Best Claw Clips for Short Hair & Bobs

Think claw clips are only for people with long, flowing locks? Think again. The right mini or small claw clip can transform short hair and bobs into effortlessly chic styles that stay put all day.

The key is knowing what to look for. Short hair needs clips that grip firmly without overwhelming your style, and most standard-sized clips simply don't cut it. In this guide, we've tested and selected the best claw clips specifically designed for shorter hairstyles.

If you're new to claw clips or want a complete overview, check out our ultimate guide to claw clips first.

What to Look for in Claw Clips for Short Hair

Not every claw clip works on short hair. Here's what separates the winners from the slip-outs:

Size Matters Most

For short hair, size isn't just about fit. It's about function:

Larger clips designed for thick, long hair will slide right out of short styles. Or worse, they'll look comically oversized and drag your hair down.

Grip Features That Work for Less Hair

Short hair gives clips less to hold onto, so you need features that maximize grip:

• Double-row teeth: More contact points mean better hold
• Matte or textured finish: Prevents slipping on smooth, clean hair
• Metal springs: Provide consistent, reliable tension
• Closely spaced teeth: No gaps for hair to slip through
• Rubberized or coated teeth: Extra friction without damage

Weight and Balance

Heavy clips will pull short hair and slide out. Look for:

• Lightweight plastic or acrylic materials
• Proportional designs (not top-heavy)
• Compact construction

Our Top Picks for Short Hair

After testing dozens of clips on different short hairstyles, these six stood out for their grip, comfort, and style.

Best Overall: Small Hair Claw Clips with Double Row Teeth

These 1.6-inch clips are specifically engineered for short and thin hair. The unique double row teeth design provides twice the grip points of standard clips, making them incredibly secure on bobs and shorter styles.

Why we love them:

• Double row of seven teeth prevents slipping
• Neutral color palette works with any look
• Strong metal springs that won't weaken
• Comfortable for all-day wear

Best for: Chin-length bobs, half-up styles, professional looks

Best for Half-Up Styles: Lolalet Small Hair Claw Clips

At 1.5 inches, these acrylic clips hit the sweet spot for creating half-up styles on short hair. The powerful spring opens nearly 181 degrees for easy use, then clamps down firmly without pinching.

Why we love them:

• Perfect size for gathering just the top section
• Pretty pastel colors add personality
• Interlocking teeth design prevents hair escape
• Gentle on the scalp despite strong grip

Best for: Half-up half-down styles, casual looks, adding a pop of color

Best Matte Finish: Rectangle Medium Claw Clips

These 2-inch rectangle clips solve the slipping problem with a soft matte coating that creates friction against hair. The rectangle shape also distributes grip more evenly than round designs.

Why we love them:

• Matte finish prevents the "slip-out" problem
• Rectangle shape is flattering on shorter cuts
• Secure grip without painful pulling
• Great value with 16 clips included

Best for: Fine or slippery hair, shoulder-length cuts, everyday wear

Best Metal Option: Small Metal Non-Slip Clamps

For those who prefer the durability and weight of metal, these classic clamps deliver. The all-metal construction means they'll last for years, and the teeth are designed to hold hair without snagging.

Why we love them:

• More durable than any plastic option
• Elegant, timeless look
• Strong grip on layered cuts
• Won't break or crack

Best for: Those who prefer metal accessories, layered bobs, special occasions

Best Variety Pack: Mini Matte Claw Clips (4 Styles)

Can't decide what works best? This 12-pack includes four different clip styles so you can experiment. All feature matte finishes for better grip on short or thin hair.

Why we love them:

• Try different designs without buying multiple packs
• Find your perfect match through testing
• Matte finish across all styles
• Great for beginners

Best for: First-time claw clip users, experimenting with styles, building a collection

Best Value: Funtopia 72 Pcs Mini Hair Claw Clips

At 72 clips for under $10, this set is unbeatable for value. The mini size is perfect for accent styling on short hair, whether you're pinning back bangs, creating patterns, or decorating updos.

Why we love them:

• Incredible value (under $0.10 per clip)
• 20 different colors to match any outfit
• Perfect for multi-clip styling trends
• Replaceable without guilt if one breaks

Best for: Accent clips, pixie cuts, creative multi-clip looks, budget-conscious shoppers

How to Style Short Hair with Claw Clips

Short hair offers unique styling opportunities with claw clips. Here are the most flattering techniques:

The Half-Up Twist

The most popular style for short to shoulder-length hair:

1. Part your hair horizontally from ear to ear
2. Gather the top section loosely
3. Give it a gentle twist (optional, but adds security)
4. Secure with a 1.5-2 inch claw clip
5. Pull out a few face-framing pieces

Pro tip: For extra hold, add texturizing spray before clipping.

The Pinned-Back Accent

Perfect for growing out a pixie or adding interest to a short style:

1. Take a small section near your face (one or both sides)
2. Twist it loosely toward the back
3. Secure with a mini clip
4. Repeat on the other side if desired

The Multiple Mini Look

A trendy way to wear very short hair:

1. Use 3-6 mini clips as accent pieces
2. Place them asymmetrically through your hair
3. Create patterns or scatter them randomly
4. Mix colors or keep it uniform

For more styling inspiration, see our guide on how to use a claw clip on short hair.

Short Hair Claw Clip Size Guide

Choosing the right size prevents frustration. Use this guide:

For a comprehensive breakdown of all sizes, check out our complete claw clip size guide.

Common Mistakes with Short Hair Clips

Avoid these pitfalls:

Using clips that are too big Oversized clips look awkward and slide out of short hair. When in doubt, size down.

Skipping texture Clean, smooth short hair is slippery. Add dry shampoo or texturizing spray before styling.

Positioning too low Clips placed at the nape of the neck fall out easily. Position at mid-height or higher for security.

Expecting long-hair styles to work Not every Pinterest-worthy claw clip look translates to short hair. Focus on half-up styles and accent placements instead of full updos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a claw clip with a pixie cut?

Yes! Mini claw clips (1-1.5 inches) work beautifully as accent pieces on pixie cuts. Use them to pin back longer sections, create visual interest, or add a pop of color. The key is using very small clips, not attempting to create updos that require more hair.

Why do claw clips keep falling out of my short hair?

Usually because the clip is too large, your hair is too clean/slippery, or the clip is positioned too low. Try sizing down, adding texturizing spray, and positioning the clip higher on your head.

What's the best clip style for a bob?

For chin-length bobs, small clips (1.5-2 inches) with closely spaced teeth work best. The double-row teeth design is particularly effective because it provides extra grip points. Matte finishes also help prevent slipping.

How many clips do I need?

Start with one quality clip for half-up styles. Add a few mini clips if you want to try accent styling. A variety pack is great for experimenting to find what works best for your specific hair.

Do premium brands make clips for short hair?

Yes! Brands like Machete and Emi Jay offer mini and small sizes. Their Midi and Mini sizes are designed specifically for shorter hair or half-up styles. See our premium brand comparison for details.

The Bottom Line

Short hair absolutely can rock claw clips. The secret is choosing the right size (smaller than you think), looking for features that enhance grip (double teeth, matte finishes, strong springs), and mastering styles designed for shorter lengths.

Our top pick, the Small Hair Claw Clips with Double Row Teeth, offers the best combination of hold, style, and value for most short-haired users. But the best clip for you depends on your specific hair length, thickness, and styling preferences.

Ready to explore more options? Browse our complete guide to claw clips for everything from styling tutorials to brand comparisons.