Heavy hair breaks clips. It pops them open mid-meeting, snaps hinges during workouts, and defeats products that work perfectly for everyone else. If you've experienced the frustration of clips that just can't handle your hair, you need clips specifically engineered for weight and volume.
This guide covers the best large and jumbo claw clips designed for heavy hair, whether your volume comes from thickness, length, texture, or all three.
For complete claw clip basics, see our ultimate guide to claw clips.
What Makes Hair "Heavy"
Heavy hair isn't a single condition. It's any hair that puts significant stress on clips:
- Thick hair: High density of strands
- Long hair: Weight from length (past mid-back)
- Curly/coily hair: Volume from texture
- Dense fine hair: Many strands even if individual strands are thin
- Combinations: Thick AND long, curly AND long, etc.
If standard clips slip, pop open, or break in your hair, you need heavy-duty options.
Large Clip Size Guide
| Hair Situation | Minimum Size | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| Thick shoulder-length | 3.5 inches | 4 inches |
| Thick mid-back | 4 inches | 4.5 inches |
| Thick waist-length | 4.5 inches | 5+ inches |
| Dense curly (any length) | 4 inches | 4.5 inches |
| Long + thick + curly | 5 inches | 5+ inches or double clips |
Our Top Picks for Heavy Hair
These clips are built to handle serious weight and volume.
Best Jumbo Size: ZYTJ 5-Inch Extra Large Claw Clips
At a full 5 inches, these are among the largest clips available. The oversized jaw opens nearly 180 degrees, and inner teeth provide extra grip. Built for hair that defeats smaller clips.
Why we love them:
- Massive 5-inch size for maximum hair
- Inner teeth add crucial security
- Matte finish prevents slipping
- Strong enough for the heaviest hair
- Won't crack under pressure
Best for: Waist-length hair, extremely thick hair, those who break standard clips
Best Professional Grade: FRAMAR Extra Large Claw Clips
These are the clips professional stylists use when clients have serious hair. Metal springs and rubberized texture mean they hold through hours of styling and all-day wear.
Why we love them:
- Salon-quality construction
- Rubberized grip texture
- Metal springs won't weaken
- Professional appearance
- Proven on demanding clients
Best for: Professional settings, all-day hold, thick heavy hair
Best Double Teeth: SHALAC Large Hair Claw Clips
Double teeth mean double grip. If your hair slips out of single-row clips, these provide twice the holding power without requiring double the size.
Why we love them:
- Double row of teeth for maximum grip
- Extra-strong spring
- Non-slip materials
- Wide jaw opening
- Handles the heaviest hair
Best for: Hair that escapes single-row clips, dense heavy hair
Best Nearly Unbreakable: Teleties Large Classic Claw Clips
Made from custom nylon material designed not to break, these clips can handle abuse that destroys plastic alternatives. A smart choice if you've snapped multiple clips before.
Why we love them:
- Nearly unbreakable construction
- Comfortable flat design
- Strong grip on thick hair
- Lasts years, not months
- Quality investment
Best for: Those who break clips regularly, very thick hair, rough handling
Best Value Pack: Large Hair Claw Clips (12 Pack)
Can't commit to one style? This pack includes three different large clip designs so you can test what works best for your specific heavy hair needs.
Why we love them:
- Three styles to try
- 12 clips total
- All feature metal springs
- Excellent value
- Sizes ranging from 3-4.3 inches
Best for: First-time large clip buyers, variety seekers, budget-conscious shoppers
Styling Heavy Hair with Large Clips
Heavy hair requires specific techniques:
The Tight Twist Method
- Gather ALL your hair at the back
- Twist tightly (more than you think necessary)
- Continue twisting until the rope is firm
- Fold upward and clip
- The tight twist prevents weight from pulling down
The Double Clip Technique
For extremely heavy hair:
- Divide hair into two horizontal sections
- Twist and clip the bottom section first
- Twist the top section and clip above
- Or: Use two large clips side by side on one section
The Base Support Method
- Create a loose ponytail with a cloth scrunchie
- Twist the ponytail
- Clip over the scrunchie
- The scrunchie provides base support for the weight
FAQs for Heavy Hair
Why do my clips keep breaking?
Cheap plastic can't handle heavy hair weight. Solution: Choose clips with metal springs, look for "heavy-duty" descriptions, and consider nearly-unbreakable options like Teleties.
Is it normal for clips to pop open?
With heavy hair, weak clips will pop open. This is a sizing/strength issue, not your fault. Size up and choose clips specifically designed for thick or heavy hair.
Can I use two clips instead of one giant one?
Absolutely. Two well-placed medium-large clips can work better than one struggling giant clip. Position them strategically to distribute weight.
How do I prevent headaches from heavy clips?
Choose clips with comfortable designs (curved to skull shape), take breaks during the day, and rotate positions. Heavy hair needs strong clips, but strong doesn't have to mean uncomfortable.
The Bottom Line
Heavy hair requires serious clips. Our top pick, the ZYTJ 5-Inch Extra Large Claw Clips, offers the size and strength most heavy-haired users need. For hair that breaks everything, the nearly-unbreakable Teleties are worth the investment.
Explore more options in our guides for thick hair, long hair, and our complete claw clip guide.

ZYTJ 5-Inch Extra Large Jumbo Claw Clips (4 Pack)
At 5 inches long, these are among the largest claw clips available. Oversized matte design with inner teeth for extra security.
“Finally clips big enough for my thick, heavy hair. They don't pop open or slip down....”
We tested dozens of claw clips to find the very best options. Below you'll find our complete ranking, with detailed reviews and real customer feedback for each pick.
The Complete Ranking

ZYTJ 5-Inch Extra Large Jumbo Claw Clips (4 Pack)
“Finally clips big enough for my thick, heavy hair. They don'...” — Verified Buyer
At 5 inches long, these are among the largest claw clips available. Oversized matte design with inner teeth for extra security. Opens nearly 180 degrees to accommodate the most voluminous hair. Durable construction handles heavy hair without breaking.
“Finally clips big enough for my thick, heavy hair. They don't pop open or slip down.”
— Verified Buyer

FRAMAR Extra Large Claw Clips for Thick Hair
“These are what my salon uses. Finally bought my own - worth ...” — Verified Buyer
Professional salon-quality clips with powerful metal springs and rubberized texture. Inner teeth grip tightly without damage. Used by stylists who need clips that hold all day during long appointments.
“These are what my salon uses. Finally bought my own - worth every penny.”
— Verified Buyer

SHALAC Large Hair Claw Clips (4 Pack)
“The double teeth actually work. My heavy hair stays put all ...” — Verified Buyer
Double teeth design provides twice the grip points for maximum security. Non-slip materials plus extra-strong spring handle the heaviest hair. 4.4 inches with wide jaw opening.
“The double teeth actually work. My heavy hair stays put all day for the first time.”
— Verified Buyer

Teleties Large Classic Claw Clips
“I've broken so many clips with my thick hair. These actually...” — Verified Buyer
Made from custom nylon material that's nearly unbreakable. Designed to hold thick, long, or voluminous hair without slipping or pulling. Flat design comfortable for leaning back.
“I've broken so many clips with my thick hair. These actually survive.”
— Verified Buyer

Large Hair Claw Clips 3 Styles (12 Pack)
“12 large clips at this price is amazing. All three styles ho...” — Verified Buyer
Includes 4.3-inch rectangle clips, 4.3-inch classic claws, and 3-inch flower clips. Metal springs throughout. Great for finding which style works best for your heavy hair.
“12 large clips at this price is amazing. All three styles hold my heavy hair.”
— Verified Buyer
Finally clips big enough for my thick, heavy hair. They don't pop open or slip down.
Quick Comparison
A side-by-side look at our top picks
Frequently Asked Questions
What Counts as Heavy Hair
Size Matters Most
Spring Strength
Donna Miller
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