Skip to main content
Clips & Barrettes

Best Mini Claw Clips for Half-Up Styles

Donna MillerBy Donna Miller
··1 min read
Colorful mini claw clips arranged showing variety of styles
Photo by Tamara Bellis
Share this guide:
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our affiliate policy

Mini claw clips are having their moment. These tiny accessories are perfect for half-up hairstyles, accent styling, and the trendy multi-clip looks all over social media. Plus, they're essential for anyone with short hair who can't use full-sized clips.

Whether you want one statement mini or a collection of colorful options, we've tested the best mini clips for grip, comfort, and style.

For complete claw clip basics, see our ultimate guide to claw clips.

Why Choose Mini Clips?

Mini claw clips (1-1.5 inches) serve different purposes than their larger cousins:

Use CaseWhy Minis Work Best
Half-up stylesProportional to smaller hair sections
Short hairScaled to less hair volume
Accent stylingAdd detail without bulk
Multi-clip looksCreate patterns and visual interest
Pinning bangsSecure small sections precisely
Thin/fine hairLightweight, won't overpower

Our Top Picks for Mini Clips

Best Overall: Lolalet Small Hair Claw Clips

At 1.5 inches, these clips hit the perfect size for half-up styles. The metal spring opens nearly 181 degrees for easy use, then clamps down securely. Pastel acrylic colors add trendy personality.

Why we love them:

  • Ideal 1.5-inch size
  • Strong metal spring
  • Trendy pastel colors
  • Interlocking teeth design
  • Comfortable all-day wear

Best for: Half-up half-down styles, adding color, everyday wear

Best Value: Funtopia 72 Pcs Mini Hair Claw Clips

Seventy-two clips in 20 colors for under $10. Whether you want to experiment with multi-clip trends or just never run out of options, this mega pack delivers incredible value.

Why we love them:

  • Unbeatable value (72 clips!)
  • 20 different colors
  • Perfect for multi-clip styling
  • Sturdy enough for daily use
  • Great for sharing or gifts

Best for: Color coordination, multi-clip trends, building a collection

Best Matte Finish: Mini Matte Tiny Jaw Clips

Four different styles with matte nonslip finish. Perfect for slippery or fine hair that escapes glossy plastic clips. The variety lets you test which design works best.

Why we love them:

  • Matte texture grips better
  • Four different styles included
  • Lightweight for fine hair
  • 1.5-inch perfect size
  • Non-damaging hold

Best for: Fine hair, slippery hair, testing different styles

Best for Decorative Use: YOHAMA Mini Hair Claw Clips

Designed specifically for decorative styling in weddings, competitions, and special occasions. Deep teeth provide secure hold for intricate updos. Neutral colors work with formal attire.

Why we love them:

  • Made for formal styling
  • Deep teeth for decoration
  • 36 clips per pack
  • Elegant neutral colors
  • Durable construction

Best for: Weddings, formal events, decorative styling, bridal updos

Best Double-Row: Small Hair Claw Clips Double Row Teeth

Double-row teeth in mini size, solving the grip problem for fine hair. If standard minis slip out, these provide twice the holding power in the same small package.

Why we love them:

  • Double-row grip in mini size
  • Perfect for fine hair
  • Seven teeth per row
  • Neutral professional colors
  • Surprisingly strong hold

Best for: Fine or thin hair, maximum grip in minimal size

Half-Up Styling with Mini Clips

The Classic Half-Up

  1. Part hair horizontally from ear to ear
  2. Gather the top section loosely
  3. Twist slightly (optional, for security)
  4. Secure with a 1.5-inch mini clip
  5. Let bottom section flow freely
  6. Pull out face-framing pieces if desired

The Multi-Clip Pattern

  1. Create a center or side part
  2. Take small sections along the part
  3. Twist each section
  4. Secure with mini clips spaced evenly
  5. Use matching or contrasting colors

The Scattered Accent Look

  1. Style hair as desired (down, half-up, etc.)
  2. Place 3-5 mini clips randomly through hair
  3. Vary heights and positions
  4. Use complementary colors
  5. Secure tiny sections for a decorative effect

For more styling ideas, see how to style a claw clip: 10 easy hairstyles.

Mini Clip FAQs

What size is a "mini" clip?

Generally 1-1.5 inches. "Small" clips are typically 1.5-2 inches. For half-up styles, either works depending on your hair thickness.

Can I use mini clips on thick hair?

For half-up styles (partial hair), yes. For full updos on thick hair, mini clips won't have enough capacity. Use minis for accent styling on thick hair.

How many clips should I buy?

For half-up styling, 2-4 quality clips cover daily needs. For multi-clip trends, a larger pack (20+) allows creativity. Value packs are great for experimentation.

Do mini clips work on very short hair?

Yes! Minis are often the only clips that work on pixies and very short bobs. Use them for accent styling, pinning back sections, or decorative purposes.

The Bottom Line

Mini clips are essential for half-up styles, short hair, and trendy accent looks. Our top pick, the Lolalet Small Hair Claw Clips, offers the perfect balance of size, grip, and style for most users. For maximum value and color variety, the Funtopia 72-pack can't be beaten.

Lolalet 12 Pack Small Hair Claw Clips (1.5 Inch)
Our Pick

Lolalet 12 Pack Small Hair Claw Clips (1.5 Inch)

Perfect 1.5-inch size for half-up styles.

Perfect size for half-up looks. The pastel colors are so cute and the grip is surprisingly strong....”

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

Lolalet 12 Pack Small Hair Claw Clips (1.5 Inch)

Lolalet 12 Pack Small Hair Claw Clips (1.5 Inch)

View on Amazon

Perfect 1.5-inch size for half-up styles. Made of non-toxic pastel acrylic with powerful metal springs that open nearly 181 degrees. Interlocking teeth hold firmly without hurting the scalp. Trendy pastel colors add personality.

Perfect size for half-up looks. The pastel colors are so cute and the grip is surprisingly strong.

— Verified Buyer
Funtopia 72 Pcs Mini Hair Claw Clips

Funtopia 72 Pcs Mini Hair Claw Clips

View on Amazon

An incredible 72 clips in 20 different colors for endless mixing and matching. Made of premium plastic with sturdy springs. Perfect for multi-clip styling trends and accent work.

72 clips for this price is insane! So many colors for half-up styles and accent looks.

— Verified Buyer
Mini Matte Tiny Jaw Clips (12 Pack, 4 Styles)

Mini Matte Tiny Jaw Clips (12 Pack, 4 Styles)

View on Amazon

Four different clip styles with matte nonslip finish. 1.5 inches, ideal for thin/medium hair. The matte texture provides extra grip for sleeker hair types.

The matte finish really helps grip my slippery hair. Love having 4 different styles.

— Verified Buyer
YOHAMA 36 Pcs Durable Mini Hair Claw Clips

YOHAMA 36 Pcs Durable Mini Hair Claw Clips

View on Amazon

Thick plastic construction with great springs. Deep teeth for decoration and secure hold. Perfect for bride/wedding styles, dance competitions, and creative hairstyles. Three neutral colors.

Used these for my wedding updos. They held beautifully and looked elegant.

— Verified Buyer
Small Hair Claw Clips Double Row Teeth (12 Pack)

Small Hair Claw Clips Double Row Teeth (12 Pack)

View on Amazon

Unique double-row teeth design in a mini 1.6-inch size. Seven non-slip teeth per row provide exceptional grip. Perfect for fine or thin hair that escapes single-row minis.

Finally mini clips that actually hold my fine hair! The double teeth make all the difference.

— Verified Buyer

Perfect size for half-up looks. The pastel colors are so cute and the grip is surprisingly strong.

Verified Buyer

Quick Comparison

A side-by-side look at our top picks

1
Lolalet 12 Pack Small Hair Claw Clips (1.5 Inch)

Lolalet 12 Pack Small Hair Claw Clips (1.5 Inch)

Top Pick
2
Funtopia 72 Pcs Mini Hair Claw Clips

Funtopia 72 Pcs Mini Hair Claw Clips

3
Mini Matte Tiny Jaw Clips (12 Pack, 4 Styles)

Mini Matte Tiny Jaw Clips (12 Pack, 4 Styles)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Mini Clips?
Mini claw clips (1-1.5 inches) are perfect for half-up styles because they're proportional to the smaller section of hair being clipped. They're also ideal for short hair, accent styling, and creating trendy multi-clip looks.
The Half-Up Sweet Spot
Half-up styles only use a portion of your hair, making oversized clips unnecessary and awkward. Mini clips provide the perfect amount of hold without overwhelming the style or weighing down the section.
Multi-Clip Trend
The latest styling trend uses multiple mini clips as decorative elements. Scatter them through your hair for visual interest, or line them up along a part for a modern look.
Donna Miller

Donna Miller

Found this helpful? Share it:

Enjoyed This Guide?

Get more hair tips and product recommendations delivered weekly.

Not sure what to get?

Take our quick quiz to find your perfect clips

Take Quiz