How to Keep Your Claw Clip from Falling Out During Workouts: 8 Fixes That Work

If your claw clip keeps falling during workouts, the problem is probably technique—not your clip.

The same clip that falls out mid-burpee might hold perfectly with a different approach. Gym conditions create unique challenges that regular styling doesn't face, and most people haven't learned the specific techniques that work.

We've helped hundreds of frustrated gym-goers figure out why their clips fail. Here are the eight fixes that actually work.

For clip recommendations, see our best claw clips for the gym. For complete styling techniques, check how to use a claw clip at the gym.

Quick Diagnosis: Why Is Your Clip Falling?

Before fixing the problem, identify it:

Fix 1: Add Texture Before You Clip

The most common gym clip failure: hair is too clean and slippery.

The Problem

Freshly washed hair is smooth. Smooth hair gives clip teeth nothing to grip. Add sweat (lubricant), and your clip slides right out.

The Solution

Add texture before your workout:

1. Dry shampoo at the roots – Spray liberally, let it absorb for 60 seconds, then style. The powder adds grip.

2. Texturizing spray – A light mist adds hold without stiffness.

3. Work out on day-two hair – Natural oils and slight texture grip better than freshly washed.

4. Sea salt spray – Creates texture that helps clips grip.

Best option for gym: Dry shampoo at roots. It adds grip exactly where clip teeth meet hair.

Fix 2: Upgrade Your Clip (Spring Strength Matters)

Not all clips are gym-capable. Fashion clips with weak springs fail immediately.

Signs Your Clip Isn't Strong Enough:

• Spring feels soft when you open it
• Clip barely stays closed when empty
• Teeth don't interlock firmly
• You're using a clip that came in a 12-pack for $5

What Gym Clips Need:

• Metal springs (not plastic)
• 7-10 coil count for strength
• Matte or textured surfaces for grip
• Large sizing (4+ inches for most hair)

Recommended Upgrades:

• Budget: TOCESS 8-pack (~$14) – metal springs, matte finish
• Mid-range: TELETIES Large (~$15) – nearly unbreakable
• Premium: Kōv Essentials (~$30) – XL sizing, 6-month warranty

See full recommendations: best claw clips for the gym

Fix 3: Use the Right Pre-Workout Hair Prep

What you do before the gym matters as much as clip technique.

Skip These Before Workouts:

• Conditioner on lengths (makes hair slippery)
• Leave-in products (reduce grip)
• Hair oils (lubricant effect)
• Serums (same problem)

Do This Instead:

1. Wash with clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove buildup
2. Skip conditioner entirely on gym days (or apply only to ends, rinse completely)
3. Apply dry shampoo to roots after drying
4. Let hair dry completely before clipping

If Hair Is Already Conditioned:

Apply dry shampoo generously. It counteracts some of the slipperiness.

Fix 4: Master the Double-Twist Technique

This is the technique that makes the biggest difference for gym clips.

Why Regular Buns Fail:

Untwisted hair is smooth and round. Clip teeth slide around it like a hand around a cylinder.

The Double-Twist Lock:

1. Split hair into two sections (left and right)
2. Twist left section clockwise until tight
3. Twist right section counter-clockwise until tight
4. Cross right over left, then left over right
5. Coil combined twists into a bun
6. Clip through multiple layers

Why This Works:

• Creates ridges and texture for teeth to grip
• Crossed twists lock together (won't unwind)
• Distributes weight more evenly
• Works even on slippery hair

This technique alone solves 50% of gym clip failures.

Fix 5: Match Your Clip Position to Your Workout

Different activities need different clip positions.

For Cardio/Running: High Crown

• Position at top-center of head
• Creates forward momentum resistance
• Stays out of neck sweat zone
• Won't catch on treadmill handles

For Weight Training: Mid-Height

• Crown of head or slightly below
• Clears barbell during back squats
• Avoids bench pressure during pressing
• Comfortable during most movements

For Floor Work: Low Nape

• Position at base of skull
• Use flat-back clips only
• Keeps clip out of the way when lying down
• No pressure points during ab work

Wrong Position = Failed Clip

A high bun that works for running will hurt during bench press. A low bun for yoga will slide out during jumping jacks. Match position to activity.

Fix 6: Check If Your Clip Is Worn Out

Springs weaken over time—especially with sweat exposure.

Signs Your Spring Is Worn:

• Clip closes with less force than when new
• You can open clip with minimal effort
• Teeth don't interlock as firmly
• Clip that used to work now fails

Testing Spring Strength:

1. Open and close clip 10 times rapidly
2. Compare to new clip of same type
3. If tension feels weaker, replace

Expected Lifespan by Usage:

Gym clips wear out faster than everyday clips. Budget for replacements.

Fix 7: Try the Double-Clip Method

For very long, very thick, or very heavy hair, one clip may not be enough.

When to Double Clip:

• Hair is waist-length or longer
• Hair is extremely thick/dense
• Single clips consistently fail despite good technique
• You do high-impact activities (HIIT, running)

Double-Clip Techniques:

Stacked Method:

1. Create bun as normal
2. Place primary clip at center of bun
3. Add second clip at base, teeth pointing upward
4. Two clips secure different portions

Split Method:

1. Divide hair into upper and lower sections
2. Create two separate small buns
3. Clip each bun separately
4. Each clip handles less weight

Anchor Method:

1. Create loose ponytail with snag-free elastic
2. Coil ponytail into bun
3. Secure with clip over the elastic
4. Elastic prevents sliding, clip provides hold

Fix 8: Address Headache-Caused Loosening

Sometimes clips fall because you subconsciously loosen them due to discomfort.

The Cycle:

1. You position clip tightly for security
2. Tension causes discomfort or headache
3. You adjust, loosening the clip
4. Clip falls during workout
5. You tighten it again
6. Repeat

Breaking the Cycle:

Reposition, don't tighten:

• Move clip to different spot on head
• Too high or too low causes tension
• Mid-height is usually most comfortable

Loosen the twist:

• Super-tight twists cause scalp tension
• Medium twist often holds just as well
• Comfort enables leaving clip alone

Try a different clip size:

• Too-small clips create more pressure
• Sizing up often reduces headaches
• Large clips distribute force better

Check for pulling:

• Clip shouldn't pull at hairline
• Gather hair loosely before twisting
• Leave some slack at the front

Quick Troubleshooting by Workout Type

Running: Clip Slides Down

• Add dry shampoo before run
• Position higher than feels natural
• Use double-twist technique
• Consider stronger-spring clip

HIIT: Clip Pops Open

• Use XL clip with 10-coil spring
• Double-clip method for extra security
• Tighter twist before clipping
• Accept that some HIIT may need scrunchie backup

Yoga: Clip Digs In During Floor Work

• Switch to flat-back clip
• Position lower, near nape
• See flat clips for yoga

Weights: Clip Falls During Overhead Press

• Reposition slightly forward
• Use high bun, not low bun
• Ensure clip clears barbell path

When to Give Up on a Specific Clip

Not every clip can be fixed. Replace if:

• Spring is noticeably weak (compare to new)
• Surface is worn smooth (lost texture)
• Teeth are damaged or don't interlock
• You've tried all fixes without improvement

Some clips just aren't built for gym use. Upgrade to a dedicated workout clip.

The 30-Second Gym Test

Before leaving for the gym, test your style:

1. Shake test: Vigorously shake head for 30 seconds
2. Bend test: Touch toes, twist side to side
3. Jump test: 10 jumping jacks

If clip survives all three with no movement, you're ready. If anything shifts, re-do your style before leaving.

The Bottom Line

Most gym clip failures are fixable with technique changes. Start with these three:

1. Add texture (dry shampoo at roots)
2. Double-twist your hair before clipping
3. Match position to your workout type

If those don't work, upgrade to a gym-specific clip with metal springs and matte surfaces.

For clip recommendations, see best claw clips for the gym. For complete styling techniques, see how to use a claw clip at the gym. For the complete workout hair guide, see our ultimate guide to claw clips for working out.

Stop adjusting mid-workout. Fix the technique, and your clip becomes one less thing to think about.