Claw Clip Size Guide
Choosing a claw clip comes down to three things: length, depth and the teeth. Here's how to pick the right size for your hair, with our size chart from 3cm mini claws to our 15cm jumbo.
Claw clip sizes at a glance
Fine or short hair, half-up styles, small sections. Often sold in pairs.
Fine to medium hair, a small twist or bun, half-up with more hair.
The everyday size for medium hair, or a lot of fine hair, in a full updo.
Medium to thick hair, or long hair you want to gather up in one go.
Long, thick hair when smaller claws won't close or keep slipping.
It's not just about length
1. Length
How wide the claw is, side to side. It decides how much hair the claw can gather across your head. Longer claws suit long hair and full updos.
2. Depth
How much room there is inside when it closes. Thick hair needs depth more than length: our Cadice is only 7cm long but measures 7 x 5 x 6.5cm, so its rounded shape holds thick hair better than many longer, flatter claws.
3. The teeth
Fine hair slips through wide gaps, so look for teeth set close together, like our 9cm Cloe. Thick hair needs longer teeth, or inner teeth, to grip all the way through.
Our claw size chart
| Size | Best for | Our claws |
|---|---|---|
|
Mini 3 to 6cm |
Fine or short hair, half-up styles, small sections | Adeline 3.3cm (pair), Laura 4.5cm (pair), Marie 5.5cm (pair) |
|
Small 6.5 to 7.5cm |
Fine to medium hair, a small twist or bun | Small Ring 6.5cm, Apolline 7cm, Agami 7cm, Curved Cut-out 7.5cm (pair). For thick hair: Cadice 7cm, which is extra deep. |
|
Medium 8 to 9cm |
Medium hair, or a lot of fine hair, in a full updo | Octopus 8cm (also thick hair), Tri-Flower 8.5cm, Cloe 9cm, Cassis 9cm, Medium Agace 9cm, Sienna 9cm (pair). Handmade: Clarisse 9cm |
|
Large 11 to 13cm |
Medium to thick hair, long hair | Agace 11cm, Long Jolie 13cm. Handmade: Ozanne 12cm, Large Crescent 12cm, Arabelle |
|
Jumbo 15cm |
Long, thick hair | Jumbo 15cm |
How to put a claw clip in
1. Gather
Gather your hair at the back of your head, at the height you want the claw to sit.
2. Twist and lift
Twist the hair once or twice and lift it up against your head. Leave the ends loose on top or tuck them in.
3. Clip across
Open the claw and close it across the twist, so the teeth catch the twist and some of the hair against your head. Give it a gentle shake to check it holds.
Which claw for your hair?
Fine hair
Go smaller than you think, with teeth close together. Try the Apolline, Cloe or Small Ring. If you have a lot of fine hair, the Sienna pair.
Medium hair
An 8 to 9cm claw suits most updos. The Octopus has extra room inside, and the Cassis comes in seven bright colours.
Thick or long hair
Look for depth as well as length. Try the Cadice or Octopus for volume, and the Long Jolie or Jumbo for length.
Good to know
How do I know what size claw clip to get?
Start with how much hair you're holding, not how long the claw looks. Gather your hair in one hand: if it fills your hand, look at large or jumbo claws, or a deep claw like the Cadice. If it's a slim twist, a small or medium claw will hold it better than a big one.
What's a normal size for a claw clip?
For an everyday updo, 8 to 9cm suits most people with medium hair. Below that are small and mini claws for fine hair and half-up styles, and above it are large and jumbo claws for long or thick hair.
Why won't my claw clip hold my hair?
Usually the claw is the wrong size. Too big for fine hair and it slides down; too small or shallow for thick hair and it won't close properly. Check the teeth too: fine hair needs them close together. Twisting the hair before you clip it also gives the teeth more to grip.
Are claw clips good for fine hair?
Yes, if you choose the right one. A smaller claw with closely set teeth will grip fine hair well, and pairs of mini claws are useful for holding back sections.
Which claw can I lean back on, for driving?
Choose a compact claw that sits close to your head. The Apolline is designed for this, so you can rest your head back while driving or doing sport.
French hair claws, sold since 2003
Most of our claws are made in France with strong metal springs and a hand-applied gloss finish. Our handmade claws are made from smooth, snag-free cellulose acetate.
Shop all hair claws → Shop mini hair claws →
More guides: how to do a French pleat and how to use a hair bun holder.
