half-up styles or securing smaller strands of hair.
Jaw clips are versatile and can add detail to various hairstyles.
- Purpose: Holding small sections of hair
- Features: Mini claw design, versatile
- Ideal For: Half-up styles, detailed work
13. Ribbon Clip
Ribbon clips are decorative hair clips that feature a ribbon or bow design.
They often add a playful or elegant touch to hairstyles, especially in children’s and formal hairstyles.
Ribbon clips come in various colors and sizes, making them versatile accessories.
- Purpose: Adding decorative flair
- Features: Ribbon or bow design, decorative
- Ideal For: Children’s hairstyles, formal looks
14. Mini Claw Clip
Mini claw clips are tiny versions of traditional claw clips used for securing small sections of hair or adding accents to a hairstyle.
They are ideal for detailed work or for holding back small strands of hair and are often used in multiples for creative hairstyles.
- Purpose: Securing small sections of hair
- Features: Tiny claw design, versatile
- Ideal For: Accent styles, detailed work
15. Ponytail Clip
Ponytail clips are designed to hold hair in a ponytail without an elastic band.
They often feature a hinged design that clamps around the hair, creating a secure ponytail while adding a decorative element.
Ponytail clips are easy to use and provide a polished look.
- Purpose: Securing ponytails
- Features: Hinged design, decorative
- Ideal For: Quick ponytails, polished looks
Conclusion
Hair clips are a versatile and essential accessory for creating many hairstyles.
From the simple bobby pin to the decorative ribbon clip, each type of hair clip serves a specific purpose and adds an unique flair to your look.
Whether styling your hair for a special occasion or simply keeping it out of your face, the right hair clip can make all the difference.
Understanding these different types of hair clips can help you choose the perfect one for any hairstyle.
