Claw Clip Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Size for Your Hair

Choosing the wrong size claw clip is the most common mistake people make, and it's the main reason clips fall out, break, or look awkward. This guide shows you exactly how to find your perfect clip size based on your hair length, thickness, and the styles you want to create.

The right size clip should hold your hair securely all day without constant adjustment, headaches, or the clip popping open unexpectedly.

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

Claw Clip Size Categories

Clips are measured from end to end when closed. Here's how sizes break down:

Most people need multiple sizes for different purposes. A single size rarely covers all styling needs.

Quick Size Finder

By Hair Length

By Hair Thickness

Combined Sizing Example

You have: Shoulder-length hair that's thick

Length suggests: Medium for updos Thickness adjustment: +1 size Your ideal: Large clips (3.5-4.5") for full styles

Detailed Size Guide

Mini Clips (1-1.5 inches)

Jaw opening: ~0.75-1 inch when open

Best for:

• Half-up styles on short to medium hair
• Accent clips and decorative use
• Short bobs and pixies
• Fine or thin hair half-up looks
• Multi-clip styling trends
• Pinning back bangs or small sections

Not recommended for:

• Full updos on any hair type
• Thick hair (even sections)
• Long hair (won't grip enough)

The test: If you're using a mini clip for a full updo and it keeps falling, you need to size up dramatically.

For mini clip recommendations, see best mini claw clips for half-up styles.

Small Clips (1.5-2.5 inches)

Jaw opening: ~1-1.5 inches when open

Best for:

• Full updos on short or fine hair
• Half-up styles on medium hair
• Chin to shoulder-length hair (any thickness)
• Fine/thin medium-length hair
• Accent styling on thick hair
• Travel (more portable than larger clips)

Not recommended for:

• Thick hair full updos
• Long hair full styles
• Very heavy hair

The test: A small clip should fully close around your twisted hair with slight resistance. If the jaw won't close completely, size up.

See our short hair claw clip guide for small clip recommendations.

Medium Clips (2.5-3.5 inches)

Jaw opening: ~1.5-2 inches when open

Best for:

• The most versatile size for most hair types
• Full updos on average-thickness, medium-length hair
• Half-up styles on long or thick hair
• Shoulder to mid-back length hair
• Daily wear for most people
• Office-appropriate styling

Not recommended for:

• Very short hair (will look oversized)
• Very thick, long hair (won't hold all day)
• Very fine, short hair (may slide)

The test: This is the "standard" size. If you're trying claw clips for the first time and have average hair, start here.

Large Clips (3.5-4.5 inches)

Jaw opening: ~2-2.5 inches when open

Best for:

• Thick hair of any length
• Long hair (mid-back or longer)
• Full updos that need to last all day
• Heavy hair that breaks smaller clips
• Statement styling (oversized look is intentional)

Not recommended for:

• Short hair (will overwhelm your head)
• Fine/thin hair (may slide down)
• Half-up styles (usually too large)

The test: Large clips should feel substantial but not heavy. If a large clip feels like too much clip, you may not need this size.

For large clip recommendations, see best large claw clips for heavy hair.

Jumbo Clips (4.5-5.5+ inches)

Jaw opening: ~2.5-3+ inches when open

Best for:

• Very thick hair
• Waist-length or longer hair
• Hair that defeats all other clips
• When you've broken smaller clips from hair weight
• Maximum hold situations

Not recommended for:

• Average or below-average hair volume
• Anyone not specifically struggling with large clips
• Half-up or accent styles

The test: If you've tried large clips and they still pop open or can't contain your hair, it's time for jumbo.

Sizing by Style

Different styles require different amounts of hair, which affects sizing:

Full Updos

You're securing ALL your hair. Use the size recommended for your length + thickness combination.

Half-Up Styles

You're securing about 1/3 to 1/2 of your hair. Use one size smaller than you'd use for a full updo.

Accent and Decorative Clips

You're securing small sections for visual effect. Mini clips almost always work, regardless of hair type.

The Physical Test

Not sure about measurements? Try this at home:

Step 1: Gather Your Hair

Gather the amount of hair you want to clip (full updo or half-up section).

Step 2: Measure the Twist

Twist the gathered hair. The diameter of your twisted hair rope is what the clip needs to grip.

Step 3: Compare to Clip Jaw Opening

The clip's jaw (when open) should comfortably fit around your twisted hair with:

• Slight resistance when closing: Perfect size
• Easy close with room to spare: Possibly too large
• Won't close completely: Definitely too small
• Teeth barely meet: Too small, size up

Step 4: Test the Hold

Secure the clip and move normally for 5 minutes. Check:

• Does it stay in place?
• Does it feel secure?
• Is it comfortable (no pulling or pinching)?
• Did it shift position?

If it moved or felt unstable, try the next size up.

Common Sizing Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using One Size for Everything

The problem: A clip perfect for half-up styles won't work for full updos. A jumbo clip for thick hair is overkill for half-up sections.

The solution: Own at least two sizes. Most people benefit from a medium for full styles and a small for half-up.

Mistake 2: Matching Clip to Hair Type Only

The problem: Length matters as much as thickness. Long fine hair may need larger clips than short thick hair.

The solution: Consider both factors. Long + fine may equal medium, while short + thick also equals medium.

Mistake 3: Buying Fashion Over Function

The problem: That beautiful oversized clip is trendy, but if it's wrong for your hair, it won't stay.

The solution: First find your functional size, then find fashionable clips in that size.

Mistake 4: Not Accounting for Hair Weight

The problem: Heavy hair (from length, thickness, or density) pulls more than lighter hair.

The solution: If your hair feels heavy and clips slide down, size up even if your measurements say otherwise.

Size Recommendations by Hair Type

Fine Hair

Fine hair strands are slippery and lightweight. Choose clips that:

• Have close-together teeth (prevents slipping)
• Aren't too heavy (won't drag down)
• Fit snugly (no room for sliding)

Typical sizes: One size smaller than length would suggest

See our fine hair claw clip guide.

Thick Hair

Thick hair has volume and weight. Choose clips that:

• Have strong springs (won't pop open)
• Open wide (can accommodate the volume)
• Are substantial (won't break)

Typical sizes: One to two sizes larger than length would suggest

See our thick hair claw clip guide.

Curly Hair

Curly hair has more volume than straight hair of the same length. Choose clips that:

• Are larger than your "straight hair length" would suggest
• Have spaced teeth (won't catch and pull curls)
• Don't compress curls too much

Typical sizes: Size for stretched length, not curly length

See our curly hair claw clip guide.

Long Hair

Long hair is heavy regardless of texture. Choose clips that:

• Are at least 3.5 inches for full styles
• Have inner teeth for extra grip
• Have metal springs (won't weaken under weight)

Typical sizes: Large to jumbo, depending on thickness

See our long hair claw clip guide.

Short Hair

Short hair has less to grip. Choose clips that:

• Are proportional (minis and smalls)
• Have strong grips (compensate for less hair)
• Work for your specific styles

Typical sizes: Mini for accents, small for half-up, medium rarely needed

See our short hair claw clip guide.

Building Your Clip Collection

Starter Set (2-3 clips)

If you're new to claw clips, start with:

1. Your "core" size based on the guide above
2. One size smaller for half-up styles
3. One statement piece in your core size

Complete Collection (5-7 clips)

For maximum versatility:

1. Two clips in your core size (neutrals, daily wear)
2. One clip in smaller size (half-up and accents)
3. One or two statement clips (colors, patterns, special occasions)
4. One large or jumbo clip (if your hair is on the thicker/longer side)
5. Mini clips (set of 3-4 for trends and accents)

Travel Kit

When packing light:

1. One medium clip (versatile for most situations)
2. 2-3 mini clips (take up no space, useful for accents)

FAQs

I'm between sizes. Which should I choose?

Size up. A slightly-too-large clip will still work; a too-small clip will fall out constantly.

Can I use the same clip for updos and half-up styles?

Not ideally. An updo clip is usually too large for half-up (will slide). A half-up clip is usually too small for updos (won't hold). Having two sizes is worth it.

My clip is the right size but still falls out. Why?

Other factors matter: spring strength, teeth design, your styling technique, and whether your hair is freshly washed (slippery). See why does my claw clip keep falling out.

Do premium brands have different sizing?

Some premium brands run slightly smaller for a more refined look. Emi Jay's "Big Effing Clip" is about 4.5 inches. If ordering premium, check specific measurements.

My hair is different lengths (layers, growing out). How do I size?

Size for the longest sections you'll be clipping. Shorter layers will tuck in.

Is bigger always better for security?

No. A clip that's too large can slide down because it's not gripping hair tightly enough. The right size has gentle resistance when you close it.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right claw clip size transforms the experience from frustrating to effortless. The right size:

• Stays put all day without adjustment
• Doesn't cause headaches or pulling
• Closes with slight resistance (not too easy, not too hard)
• Looks proportional to your head and hair

Use this guide to identify your ideal sizes, then explore our specific recommendations for large clips, mini clips, or clips for your specific hair type. And remember: when in doubt, size up.

For complete claw clip information, return to our ultimate guide to claw clips.

Related Articles

• The Complete Guide to Pain-Free Hair Styling
• Best Claw Clips for All-Day Comfort
• Lightweight vs Heavy Claw Clips
• Why Does My Claw Clip Keep Falling Out: 7 Fixes
• Best Claw Clips for Fine Hair
• Best Claw Clips for Thick Hair
• Best Claw Clips for Short Hair and Bobs
• Best Large Claw Clips for Heavy Hair