Best Claw Clips for Long Hair

Long hair is beautiful, but it comes with a challenge: finding clips that can actually hold all of it. Most standard claw clips simply weren't designed for the weight and volume of long hair, leading to slipping, falling, and that frustrating moment when your clip pops open unexpectedly.

The solution isn't just any large clip. It's finding clips engineered specifically for long hair, with the right combination of size, spring strength, and grip design. In this guide, we've tested and selected the best options for every type of long hair.

For a complete overview of claw clip basics, see our ultimate guide to claw clips.

What Makes a Claw Clip Work for Long Hair

Long hair presents unique challenges that require specific clip features:

Size Requirements

The rule: When in doubt, size up. A clip that's slightly too large works far better than one that's too small.

Spring Strength

Long hair is heavy. A weak spring will:

• Gradually loosen throughout the day
• Pop open unexpectedly
• Fail to grip all your hair

Look for clips with metal springs rather than plastic, and descriptions mentioning "extra strong" or "heavy-duty" construction.

Jaw Opening

Your clip needs to open wide enough to accommodate all your hair when twisted. Look for clips that open to at least 120 degrees, ideally close to 180 degrees.

Inner Teeth Design

Many clips only have outer teeth. For long hair, inner teeth provide crucial extra grip that prevents the twist from sliding out over time.

Our Top Picks for Long Hair

After testing on different long hair types, these five clips consistently performed best.

Best Overall: ZYTJ 5-Inch Extra Large Claw Clips

At a full 5 inches long, these jumbo clips are specifically engineered for long, thick hair. The oversized jaw opens nearly 180 degrees, making it easy to gather and secure even the longest hair.

Why we love them:

• Massive 5-inch size holds the most hair
• Matte finish prevents slipping
• Inner teeth for extra security
• Neutral colors suit any style
• Durable construction won't crack

Best for: Waist-length hair, very thick long hair, anyone who's broken clips before

Best for Thick Long Hair: FRAMAR Extra Large Claw Clips

These professional-grade clips combine powerful metal springs with a rubberized texture that grips hair without damaging it. The small inner teeth add an extra layer of security for thick, heavy hair.

Why we love them:

• Rubberized texture prevents slipping
• Professional-quality construction
• Inner teeth grip tightly
• Beautiful nude color palette
• Comfortable for all-day wear

Best for: Thick long hair, professional settings, those who need reliable all-day hold

Best for Heavy Hair: SHALAC Large Hair Claw Clips

If your hair is so heavy that clips constantly pop open, these are for you. The double teeth design and extra-strong spring are specifically designed to handle the weight of long, heavy hair.

Why we love them:

• Double teeth lock hair in place
• Extra-strong spring won't weaken
• 4.4-inch size handles volume
• Non-slip materials
• Excellent value for quality

Best for: Very heavy hair, hair that breaks clips, reliable everyday use

Best Variety Pack: Large Hair Claw Clips (12 Pack)

Not sure which style works best for your hair? This pack includes three different designs: flower clips, rectangle clips, and classic claw shapes. All feature strong metal springs for long hair.

Why we love them:

• Three styles to experiment with
• Find your perfect match
• Strong springs across all designs
• Great value at 12 clips
• Mix of decorative and practical options

Best for: First-time buyers, building a collection, finding your preferred style

Best Premium Option: Cellulose Acetate Large Clips

For those willing to invest in quality, these acetate clips offer superior durability and sustainability. Made from plant-based materials, they won't crack like plastic and are biodegradable.

Why we love them:

• Lasts years, not months
• Eco-friendly materials
• Won't crack or break
• Patterns won't fade
• Premium feel and appearance

Best for: Investment pieces, eco-conscious buyers, professional wardrobes

Styling Long Hair with Claw Clips

Long hair offers the most versatility for claw clip styles. Here are the most flattering techniques:

The Classic French Twist

The most elegant option for long hair:

1. Gather all hair at the nape of your neck
2. Twist upward while keeping the twist flat against your head
3. Continue twisting until you reach the crown
4. Tuck the ends under the twist (or leave them fanned out)
5. Secure with a large clip positioned vertically

For detailed instructions, see our French twist claw clip tutorial.

The High Messy Bun

Perfect for casual days:

1. Gather hair into a high ponytail position
2. Twist loosely and wrap around itself
3. Secure with a large clip at the base
4. Allow pieces to fall out for a relaxed look
5. Pull gently at the bun for volume

The Low Chignon

Sophisticated and office-appropriate:

1. Gather hair at the nape
2. Twist and coil into a bun
3. Secure with a clip horizontally across the bun
4. Smooth any flyaways with product

The Double Clip Method

For extremely long or heavy hair:

1. Divide hair horizontally into two sections
2. Twist and clip the bottom section first
3. Twist the top section and clip above
4. Alternatively, use two clips side by side on one twist

Long Hair Clip FAQs

Why do claw clips keep breaking in my long hair?

The weight of long hair puts stress on clips, especially plastic ones. Solution: Choose clips with metal springs and look for "heavy-duty" or "for thick hair" descriptions. Acetate clips are also more flexible and less prone to snapping than plastic.

Can I use multiple small clips instead of one large one?

Yes! Using 2-3 medium clips can distribute weight better than one that's struggling. Position them strategically along your twist or use them on different sections.

How do I keep my clip from sliding down throughout the day?

Use texturizing spray before styling, twist your hair tighter before clipping, and make sure you're using a clip that's large enough. The topsy-tail technique (creating a hole and pulling hair through) also adds security for long hair.

Should I use a different clip size for half-up styles vs. full updos?

Yes. Half-up styles on long hair work well with medium clips (2.5-3.5 inches) since you're only securing a portion of hair. Full updos typically need large to jumbo clips (4+ inches).

How do I prevent headaches from heavy clips?

Choose clips designed for long hair (they're often lighter relative to their grip strength), avoid positioning clips too tight, and take breaks throughout the day if needed. Premium acetate clips are often lighter than their cheap plastic counterparts.

The Bottom Line

Long hair deserves clips designed for its unique needs. Our top pick, the ZYTJ 5-Inch Extra Large Claw Clips, offers the best combination of size, grip, and durability for most long-haired users. But if you have particularly heavy hair, the SHALAC clips with their double-teeth design may serve you better.

For more claw clip recommendations by hair type, explore our guides for thick hair, curly hair, and fine hair. Or return to our complete claw clip guide for everything you need to know.