Thick hair is a blessing until it breaks your favorite accessories. Standard clips often snap or slide out within minutes under the weight of heavy strands.
You need styles designed for volume and heavy-duty grip. These 17 sturdy claw clip hairstyles for thick hair are engineered for maximum security and style.
Say goodbye to sagging buns and constant readjusting. These techniques use high-tension clips to keep every strand in place from morning until night.
1. The Reinforced French Twist
Start by gathering your hair at the nape of the neck and twisting upward toward the crown. This creates a tight coil that manages the bulk of thick hair effectively.
Instead of a standard clip, use an extra-large acetate claw with long, overlapping teeth. This ensures the clip penetrates through the thickest part of the twist to reach the scalp.
Tuck the ends of your hair into the top of the twist for a clean finish. This style provides a professional look that remains secure during a busy workday.
2. The XL Half-Up Loop
Section off the top half of your hair, starting from just above the ears. Comb this section back to ensure there are no lumps or tangles before securing.
Fold the section into a loop rather than just pulling it back. This creates a thicker base for the claw clip to bite into, preventing the dreaded “slide” common with fine hair.
Use a wide-body claw clip to clamp down on the loop and the base hair simultaneously. This balances the weight of the hair and prevents tension headaches throughout the afternoon.
3. The Double-Claw Stack
When one clip isn’t enough, two clips provide double the security. Section your hair into a top and bottom half, twisting the bottom half into a low bun first.
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18 Carefree beach hairstyles for long hair easy summer messy buns — Read moreSecure the bottom bun with a medium-sized, high-tension clip. Then, take the top section, drape it over the first clip, and secure it with a second clip directly above.
This architectural approach distributes the weight of thick hair across two different anchor points. It creates a voluminous, cascading effect that looks intentional and stays put during physical activity.
4. The Vertical Tucked Braid
Begin by creating a standard three-strand braid starting at the mid-point of your head. Braid it all the way to the ends and secure with a small clear elastic.
Fold the braid upward and tuck the tail underneath the top section of the braid near the scalp. This creates a sturdy, compact “log” of hair that is easy to grip.
Clamp a large, rectangular claw clip over the center of the folded braid. The interlocking teeth of the clip will weave through the braid links for an iron-clad hold.
5. The Messy High-Volume Bun
Gather all your hair at the very top of your head as if making a high ponytail. Twist the hair loosely to maintain volume while still keeping it organized.
Coil the hair around its base once, leaving the ends pointing toward your face. This messy structure is surprisingly stable because the volume creates friction that helps the clip stay.
Place a sturdy, round-back claw clip over the coil. The rounded shape of the clip accommodates the bulk of thick hair without forcing the hinge to its breaking point.
6. The Low-Slung Chignon
Gather your hair at the base of your neck and create a low ponytail with your hands. Twist the hair away from your dominant hand into a tight rope.
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Spiral the rope into a low bun, keeping it close to the nape of the neck. This low center of gravity prevents the weight of thick hair from pulling the style down.
Secure the bun by clipping one side of the claw to the scalp hair and the other side to the outer edge of the bun. This creates a flat, secure silhouette.
7. The Faux-Pony Cascade
Pull your hair into a ponytail position but do not use an elastic. Instead, fold the hair upward against the back of your head and then let the ends fall.
Place a large claw clip midway up the folded section. This creates a look that mimics a ponytail but uses the clip to provide height and volume.
Because the hair is draped over the top of the clip, it hides the accessory while providing a secure grip. This is ideal for those who find elastics too tight.
8. The Side-Pinned Twist
Sweep all of your hair over to one shoulder and begin a low twist starting behind the opposite ear. Move the twist horizontally across the back of the head.
Once you reach the other side, secure the hair with a medium-sized claw clip. The horizontal tension helps keep the hair flat against the head, reducing bulk.
This style is perfect for showing off the texture of thick hair while keeping it off the neck. It offers a romantic, asymmetrical look that works for formal or casual settings.
9. The Bubble Pony Anchor
Create a series of “bubbles” down the length of your hair using small elastics. This pre-sections the hair, making it much easier for a clip to handle.
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Fold the bubbled ponytail upward so that the first and third bubbles are touching. This creates a multi-layered structure that provides excellent grip for a claw clip.
Fasten a heavy-duty clip over the center “pinch” point of the bubbles. The elastics act as internal anchors, ensuring the clip has something solid to hold onto.
10. The Twisted Crown Halo
Separate two large sections of hair from the front of your face. Twist each section backward toward the crown of your head, following the curve of your ears.
Join the two twists at the back and give them one final communal twist. This creates a “halo” effect that manages the weight of the front-facing layers.
Use a medium, sturdy claw clip to secure the junction of the twists. This style is excellent for keeping thick hair away from the face while leaving the rest down.
11. The “Infinity” Wrap
Hold your hair in a ponytail and place your index finger over the top of the base. Wrap the hair around your finger and then back under the ponytail.
This “figure-eight” or infinity motion creates a flat but dense knot. The flatness is key for thick hair, as it allows the clip’s teeth to reach the scalp.
Clip the claw vertically through the center of the infinity loop. This orientation locks the hair in place and prevents the “heavy hair sag” common with horizontal clips.
12. The Oversized Shell Clip
For this style, focus on using a clip specifically marketed for “extra thick” or “coily” hair. These usually have a deeper “basket” area to hold more mass.
Simply gather your hair into a loose bun at the mid-back of your head. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the clip will be the star of the show.
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Encase the entire bun within the oversized shell clip. The massive surface area of these clips ensures that no strands escape, even with rapid head movement.
13. The Sleek Low Loop
Apply a small amount of smoothing cream to your roots to keep the hair sleek. Pull the hair into a low ponytail and fold it into a single loop.
Secure the loop right at the nape with a small but strong metal claw clip. Metal clips often have stronger springs than plastic ones, which is vital for thick hair.
Let the ends of the hair hang loosely from the bottom of the clip. This creates a modern, minimalist look that is both sophisticated and incredibly sturdy.
14. The Sectioned Half-Down
Instead of taking just the top layer, take two vertical sections from the sides of your head. This reduces the width of the hair the clip has to manage.
Bring these two side sections together at the back and twist them twice. This creates a narrow, dense rope that fits perfectly within a standard-sized claw clip.
Clip the rope to the back of your head, allowing the rest of your thick hair to flow underneath. This prevents the clip from looking strained or “popping” open.
15. The “Tucked Tail” Bun
Create a high ponytail and pull it through an elastic once, but on the second pass, only pull it halfway through. This creates a large, thick loop.
Take the remaining “tail” of hair and wrap it around the base of the elastic. This hides the elastic and adds an extra layer of thickness for the clip.
Secure a claw clip directly over the wrapped tail. The clip acts as a secondary fastener, ensuring the heavy loop doesn’t pull the elastic out of place.
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16. The Sporty Secure Lock
Divide your hair into three equal sections and braid them tightly into a single plait. Secure the end with a sturdy grip elastic to prevent unraveling.
Fold the braid into thirds, stacking the sections on top of each other against the back of your head. This creates a very dense, rectangular block of hair.
Use a long, rectangular “flat” claw clip to pin the entire stack to your head. These clips are designed to lie flatter against the scalp, making them more stable during movement.
17. The Textured Wand Wave Clip
If your hair is thick and smooth, it may slide more easily. Use a curling wand to add some texture or waves before using your claw clip.
Gather the textured hair into a mid-height French twist. The added “grit” from the waves creates friction, which helps the clip’s teeth stay put in thick sections.
Fasten with a matte-finish claw clip. Matte coatings often provide more grip against the hair than glossy plastics, providing that extra bit of insurance for heavy hair.
What is the best material for thick hair clips?
Acetate and metal are the superior choices for thick hair. Acetate is a high-quality, reinforced plastic that is much more flexible and durable than the cheap “brittle” plastic found in budget clips. Metal clips provide the strongest spring tension, ensuring the teeth don’t spread apart under the pressure of heavy hair volume.
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How do I prevent my claw clip from sliding down?
The most effective way to prevent sliding is to ensure the teeth of the clip make contact with the hair closest to your scalp. If the clip is only grabbing the “outer” layer of your bun or twist, the weight will inevitably cause it to sag. Always “dig” the teeth slightly into the base hair for a secure anchor.
Is an XL clip always better than a standard clip?
Not necessarily, but for thick hair, the “capacity” of the clip matters most. Look for clips with a wider “jaw” and longer teeth. Some standard-sized clips have a deep basket design that can hold more hair than an XL clip that has a shallow, flat design.
Can claw clips cause breakage on heavy hair?
If the clip is too small and you are forcing it shut, the tension can cause individual strands to snap. To avoid breakage, use clips with rounded, smooth teeth rather than sharp edges. Additionally, avoid clipping the hair in the exact same spot every day to prevent localized stress on the hair shaft.
How do I style a claw clip with wet thick hair?
Wet thick hair is significantly heavier and more fragile than dry hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle first, then apply a leave-in conditioner to provide “slip” that prevents the clip from snagging. Choose a large, ventilated clip to allow for some airflow so the center of your hair doesn’t stay damp for too long.
What should I look for in a heavy-duty spring?
Check the “resistance” when you open the clip; it should require a firm squeeze. A weak spring will eventually give way to the weight of thick hair, leading to the clip popping open. Look for clips where the metal spring is visible and has multiple coils, as these typically offer the most longevity and grip.