Why You Need These Best Claw Clips for Curly Hair

The goal isn't to fence your curls into submission—it's to gently hold them in place without crushing their texture.

If you've ever watched your carefully defined curl pattern flatten under a standard clip, or dealt with frizz where teeth grip too tightly, you know the struggle. Most hair accessories are designed for straight hair. Curly hair needs something different.

The right claw clip works with your natural texture, not against it. It holds curls securely without creating frizz, flattening your volume, or leaving those telltale dents that ruin day-2 curls.

We've tested dozens of clips specifically on curly hair—from tight coils to loose waves—to find the ones that actually work. Clips like the Curly Girl LARGE Root Curl Clips, designed specifically for curly textures, were standouts. Here are our top picks, plus the styling techniques that preserve your curl pattern.

For general claw clip basics, see our complete claw clip guide.

Understanding Curly Hair Needs

Curly hair has unique requirements that standard clips don't address:

Curl Pattern Preservation

The key concern for curly hair isn't just hold—it's preserving your curl definition while the clip is in and after you take it out. Clips that grip too tightly or have rough teeth can:

• Flatten curl clumps at pressure points
• Create frizz where teeth disrupt the curl pattern
• Leave dents that take hours (or a rewash) to fix

Volume Accommodation

Curly hair takes up more space than straight hair of the same length. A clip that works on your straight-haired friend might not even close around your curls. You need clips with:

• Wide jaw openings to accommodate volume
• Teeth designed for density without crushing
• Strong springs that won't weaken under the weight

The Dry-Hair Rule

Unlike straight hair, curly hair should only be clipped when fully dry. Clipping damp or wet curls causes uneven drying, dents, and disrupted curl patterns. If you need to clip hair before it's dry, use loose sectioning clips designed for drying—not styling clips.

Why Traditional Clips Often Fail

Many hair clips are designed for straight hair, which creates specific problems for curls:

What to Look For in Curly Hair Clips

Pro Tip: TELETIES and Pattern Beauty make clips specifically designed for textured and curly hair—worth checking if drugstore clips don't work for you.

Our Top Picks for Curly Hair

These clips specifically address the challenges of curly hair.

Styling Techniques for Curly Hair

The right clip is only half the equation. How you use it matters just as much.

The Loose Twist (Curl-Preserving Classic)

This technique holds curls without crushing their pattern:

1. Gather your curls loosely at the nape of your neck
2. Twist upward gently—don't over-twist or you'll flatten curl clumps
3. Fold the twisted section upward toward your crown
4. Secure with a claw clip in the middle of the twist
5. Let some curls spill out the top or sides for a natural, undone look

Key: The twist should be loose enough that you can still see individual curl clumps. If your twist looks like a rope, it's too tight.

The Half-Up Style (Best for Volume)

Perfect for showing off curl definition while keeping hair off your face:

1. Section off the top half of your curls (temple to crown)
2. Gather gently—don't pull tight
3. Clip toward the back of your head
4. Let the bottom half flow freely
5. Fluff the clipped section gently with fingers to add root volume

This style works especially well for day 2-3 curls that need a refresh.

The Low Ponytail Effect

A gentler alternative to elastic ponytails that won't dent your curls:

1. Gather all curls loosely at the nape
2. Clip just above the gathered section (not through it)
3. Creates a ponytail-like effect without elastic damage
4. Great for protecting curl clumps from breakage

The Curly Pineapple (Overnight Protection)

While we generally don't recommend sleeping with claw clips, the "pineapple" technique using a loose clip at the crown can protect curls overnight:

1. Gather curls very loosely at the top of your head
2. Use a large, gentle clip (not too tight)
3. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
4. Remove carefully in the morning
5. Shake gently to redistribute curls

For more overnight options, see our guide on how to sleep with a claw clip.

Preventing Common Curly Hair Clip Problems

Frizz at the Clip Point

Causes: Rough edges, over-manipulation, clips that are too small

Solutions:

• Choose clips with smooth, rounded teeth
• Minimize how much you adjust the clip once it's in
• Don't twist too tightly before clipping
• Apply a light smoothing serum to the section you'll clip

Dents That Ruin Your Curl Pattern

Causes: Clipping wet hair, leaving clips in too long, tight grip

Solutions:

• Only clip completely dry hair
• Vary clip position throughout the day
• Use looser twists that distribute pressure
• Don't leave the same style in for hours

Clips That Keep Sliding Out

Causes: Smooth products, insufficient twist, wrong clip size

Solutions:

• Avoid heavy oils/silicones before clipping
• Create more texture at the twist point
• Size up to a larger clip
• Try clips with textured or matte teeth

Curly Hair Claw Clip FAQs

What size clip do I need for my curly hair?

It depends on your curl volume more than hair length:

• Tight coils with lots of volume: Large to XL (3-4+ inches)
• Loose waves: Medium to large (2-3 inches)
• Fine curly hair: Medium (2-3 inches)
• Half-up styles only: Small to medium (1.5-2.5 inches)

Will claw clips damage my curls?

When used correctly, claw clips are actually gentler than elastic hair ties. They don't create the tension and breakage that elastics cause. The key is using smooth-edged clips and loose styling techniques.

Can I use claw clips on wet curly hair?

Not recommended. Wet curly hair will dry with dents where the teeth grip. Wait until hair is fully dry, or use dedicated sectioning clips designed for drying (which have a different tooth pattern).

How do I prevent my curls from going flat under the clip?

• Don't over-twist before clipping
• Use clips with widely spaced teeth
• Let some curls escape the clip for volume
• Loosen the twist after clipping by gently pulling at it

Are certain clip materials better for curly hair?

Smooth acetate and matte plastic work well because they create less friction (less frizz). Avoid clips with rough edges, sharp seams, or very shiny plastic that can catch on curl texture.

Do claw clips cause frizz on curly hair?

They can, but only when used incorrectly. The main frizz culprits are:

• Rough or sharp teeth edges that disrupt the curl cuticle
• Over-manipulating hair when putting the clip in or removing it
• Clipping wet or damp hair which causes uneven drying and frizz at contact points
• Using clips that are too small and compress curls too tightly

To minimize frizz: choose smooth-edged clips, style gently, only clip fully dry hair, and opt for larger clips that accommodate your curl volume without squeezing. For more on preventing damage, see our guide on using claw clips without damaging hair.

Can I sleep with a claw clip in curly hair?

It's generally not recommended for preserving curl definition. Sleeping with a clip can cause:

• Flattened curls at pressure points
• Dents that require rewashing to fix
• Potential breakage from rolling onto the clip

However, a very loose clip used in the "pineapple" position (hair gathered at the crown) can work for overnight curl protection if you sleep on your back. Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction further. For more overnight options, see our overnight protective styles guide.

How often should I reposition my claw clip with curly hair?

Every 2-3 hours is ideal if you want to prevent dents. Curly hair "remembers" its shape, so leaving a clip in the same position for an extended period can create creases that last until your next wash day.

Repositioning tips:

• Gently remove the clip without pulling
• Shake your curls out softly
• Reclip in a slightly different position
• Vary between higher and lower placements throughout the day

What's the best styling technique for each curl type?

Different curl patterns work best with different techniques:

Tighter curl patterns require gentler handling—avoid twisting too much before clipping, as this can stretch and disrupt coils. For type 4 hair especially, the less manipulation the better.

Are claw clips better than scrunchies for curly hair?

Both have advantages. Claw clips don't create the ponytail "bump" that elastics cause, making them better for preserving overall curl shape. However, silk scrunchies can be gentler for high ponytails. For a detailed comparison, see our claw clips vs scrunchies guide. Many curly-haired people keep both in rotation and choose based on the style they want.

The Bottom Line

Curly hair and claw clips can work beautifully together—you just need the right clips and techniques. Clips like the GKDKV Hair Claw Clips with soft, elastic material work well. Look for clips with smooth teeth, wide openings, and strong springs. Style with loose twists on dry hair, and don't be afraid to let some curls escape for a natural look.

For more hair-type specific recommendations, see our guides for thick hair, fine hair, and long hair. Or explore our complete claw clip guide for more styling tips.