Best Flat Claw Clips for Yoga and Pilates: No-Dig Comfort for Mat Workouts

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Regular claw clips turn savasana into torture.

You're finally relaxed, breath slowing, mind quieting—and then the clip jabs into the back of your head. Again. You shift, trying to find a comfortable position. The moment is gone.

The problem isn't the clip's hold strength. It's the shape. Standard claw clips have a bulky hinge that creates a pressure point when you lie back. For yoga, Pilates, and any mat-based workout, you need clips designed flat.

We've tested flat clips through hundreds of yoga and Pilates sessions—hot yoga, restorative flows, reformer classes, and everything between. Here are the ones that actually disappear during your practice.

For complete workout hair solutions, see our ultimate guide to claw clips for working out. For gym-specific recommendations, check out the best claw clips for the gym.

Why Regular Clips Fail in Yoga

The typical claw clip has three problems during mat work:

Flat clips solve the first problem entirely and help with the others. But not all "flat" clips are created equal.

What Makes a Clip Truly Yoga-Friendly

The Flat Profile Test

A genuinely flat clip should:

• Lie nearly flush when pressed against a table
• Have no protruding hinge mechanism
• Create minimal bump at the clasp

Some clips marketed as "flat" still have bulky hinges. Before buying, check photos from multiple angles or read reviews specifically mentioning floor work comfort.

Spring Strength for Hot Yoga

Hot yoga creates the worst conditions for clips—heat, humidity, and sweat that makes hair slippery. Your flat clip needs:

• Metal springs (not plastic)
• Rubberized or matte grip surface
• Secure teeth that interlock through damp hair

The Right Size for Your Hair

Flat clips tend to run smaller than regular clips. Size up if you're between sizes:

• Thin/fine hair: Small flat clips work
• Medium hair: Medium is usually perfect
• Thick hair: Large flat clips or double-clip technique

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

Our Top 5 Flat Clips for Yoga and Pilates

1. TELETIES Medium Flat Round Clip — Our Pick

Why it works for yoga: Engineered specifically for lying down, the rounded flat design distributes pressure evenly. Bendable teeth flex with movement instead of popping open during transitions.

Best for: All yoga styles, Pilates mat work, reformer classes

Key features:

• Truly flat back with no protruding hardware
• Bendable teeth that maintain shape
• Strong grip without scalp pressure
• Works for medium to thick hair

Price: ~$13

This is the clip yoga instructors recommend. The combination of flat design and secure grip means you genuinely forget it's there—exactly what you want during practice.

2. SYGY 12-Pack Flat Hair Clips — Best Value

Why it works for yoga: At under $10 for 12 clips in three sizes, you can keep sets everywhere—yoga bag, studio locker, home practice space. The matte surface stays gripppy through sweat.

Best for: Budget-conscious yogis, those wanting variety of sizes, beginners trying flat clips

Key features:

• Three sizes included (large 4.3", medium 3.1", mini 2.4")
• Matte lay-down design
• Ultra-lightweight
• Available in wine red and other colors

Price: ~$10 for 12

The value here is exceptional. Get multiple sizes to find what works for your hair, and you'll have backups for months.

3. Bellagrip Flat Claw Clip — Also Good

Why it works for yoga: The ultra-flat ergonomic profile was designed specifically for activities involving lying down. No poking, no pressure—just secure hold through every pose.

Best for: Pilates reformer, commuting to class, long practice sessions

Key features:

• Ultra-flat ergonomic shape
• Slip-free grip for all-day wear
• Works during commuting (lean back in car/train seats)
• Premium construction

Price: ~$15

If you're serious about your practice and want a premium option, Bellagrip delivers the flattest profile we tested.

4. TELETIES Large Flat Round Clip — Best for Thick Hair

Why it works for yoga: Same flat design as the medium, but sized for thick hair that defeats smaller clips. Holds through 75-minute hot yoga sessions.

Best for: Thick hair, long hair, hot yoga

Key features:

• Large size accommodates more hair
• Same flat lie-down design as medium
• Strong grip for sweaty conditions
• Won't pop open during intense flows

Price: ~$15

If your thick hair needs more room, this is the flat clip that delivers. See also claw clips for thick hair at the gym for more thick-hair options.

5. Bare Flat Claw Clips — Also Good

Why it works for yoga: Created specifically for Pilates and mat work, these clips prioritize comfort during floor sequences above all else.

Best for: Pilates enthusiasts, reformer practitioners, mat Pilates

Key features:

• Pilates-specific design
• Prevents discomfort during lying positions
• Secure hold through transitions
• Clean, minimal aesthetic

Price: ~$13

If Pilates is your primary practice, these purpose-built clips understand exactly what you need.

Styling Techniques for Yoga

The right clip is only half the equation. Position it correctly for your practice.

The Low Flat Bun (Best for Most Practices)

This is your go-to for any yoga with floor sequences:

1. Gather at the nape: Position hair lower than a typical bun—just above where neck meets skull
2. Twist loosely: You want flat, not bulky
3. Spread horizontally: Create a wide, flat shape rather than a tall coil
4. Clip horizontally: Teeth pointing to one side, not down

This keeps the clip completely out of the way during supine poses.

The Modified Half-Up (For Shorter Hair)

If your hair won't reach a full bun:

1. Section the top half: Temples up, bottom down
2. Twist and clip at crown: Not at the back of head
3. Test lying down: If you feel the clip, position higher

Adding Bobby Pins for Inversions

For headstands and shoulder stands, clips alone may shift. Add security:

1. Create your flat bun as normal
2. Add 2-3 bobby pins at the base of the bun
3. Cross the pins for extra hold
4. The clip becomes primary hold, pins prevent escape

For more bobby pin techniques, see our bobby pin hairstyles guide.

Yoga Style Considerations

Different yoga styles stress clips differently:

Vinyasa/Power Flow

Challenge: Constant movement and transitions Solution: Medium flat clip with strong spring; position at mid-nape

Hot Yoga (Bikram)

Challenge: Extreme sweat makes everything slippery Solution: Metal spring clips, matte finish, consider the double-twist technique from our gym styling guide

Restorative/Yin

Challenge: Long holds in supine positions Solution: Flattest possible clip positioned very low; comfort is everything here

Ashtanga

Challenge: Inversions and arm balances Solution: Flat clip plus bobby pin reinforcement; test during practice

Pilates Reformer

Challenge: Head on carriage pad for extended periods Solution: Ultra-flat clips only (Bellagrip or TELETIES); any bump becomes uncomfortable

FAQs

Can I use a regular clip and just position it lower?

You can try, but regular clips have protruding hinges that still create pressure points even when positioned low. The shape matters more than the position.

My flat clip slides out during hot yoga—help?

Sweat defeats weak springs. Upgrade to a metal-spring flat clip, and use dry shampoo before class to add texture. The double-twist technique also helps.

Should I size up for hot yoga?

Usually yes. Hair swells slightly with heat and humidity, and you want room for the clip to grip. If you're between sizes, go larger for hot yoga.

Can I wear my flat clip during meditation?

Flat clips work beautifully for seated meditation—you can even lean back against a wall without discomfort. They're the only clip style that works for this.

How often should I replace my yoga clip?

With regular practice (3-5x weekly), replace clips every 4-6 months. Springs weaken over time, especially with heat exposure in hot yoga.

The Bottom Line

For yoga and Pilates, flat clips aren't optional—they're essential. Regular clips make floor work uncomfortable at best, painful at worst.

Our top pick, the TELETIES Medium Flat Round Clip, delivers the combination of flat design and secure hold that yoga demands. For thick hair, size up to the large version. And for budget-conscious yogis, the SYGY 12-pack offers excellent value.

Stop adjusting your hair during practice. Stop dreading savasana because of your clip. Get a truly flat design, and your hair becomes one less thing between you and your practice.

For more workout hair solutions, see our best claw clips for the gym and our complete ultimate guide to claw clips for working out.