Best Claw Clips for Thick Hair at the Gym: XL Clips That Actually Hold

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.

If your thick hair breaks gym clips, you're using the wrong clips.

Standard "large" clips aren't designed for genuinely thick hair during workouts. Add sweat to the equation, and clips marketed as "strong hold" fail within the first ten minutes.

The solution isn't giving up on claw clips—it's finding clips actually engineered for thick hair under gym conditions. Jumbo sizing. Industrial-strength springs. Wide-opening jaws that accommodate your actual hair volume.

We've tested dozens of clips on thick hair through strength training, HIIT, and cardio to find the ones that survive. Here are our picks.

For general gym clip recommendations, see best claw clips for the gym. For non-workout thick hair clips, check our thick hair claw clips guide.

Why Standard Clips Fail Thick Hair at the Gym

Your thick hair creates unique challenges that gym conditions amplify:

A clip that works for average hair will fail thick hair—especially during a 45-minute workout.

What Thick-Hair Gym Clips Need

Industrial-Strength Springs

Standard clips: 5-7 coil springs Thick hair clips: 10+ coil springs

The extra coils provide sustained tension even under the weight of thick hair. Metal springs are essential—plastic weakens faster.

XL/Jumbo Sizing

Standard large: 3-4 inches Thick hair large: 4-5+ inches

Your hair needs room to fit with space to spare. A clip that just barely closes around your hair can't grip properly.

Wide-Opening Jaws

The jaw should open wide enough for your hair without resistance. If you're forcing it closed, the spring is fighting your hair volume instead of gripping it.

Widely Spaced Teeth

Close-set teeth can't interlock when thick hair fills the space between them. Wide spacing allows teeth to meet even with substantial hair volume.

Matte/Textured Surfaces

Thick hair + sweat = maximum slipperiness. Matte and rubberized surfaces maintain grip when shiny clips fail.

For general sizing guidance, see our claw clip size guide.

Our Top 5 Thick-Hair Gym Clips

1. TOCESS 5-Inch Large Hair Claw Clips — Our Pick

Why it works for thick hair: The 10-coil spring was designed for heavy hair. At 5 inches, the jaw opens wide enough for serious volume. The matte finish grips through sweat.

Best for: All gym activities—weights, cardio, HIIT, CrossFit

Key features:

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

Price: ~$15 for 6 clips

This is the clip thick-haired gym-goers swear by. The extra spring strength and sizing make a noticeable difference.

2. Kōv Essentials Soul Clip XL — Premium Pick

Why it works for thick hair: Purpose-built in XL sizing for thick, heavy hair. The cellulose acetate is smoother against hair, reducing friction during extended workouts. Backed by a 6-month warranty.

Best for: Daily gym-goers willing to invest in premium quality

Key features:

• XL sizing specifically for thick hair
• Cellulose acetate (plant-based, not plastic)
• 6-month warranty
• Smoother surface = less friction

Price: ~$30

Worth the investment for thick-haired athletes who work out daily. The quality and sizing are specifically designed for your hair type.

3. TOCESS 8 Pack Big Hair Claw Clips — Best Value

Why it works for thick hair: The 7-coil metal spring handles most thick hair during moderate workouts. At 4.33 inches, they're large (though not jumbo), and the 8-pack provides value.

Best for: Moderate thick hair, value-conscious gym-goers

Key features:

• 7-coil metal spring
• 4.33-inch large sizing
• Matte non-slip surface
• 8 clips for gym rotation

Price: ~$14 for 8 clips

If your thick hair isn't extreme, these may be enough—and the value is excellent. Upgrade to the 5-inch if they struggle.

4. TELETIES Large Flat Round Clip — Best for Floor Work

Why it works for thick hair: The large flat design accommodates thick hair while lying completely flush. No pressure points during yoga, Pilates, or ab work.

Best for: Thick-haired yogis and Pilates practitioners

Key features:

• Large size for thick hair
• Flat-back design
• No pressure during floor work
• Strong grip despite flat profile

Price: ~$15

Standard flat clips are too small for thick hair. This large version solves that problem. See also flat clips for yoga and Pilates.

5. TELETIES Classic Large Claw Clip — Also Good

Why it works for thick hair: The bendable material flexes without breaking—important when thick hair creates stress during insertion. Survives gym bag abuse.

Best for: Thick-haired gym-goers who are hard on their accessories

Key features:

• Nearly unbreakable flexible material
• Large sizing for thick hair
• Survives drops and rough handling
• Strong grip

Price: ~$15

The durability factor matters when you're regularly clipping and unclipping thick hair.

Thick-Hair Gym Techniques

Even the best clip needs proper technique with thick hair.

The Double-Twist Lock (Essential for Thick Hair)

Standard buns don't provide enough texture for thick hair. This technique creates grip points:

1. Split hair into two sections (left and right)
2. Twist left section clockwise until tight
3. Twist right section counter-clockwise until tight
4. Cross right over left, then left over right
5. Coil combined twists into a bun
6. Clip through multiple layers

The crossed twists lock together, preventing unwinding. This technique alone solves many thick-hair clip failures.

The Double-Clip Method

When one clip isn't enough:

Stacked: Two clips on one bun

• Primary clip at center of bun
• Second clip at base, teeth pointing upward

Split: Two smaller buns

• Divide hair into upper and lower sections
• Create two separate buns
• Clip each with its own clip

Anchor: Elastic plus clip

• Create loose ponytail with snag-free elastic
• Coil ponytail into bun
• Clip over the elastic

Pre-Workout Prep for Thick Hair

Add texture: Thick hair is often slippery. Apply dry shampoo at roots before twisting.

Don't over-condition: Skip conditioner on gym days, or apply only to ends and rinse completely.

Let hair dry: Thick wet hair is heaviest and slipperiest. Style when hair is at least 80% dry.

For more techniques, see how to use a claw clip at the gym.

Thick Hair Considerations by Workout

Weightlifting

Challenge: Extended duration, some overhead movements Solution: High bun with TOCESS 5-inch clip; reposition forward if barbell interferes

HIIT/CrossFit

Challenge: Jumping, impact, constant movement Solution: Double-twist lock + XL clip; consider double-clip for very thick hair

Running

Challenge: Repetitive impact over distance Solution: Extra-tight twist, XL clip, high position; double-clip for long runs

Yoga/Pilates

Challenge: Floor work, inversions Solution: TELETIES Large Flat Clip positioned low at nape

Cardio Machines

Challenge: Sweat, extended duration Solution: Any XL clip with matte surface; mid-height position

Troubleshooting Thick Hair at the Gym

Clip slides down during workout

Causes: Spring not strong enough; not enough twist; smooth hair Fixes:

• Upgrade to 10-coil spring clip
• Use double-twist technique
• Apply dry shampoo before styling

Clip pops open suddenly

Causes: Hair volume exceeding clip capacity Fixes:

• Size up to jumbo/XL (5+ inches)
• Use double-clip method
• Divide hair into sections

Clip causes headache

Causes: Too much tension; wrong position Fixes:

• Loosen twist slightly
• Reposition clip
• Try larger clip (distributes pressure)

Spring weakens over weeks

Causes: Thick hair accelerates spring wear Fixes:

• Rotate between 2-3 clips
• Replace every 3-4 months with daily use
• Invest in quality (lasts longer)

For more troubleshooting, see how to keep clips from falling during workouts and why your claw clip keeps falling out.

FAQ

What size clip do I need for thick hair at the gym?

Start with large (4+ inches). If that struggles, move to jumbo/XL (5+ inches). Standard and medium sizes are not designed for thick hair.

Why do my clips keep breaking?

Thick hair creates more stress than standard clips are designed for. Invest in reinforced clips with metal springs. The TELETIES bendable construction is specifically good for this.

Should I use two clips?

If single clips consistently fail despite proper technique and XL sizing, yes. The double-clip method works well for very thick or very long hair.

Are expensive clips worth it for thick hair?

More so than for average hair. Cheap clips break faster under thick-hair stress. Quality clips last longer and perform better—the per-use cost often ends up lower.

My hair is thick AND long—any extra tips?

Combine techniques: double-twist + double-clip. Consider braiding before bunning for extra security. Position higher than feels natural.

The Bottom Line

Thick hair at the gym needs clips actually designed for thick hair under workout conditions. Standard "large" clips aren't enough.

Our top pick, the TOCESS 5-Inch clips with 10-coil springs, delivers the size and strength thick hair demands. The double-twist technique maximizes any clip's effectiveness.

Stop breaking clips. Stop adjusting every 10 minutes. Get the right size, use the right technique, and your thick hair becomes manageable during any workout.

For more thick hair recommendations, see our thick hair claw clips guide. For complete gym styling, check how to use a claw clip at the gym and our ultimate guide to claw clips for working out.