Best Claw Clips for the Gym: 7 Secure-Hold Picks That Actually Stay Put

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Standard claw clips weren't designed for deadlifts, sweat, or the gym floor.

Your regular clip works fine for brunch. But the combination of moisture, movement, and impact during a workout creates conditions most clips can't handle. The spring weakens from sweat exposure. The smooth teeth lose grip when damp. And one aggressive burpee later, your hair is everywhere.

The solution isn't to tie your hair tighter or buy more clips. It's to use clips actually engineered for gym conditions—metal springs that maintain tension, matte surfaces that grip when wet, and construction durable enough to survive your gym bag.

We tested dozens of clips across strength training, cardio, and floor work to find the seven that actually stay put. For a complete guide to workout hair solutions, see our ultimate guide to claw clips for working out. And if you're new to claw clips entirely, start with our complete claw clip guide for the basics.

What Makes a Clip Gym-Ready

Not every claw clip survives workout conditions. Here's what separates gym clips from the rest.

Spring Strength for Secure Hold

The spring is everything. Plastic springs lose tension when exposed to sweat and heat—exactly the conditions you create during exercise. Metal springs provide 3-5x the hold strength of plastic alternatives and maintain that tension over months of gym use.

Test this yourself: open a clip and release it repeatedly. Quality metal springs snap back with consistent force every time. Cheap plastic springs feel weaker after just a few compressions.

Grip Surface That Handles Sweat

Smooth, glossy clip surfaces are useless the moment you start sweating. The moisture acts as a lubricant, letting your hair slide right out.

Look for:

• Matte finishes with rubberized coatings
• Textured teeth that maintain friction when damp
• Interior grip features like ridges or soft-touch surfaces

The best gym clips actually grip better with light moisture because the textured surface creates more contact points.

Durability for Daily Gym Use

Gym clips live hard lives—dropped on locker room floors, stuffed into sweaty gym bags, yanked out post-workout. They need to survive abuse that would shatter standard clips.

Signs of gym-worthy construction:

• Reinforced hinges at stress points
• Flexible material that bends without snapping
• Double-walled design for impact resistance

Expect to pay slightly more for this durability. But a $15 clip that lasts a year beats five $5 clips that break every two months.

For help choosing the right size, see our claw clip size guide.

Our Top 7 Gym Claw Clips

We evaluated each clip across 30+ workouts, testing hold through strength training, HIIT, and floor exercises. Here are the ones that earned a spot in the gym bag.

1. TOCESS 8 Pack Big Hair Claw Clips — Our Pick

Why it works for gym: The 7-coil metal spring maintains grip through the sweatiest sessions, while the matte rubber coating actually improves hold when damp. At 4.33 inches, it's large enough for substantial updos without being bulky.

Best for: All-around gym use—strength training, cardio machines, moderate-intensity classes

Key features:

• 8 inner teeth for secure interlocking
• Matte non-slip surface
• Metal spring construction
• Available in neutral gym-friendly colors

Price: ~$14 for 8 clips

The value here is outstanding. You get metal springs and grippy surfaces at a price that lets you keep clips in multiple gym bags without guilt.

2. TELETIES Flat Round Clip — Best for Floor Work

Why it works for gym: The flat-back design eliminates the pressure point problem that makes regular clips torture during floor exercises. You can actually lie back during ab work, yoga, or Pilates without that stabbing sensation.

Best for: Yoga, Pilates, floor exercises, reformer work, any workout involving lying down

Key features:

• Flat profile sits flush against head
• Bendable teeth maintain shape over time
• Strong grip without scalp pressure
• Designed specifically for lying back

Price: ~$13

If your gym routine includes mat work, this clip is non-negotiable. Standard clips dig into your head during crunches—this one disappears. For more flat clip options, see our guide to flat claw clips for yoga and Pilates.

3. TOCESS 5-Inch Large Hair Claw Clips — Best for Thick Hair

Why it works for gym: The 10-coil spring is significantly stronger than standard clips, engineered specifically for thick, heavy hair that defeats regular clips by lunchtime. The 5-inch jumbo size accommodates serious volume.

Best for: Thick hair during any workout, high-intensity training where extra security matters

Key features:

• 10-coil durable spring (vs. standard 7-coil)
• 5-inch jumbo sizing
• Wide interlocking teeth
• Matte finish for sweat resistance

Price: ~$15 for 6 clips

If your thick hair has broken lesser clips, this is your solution. The extra spring coils provide the tension thick hair demands. For more thick hair options, see our guide to claw clips for thick hair at the gym and our general thick hair claw clips guide.

4. TELETIES Classic Large Claw Clip — Also Good

Why it works for gym: The bendable material flexes under stress instead of snapping, making it nearly indestructible. Drop it, step on it, stuff it in a packed gym bag—it survives.

Best for: Gym-goers who are hard on their accessories, anyone tired of breaking clips

Key features:

• Nearly unbreakable flexible material
• Strong-grip design for all hair types
• Available in multiple sizes
• Comes with durability guarantee

Price: ~$15

The durability factor alone makes this worth considering. When clips at the gym face daily abuse, investing in one that literally won't break pays off.

5. Kōv Essentials Soul Clip — Premium Pick

Why it works for gym: Crafted from cellulose acetate rather than plastic, this premium clip feels smoother against hair and creates less static. Available in sizes up to XL, with a 6-month warranty backing durability claims.

Best for: Daily gym-goers willing to invest in premium quality, thick hair needing XL sizing

Key features:

• Cellulose acetate construction (plant-based, not plastic)
• Sizes from S to XL
• 6-month warranty
• TikTok-famous for hold strength

Price: ~$30

Yes, it costs more. But reviewers consistently report it staying put through hour-long spin classes without a single adjustment—something cheaper clips can't match. If you're at the gym daily, the per-use cost becomes reasonable quickly.

6. Revlon Strong Hold Hair Claw Clips — Budget Pick

Why it works for gym: The double-teeth design grips hair from both sides for enhanced security. With over 26,000 Amazon ratings and a price under $7, these are the workhorse option for budget-conscious gym-goers.

Best for: Keeping multiples in various gym bags, backup clips, testing whether claw clips work for your gym routine

Key features:

• Double-teeth gripping design
• Proven by 26,000+ reviews
• Affordable enough for multiples
• Available in various sizes

Price: ~$6-7

Not as durable as premium options, but at this price you can keep clips everywhere—gym bag, car, locker, desk—without financial stress. Perfect for finding out if gym claw clips work for you before investing more.

7. Goody Small Half-Claw Hair Clips — Best Mini

Why it works for gym: Sometimes you don't need a full updo—just hair out of your face. These 12-pack mini clips with SlideProof grip secure half-up styles for yoga, stretching, or lower-intensity cardio.

Best for: Half-up styles, lighter workouts, keeping hair back during warm-up and cool-down, shorter hair

Key features:

• SlideProof grip technology
• 12-count pack for value
• Neutral colors (black, tortoise, clear)
• 3-prong design for secure hold

Price: ~$5 for 12

Great for those days when a full bun feels like overkill. Keep a few in your gym bag for quick half-up styling when you don't need maximum hold. For more mini clip options, see our guide to mini claw clips for half-up gym styles.

Quick Comparison Table

Gym Styling Techniques for Maximum Hold

The right clip helps. But technique determines whether it stays put through your entire workout.

The Gym-Proof Twist

This twist-and-clip method creates texture that gives the clip something to grip:

1. Gather your hair as if making a ponytail
2. Twist the length tightly, rotating in one direction
3. Coil the twisted hair against your head
4. Position the clip vertically over the coil, teeth pointing down
5. Press firmly to lock

The twist distributes weight evenly and creates grip points throughout your hair. This works even on freshly washed, slippery hair.

When to Double Clip

For very long or very thick hair, one clip might not be enough. The double-clip method uses two clips for distributed hold:

• Stacked method: Place one clip higher, one lower on the same bun
• Split method: Divide hair into two sections, clip each separately
• Anchor method: Use a mini clip at the base, large clip over top

Double clipping adds security for high-impact workouts where even good clips might struggle.

Positioning for Different Equipment

Different gym activities need different clip placement:

Bench press & floor work: Position clips low at the nape, or use flat-back clips. High buns create pressure points when lying down.

Cardio machines: High buns stay more secure during running and jumping. Position at the crown of your head.

Squats & deadlifts: Mid-height works best. Too low and the bar interferes; too high and the clip shifts forward during descent.

For more techniques, see our complete tutorial on how to use a claw clip at the gym.

Gym Clip Care and Maintenance

Your gym clips face harsh conditions. Basic maintenance extends their lifespan significantly.

Cleaning Routine

Sweat, product buildup, and gym grime accumulate on clips. Clean them weekly:

1. Rinse under warm water
2. Apply small amount of mild soap
3. Use an old toothbrush to scrub teeth and hinges
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Air dry completely before storing

Skip this step and your clips will become slippery and less effective within weeks.

How Often to Replace

Even quality clips wear out. Replace your gym clips when:

• Spring tension noticeably weakens
• Teeth become smooth or worn
• Clips no longer hold through entire workouts
• Visible cracks appear in construction

With proper care, expect quality gym clips to last 6-12 months of daily use. Budget clips may need replacement every 2-3 months.

Storage Tips

Avoid throwing damp clips into dark gym bags where bacteria and mildew thrive:

• Let clips air dry before storing
• Keep in a ventilated pouch or mesh bag
• Avoid storing in direct sunlight (degrades plastic)
• Don't overextend clips when not in use

If clips still slip despite proper technique, see our troubleshooting guide on why claw clips fall out.

Gym Claw Clip FAQs

How do I keep my clip from falling during bench press?

Position the clip low at the nape of your neck rather than at the crown. Better yet, use a flat-back clip designed for lying down. The pressure from the bench pushes against standard clips, forcing them loose. Flat designs eliminate this problem entirely.

Can I wear my nice claw clip to the gym?

You can, but we don't recommend it. Sweat exposure degrades materials faster, gym bag storage risks breakage, and the conditions simply wear clips out. Keep dedicated gym clips that you don't mind replacing, and save nice clips for occasions where they won't face abuse.

Are metal clips okay at the gym?

Metal springs are ideal—they maintain tension better than plastic. But fully metal decorative clips can be problematic: they're heavier (more likely to slide), can rust with sweat exposure, and may cause discomfort during floor work. Look for plastic/acetate construction with metal internal springs.

How many gym clips should I own?

We recommend 2-3 quality gym clips in rotation. This prevents any single clip's spring from wearing out too quickly from daily use, gives you backups when one is drying after cleaning, and lets you keep clips in multiple bags.

The Bottom Line

Your gym clip needs to survive sweat, impact, and the stress of actual workouts—not just look good in your bathroom mirror.

Our top pick, the TOCESS 8 Pack, delivers the essential gym features (metal spring, matte grip, durable construction) at a price that makes sense for workout accessories. For floor-work specialists, the TELETIES Flat clip is worth every penny. And for thick-haired gym-goers, the TOCESS 5" clips provide the hold strength standard clips can't match.

Stop adjusting your hair mid-set. Stop that sinking feeling when you sense your clip sliding. Get clips designed for what you're actually doing, and your hair becomes one less thing to think about during your workout.

For the complete workout hair guide—including techniques for every activity type—see our ultimate guide to claw clips for working out.