Why Does My Claw Clip Keep Falling Out? 7 Fixes That Actually Work

Your claw clip keeps sliding down. Or popping open. Or slowly migrating to the back of your head until it falls out entirely. You've watched tutorials, you've practiced, and still, it won't stay.

The good news: this problem is almost always fixable. The cause is usually one of seven common issues, and each has a specific solution.

For claw clip basics, see our ultimate guide to claw clips or styling tutorials.

Quick Diagnostic

Answer these questions to identify your issue:

Fix #1: Size Up Your Clip

The problem you're experiencing:

• Clip won't close completely around your hair
• Clip pops open unexpectedly
• You have to force the clip shut
• Hair constantly escapes

Why this happens: The most common clip issue is using a clip that's too small. A clip needs room to close with slight resistance, not strain. When clips are too small, they can't grip enough hair, the spring is overstressed, and the clip either pops open or slowly loses grip.

The fix: Use a larger clip. This sounds obvious, but people consistently underestimate how much clip they need.

How to know you have the right size:

• Clip closes with slight resistance
• You don't have to force it
• Hair fills the clip without overflowing
• Clip stays closed without feeling strained

See our size guide for detailed recommendations.

Fix #2: Add Texture to Slippery Hair

The problem you're experiencing:

• Clip slides down slowly throughout the day
• Works better on second-day hair than fresh-washed hair
• Hair feels smooth and silky but clips won't stay

Why this happens: Freshly washed, conditioned hair is smooth. That's great for feel but bad for grip. Clip teeth need something to grab onto. Slippery hair = no friction = gradual slide.

The fix: Add texture before clipping.

Products that help:

1. Texturizing spray - Best overall option. Mist at roots, scrunch, let set 30 seconds.
2. Dry shampoo - Works even on clean hair. Adds grit.
3. Sea salt spray - Creates beachy texture that holds clips.
4. Volumizing powder - Adds grip at the root level.

Application technique:

1. Focus product at the roots where the clip will grip
2. Let product set for 30-60 seconds before styling
3. Don't brush out the texture

Alternative solution: Style on second-day hair when possible. The natural oils provide grip that fresh-washed hair lacks.

Fix #3: Twist Tighter

The problem you're experiencing:

• Clip is the right size and secured correctly
• Style looks good initially
• Over hours, the twist loosens and the clip slides

Why this happens: Hair slowly relaxes after being twisted. If your initial twist isn't tight enough, there's no margin for this natural loosening. By afternoon, the twist has relaxed enough that the clip no longer has a firm grip.

The fix: Twist more than feels necessary before clipping.

How to twist tighter:

1. Gather your hair as usual
2. Twist until the hair forms a firm rope
3. Keep twisting, it will start to coil back on itself
4. THAT'S when you clip, not before
5. The twist should feel almost too tight initially

The "coil test": Your twist is tight enough when it naturally wants to flip or coil upward. If it's just hanging straight, you need to twist more.

Fix #4: Fix Your Technique

The problem you're experiencing:

• Hair escapes from the sides of the clip
• The style looks messy from the start
• You're following tutorials but missing something

Why this happens: Small technique errors add up. You might be missing hair at the temples, positioning the clip incorrectly, or not securing all the twist.

Common technique mistakes and fixes:

Mistake: Missing temple hair

Symptom: Pieces fall out on the sides Fix: Run your fingers along your hairline before twisting to catch ALL hair, including the sections at your temples

Mistake: Clipping only the twist

Symptom: Twist slowly pulls out of clip Fix: Position clip so teeth grip BOTH the twist AND the hair at your scalp. This anchors everything.

Mistake: Placing clip horizontally on vertical twist

Symptom: Clip doesn't secure the shape Fix: Match clip orientation to twist direction. Vertical twist = vertical clip. Horizontal bun = horizontal clip.

Mistake: Clipping at the tip of the twist

Symptom: Base of twist loosens Fix: Clip at the thickest part of the twist (usually the base where twist meets scalp)

Fix #5: Replace Worn-Out Clips

The problem you're experiencing:

• Clips that used to work no longer do
• Spring feels weak or different
• Teeth are bent or damaged

Why this happens: Like all accessories, clips wear out. Springs weaken with use. Teeth can bend. The clip that worked perfectly for a year may need replacement.

Signs your clip is worn out:

• Spring feels noticeably weaker than when new
• Clip doesn't "snap" closed with the same force
• Teeth are visibly bent, chipped, or uneven
• Clip closes too easily with no resistance
• Plastic has stress fractures or discoloration

The fix: Replace the clip. No amount of technique adjustment will fix a worn-out spring.

Extending clip life:

• Store clips open (reduces spring compression)
• Clean product buildup regularly
• Don't bend teeth when opening
• Invest in quality clips that last longer

Fix #6: Match Clip to Hair Type

The problem you're experiencing:

• Clips work for friends but not for you
• You've tried multiple sizes and techniques
• Something about your hair seems "wrong" for clips

Why this happens: Different hair types need different clip features. A clip perfect for thick, wavy hair may fail completely on fine, straight hair.

Hair type matching:

Fine/Thin Hair

Problem: Clips slide because there's not enough hair to grip Solution:

• Choose clips with close-together teeth
• Look for matte or textured finishes (add friction)
• Use smaller clips that fit your hair volume
• Add texture product before styling

See best claw clips for fine hair.

Thick/Heavy Hair

Problem: Clips can't hold the weight and pop open Solution:

• Use large or jumbo clips with strong springs
• Choose clips marketed for "thick hair"
• Try the double-clip technique
• Look for metal springs over plastic

See best claw clips for thick hair.

Curly Hair

Problem: Volume makes sizing tricky, curls escape Solution:

• Size for stretched length, not curly volume
• Choose clips with wider-spaced teeth (won't catch curls)
• Don't fight the texture, work with it
• Embrace some escaped curls as part of the look

See best claw clips for curly hair.

Short Hair

Problem: Not enough length to twist and clip Solution:

• Use mini clips (1-1.5 inches)
• Focus on half-up and accent styles instead of full updos
• Accept decorative use for very short hair
• Try clips with stronger grip mechanisms

See best claw clips for short hair.

Long Hair

Problem: Weight overwhelms clips Solution:

• Use large to jumbo clips (4+ inches)
• Try double-clip technique for very long hair
• Twist very firmly before clipping
• Look for clips with inner teeth for extra grip

See best claw clips for long hair.

Fix #7: Practice Consistent Technique

The problem you're experiencing:

• Style works sometimes but fails other times
• Can't figure out what's different
• Inconsistent results frustrate you

Why this happens: Small variations in technique cause different outcomes. If you're not consistent in how you gather, twist, and clip, your results won't be consistent either.

The fix: Develop muscle memory through deliberate practice.

Practice routine:

1. Same time each day, practice one style
2. Do it the exact same way every time
3. If it works, remember exactly what you did
4. If it fails, identify what was different
5. Repeat for 5-7 days

Variables to keep consistent:

• Where you position your hands when gathering
• How much hair you gather
• Which direction you twist
• How many rotations before clipping
• Where you position the clip
• How you angle the clip

Journaling technique: Keep notes for a week:

• What clip you used
• What products you applied
• How you styled
• Whether it stayed or fell
• What was different on fail days

Patterns will emerge that show you exactly what works for YOUR hair.

Emergency Fixes

When your clip falls out at a bad moment:

The Quick Redo

1. Gather hair loosely
2. Twist quickly
3. Clip and go
4. Better a slightly messy updo than hair in your face

The Ponytail Backup

1. If you have an elastic on your wrist, use it for a ponytail
2. Twist the ponytail and clip over it
3. The elastic provides a base for the clip to grip

The Half-Up Save

1. Only clip the top section of your hair
2. Let the rest fall down
3. Easier to keep in and still gets hair off your face

The Bobby Pin Assist

1. If clip keeps sliding, add 2-3 bobby pins
2. Create an X pattern at the base of the twist
3. Clip over the bobby pins

When to Accept Defeat

Sometimes a specific clip or style just won't work for your hair. Signs it's time to try something different:

• You've tried all 7 fixes with no improvement
• The clip is the right size, quality, and condition
• Your technique is consistent
• Products don't help

In this case:

• Try a completely different clip style (claw vs. banana vs. flat)
• Consider a different updo technique
• Accept that some styles don't work for all hair types
• Find what DOES work and embrace it

Prevention Checklist

Before blaming the clip, check these basics:

• Clip is the right size for my hair
• Clip spring is still strong
• Clip teeth are undamaged
• I've added texture to clean hair
• I'm twisting firmly before clipping
• I'm gathering all hair including temple sections
• Clip is positioned to grab twist AND scalp hair
• Clip orientation matches twist direction

If all boxes are checked and clips still fall, revisit Fix #6 (hair type matching) and Fix #7 (consistent technique).

FAQs

Why do clips work on second-day hair but not fresh hair?

Freshly washed, conditioned hair is slippery. Natural oils and product buildup on second-day hair add texture that helps clips grip. Solution: Add texturizing product to clean hair.

I have fine hair and clips slide out no matter what. Is there hope?

Yes. Focus on clips with close-together teeth, matte finishes, and smaller sizes. Always add texture product. Consider the double-clip technique. See our fine hair guide.

My clip works for 2 hours then falls. Why?

Your initial twist is probably loosening over time. Solution: Twist more firmly before clipping, so there's margin for natural relaxation. Also check clip size (may need larger) and add texture product.

I've bought expensive clips and they still fall. What gives?

Expensive doesn't always mean right for your hair. Check that the clip size, tooth spacing, and spring strength match your specific needs. An expensive clip that's wrong for your hair won't outperform a cheap clip that's right.

How do I know if my clip is worn out?

Compare the spring tension to a new clip. If it closes significantly easier, feels weak, or the teeth are damaged, it's time to replace. Quality clips last 3-5+ years; cheap clips may wear out in months.

The Bottom Line

Falling clips are almost always fixable. The solution is usually one (or a combination) of:

1. Size up - Most common fix
2. Add texture - For slippery hair
3. Twist tighter - For loosening throughout the day
4. Fix technique - For inconsistent results
5. Replace clip - For worn-out springs
6. Match to hair type - For persistent issues
7. Practice - For consistency

Start with sizing up (Fix #1) and adding texture (Fix #2). These two fixes solve most problems. If issues persist, work through the remaining fixes until you find your solution.

For clip recommendations by hair type, explore our guides for fine hair, thick hair, short hair, and long hair. For complete claw clip information, see our ultimate guide.