Claw clip craze: the unexpected accessory taking over your feed
Remember your mom’s effortlessly chic 90s style – that tortoise shell claw clip securing her blonde waves? It’s back, and it’s bigger than ever. Forget fleeting trends; this is a bona fide revival, fueled by celebrities and a serious obsession with instant, polished looks.
Decoding the claw clip renaissance
From Kendall Jenner’s sleek updos to Hailey Bieber’s playful partings, the claw clip has exploded in popularity. But it’s more than just a nostalgic throwback. Brands are pushing boundaries with innovative materials, bold colors, and intricate designs – transforming a simple accessory into a statement piece.
Cosmopolitan’s beauty editors spent weeks rigorously testing dozens of claw clip brands, evaluating everything from sturdiness and color options to size and price. The results? A curated selection of clips that truly deliver on their promise of effortless style.

Top picks: serious hold, serious style
RPZL Premium Acetate Big Effing Hair Claw Clip (£8.80 at Amazon): These clips are a game-changer. Boasting a stunning array of patterns and colors, they effortlessly secure even thick hair—no re-styling required. ‘This trendy clip holds all of my thick waves with just a simple twist and clasp,’ one editor noted. ‘And it’s pretty decently priced.’
EMI JAY Big Effing Cellulose Acetate Hair Clip (£38 at Selfridges): Celebrity-approved and undeniably viral, EMI JAY clips are the ones gracing the hair of influencers and A-listers alike. Available in everything from summer-inspired motifs to customizable options, they’re the perfect gift. Even those with finer hair can find a perfectly sized ‘Sweetheart Clip’.
MACHETE Midi Heirloom Claw in Tortoise Checker Acetate (£35 at lifestoryshop.com): If you’ve struggled with slippery drugstore clips, Machete’s are a revelation. These clamps down on even the thickest hair, providing a secure hold for updos and half-up styles. ‘This is the strongest hair clip I’ve ever used in my life,’ one editor confirmed.
Alo Yoga 90's Claw Clip (£34 at Alo Yoga): Workout hair woes? Alo’s claw clips are the solution. Designed to withstand sweat and heat, they keep your hair neatly pulled back during even the most intense training sessions. ‘I am not a sociopath; I have to lift my hair up off my neck in a workout,’ one editor admitted, ‘but I kinda need it to be down when I’m lying on my back doing an ab series.’
Tort Hairware JOAN clip in Jewelled Lime Cheetah (£28 at tortware.com): Elevate your everyday look with Tort’s luxurious claw clips. From bridal updos to sophisticated buns, these clips add a touch of elegance to any hairstyle. ‘I firmly believe every handbag should contain three things: lip balm, headphones, and a Tort claw clip,’ said one editor.
Big Metal London A SLICE OF STRAWBERRY NOVELTY HAIR CLIP (£15 at bigmetallondon.com): Don't underestimate the power of a playful accessory. Big Metal London’s novelty clips—think strawberries and sardines—inject a dose of fun into your routine. ‘I bought one of these clips as a joke, and now I own four,’ a Cosmo editor revealed.
Loxx Hair Inc Triple Flower Clip Solaire (£18 at loxxhairinc.com): Forget complicated styling techniques – Loxx Hair Inc.'s clips are designed for effortless elegance. Created by a celebrity hairstylist, they're the secret to keeping even the thickest hair perfectly in place. ‘Loxx Hair Inc. dub themselves as a brand of thoughtfully designed hair accessories that last,’ a stylist stated.
The claw clip isn't just a trend; it's a reflection of our desire for quick, chic style. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest accessories can make the biggest impact.