Bobby Pins vs Claw Clips: Which Is Better for Your Hairstyle?

Claw clips are having a moment. Bobby pins have been essential for a century. If you're wondering which to choose, or when to use each, this comparison covers everything you need to know.

The short answer: they're different tools for different jobs. The better question is when to use which.

For detailed bobby pin information, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins. For claw clips, see our complete claw clip guide.

Quick Comparison

How They Work Differently

Bobby Pins

Bobby pins grip small sections of hair between two prongs:

• Precise placement at specific spots
• Can be completely hidden
• Multiple pins create complex structures
• Requires technique for best results

Claw Clips

Claw clips grab a mass of hair in one motion:

• Quick, one-step securing
• Always visible in the style
• One clip does the whole job
• Minimal technique needed

When Bobby Pins Are Better

For Elegant Events

Formal occasions call for polished looks:

• Wedding guest styles
• Professional presentations
• Special occasions
• Any time polish matters

Bobby pins create refined styles that claw clips can't match.

For Specific Styles

Some styles only bobby pins can achieve:

• French twists
• Sleek pinned sections
• Intricate updos
• Decorative pin arrangements
• Half-up with invisible securing

For Invisible Securing

When you don't want the accessory to show:

• Bobby pins can be completely hidden
• Claw clips are always visible
• For accessory-free looks, bobby pins are the only option

For Precision Work

When you need to control exactly what happens:

• Pinning specific sections
• Creating structural foundations
• Managing face-framing pieces
• Building complex styles layer by layer

See: bobby pin hairstyles for work and bobby pin hairstyles for weddings.

When Claw Clips Are Better

For Quick Daily Styling

When time matters more than perfection:

• Running late
• Casual days
• Quick bathroom refresh
• Just need hair up and out of the way

Claw clips: 5 seconds. Bobby pins: 2-5 minutes.

For Casual Aesthetics

The visible claw clip look is stylish in its own right:

• Effortless chic
• 90s/Y2K revival aesthetic
• Intentionally undone vibes
• Trendy everyday accessory

For Hair Health

Claw clips are marginally gentler:

• No squeezing individual strands
• No friction during removal
• Less manipulation per use
• Gentler on fragile hair

See: are claw clips bad for your hair?

For Comfort During Work

For desk work and leaning back:

• Flat claw clips sit comfortably against chair backs
• Bobby pins can poke
• Clips easier to adjust when needed

For Thick Hair Quick Styles

Thick hair and quick updos:

• One large claw clip handles thick hair easily
• Thick hair might need 15-25+ bobby pins
• Clips are simply faster for volume

See: claw clips for thick hair.

Style Comparison

Hair Type Considerations

Thick Hair

Winner for thick hair: Claw clips for daily, bobby pins for special occasions.

Fine Hair

Winner for fine hair: Depends on hair density. Bobby pins for styling, clips for gentle holding.

Curly Hair

Winner for curly hair: Claw clips for ease, bobby pins for specific styling.

See: bobby pins for curly hair and claw clips for curly hair.

The Damage Question

Both are gentle on hair when used correctly. Comparative damage levels:

Bottom line: Neither damages hair with normal use. Claw clips have a slight edge for gentleness. Bobby pins are fine if you use proper technique.

See: are bobby pins bad for your hair?

Cost Comparison

Bobby Pins

• Drugstore: $3-8 for 100+ pins
• Professional: $8-15 for 50-100 pins
• Premium: $15-25 for 20-50 pins
• Per-pin cost: $0.03-0.50
• Lifespan: Weeks to years depending on quality

Claw Clips

• Budget: $5-15 for multi-packs
• Quality: $15-25 for 2-4 clips
• Premium: $25-50+ per clip
• Per-clip cost: $2-50
• Lifespan: Years with care

True Cost

Bobby pins cost less per piece but you need many and they need replacing. Quality claw clips cost more upfront but last for years. Long-term costs are comparable.

Building Your Collection

The Case for Both

Most people should own:

• Bobby pins: For polish, precision, events, and variety
• Claw clips: For quick daily styling and comfort

Minimum Bobby Pin Kit

• Standard size (2")
• 50-100 count to start
• Match color to hair

Minimum Claw Clip Kit

• One medium/large clip
• Match to hair thickness
• Neutral or matching color

FAQs

Which is better for everyday use?

Depends on your lifestyle. Claw clips for casual/quick. Bobby pins for polished professional looks. Many people use clips daily and pins for events.

Which is better for hair health?

Both are gentle. Claw clips are marginally gentler because they don't squeeze individual strands. Neither causes significant damage with normal use.

Can claw clips replace bobby pins?

For some purposes, yes. For quick updos and casual styles, clips work great. For elegant events, precise styling, and invisible securing, you still need bobby pins.

Why are claw clips trendy now?

The 90s/Y2K revival brought claw clips back. They also align with effortless, low-maintenance style trends. The visible clip has become a fashion statement.

Which holds better?

For quick buns: comparable. For elaborate styles: bobby pins create more secure, polished looks. Claw clips are secure but offer less control.

Can I use both together?

Yes. Some people use a claw clip for the main hold and bobby pins for finishing touches or securing loose sections.

The Bottom Line

Bobby pins and claw clips aren't competitors. They're different tools:

Bobby pins:

• Precision styling
• Elegant events
• Invisible securing
• Unlimited style options
• Requires technique

Claw clips:

• Quick daily styling
• Casual chic
• Effortless aesthetic
• One-step securing
• Minimal skill needed

The best approach? Own both. Use claw clips when speed and ease matter. Use bobby pins when precision and polish matter.

For complete bobby pin guidance, see our ultimate guide to bobby pins. For claw clips, see our claw clip guide.