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Whether you have thick, fine, short, long, curly, or straight hair, you can use many different hair clips to tie back your hair. Keep reading to learn more about the types of trending hair clips and how you can use them to add style to your hair.
What Are Hair Clips?
Hair clips are a common solution to hold hair out of your face and create interesting and beautiful hairstyles. Depending on where you live in the world, your age, and your hair type, you may be used to a certain kind of hair clip.
That’s because all hair clips are designed differently and have a different effect aesthetically and functionally when in your hair. Learning more about hair clips is useful because hair clips have a wide variety of benefits, and each type of hair clip serves a different purpose.
We’ll break down the different hair clips, which hair clips are best for certain hair types, how each kind of hair clip functions, and the benefits of using hair clips instead of other methods to tie your hair back.
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The 8 Main Types of Hair Clips
There are nine types of popular hair clips used around the world. The main types of hair clips used by most people include alligator clips, banana clips, barrettes, bobby pins, butterfly clips, claw clips, comb clips, and duckbill clips.
Let’s break down the different hair clips by their appearance and how to use them.
1. Alligator Clips
Hair stylists and beauticians use alligator hair clips to hold your hair in place as they section it to cut and dye it. Alligator clips are usually made of thick plastic and have small ridges on the clip to hold the hair in place.
Alligator clips work on wet or dry hair; while they are not the most aesthetically pleasing clip, they do the job for hairstylists.
2. Banana Clips
Banana hair clips were popular in the 1980s as a fun and cute way to tie back long hair. They disappeared from the public eye but have returned thanks to Gen Z trends popularized on TikTok.
Banana clips are long, thin plastic clips; their ridges are on the inside of the clip, facing each other on either side.
They are mostly used to create a perfect ponytail and are less damaging than traditional hair ties. Banana clips are a fun accessory for your ponytail, with less damage to your hair.
3. Barrettes
Barrettes are one of the most well-known hair accessories and for a good reason. They offer a quick, easy way to pin your hair back without much thought. Barrettes have been around since the 1800s as a fashionable accessory that’s as equally useful as it is attractive.
Barrettes are usually metal and snap into place using two connected pieces. Like Banana clips, barrettes were popular decades ago but peaked in popularity in the 1990s rather than the 1980s. Also, like banana clips, they are coming back in style.
4. Bobby Pins
Bobby pins are a more functional hair clip than an accessory. These tiny metal pins are usually the length of a needle and have a straight side and a ridged side to grip the hair into place. They also usually have small rubber pieces on the ends to prevent snagging the hair.
Since bobby pins are so small, they are great for holding small sections of hair into place, like holding back bangs or pulling baby hairs on the back of your neck into your ponytail. You can also use a lot of them to create a fancy updo.
Since bobby pins are less of a cute accessory and more of a strategic way to pin your hair back, most people do not want to draw attention to the bobby pins in their hair. For this reason, bobby pins usually come in typical hair colors such as black, dark brown, or blonde.
5. Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips are yet another example of clips that were popular decades ago (this time in the early 2000s) that Gen Z has brought back into popularity. Butterfly clips are one of the cutest and most fun hair clip options on this list.
As their name suggests, they are plastic clips shaped like butterflies that come in various colors. You can even get glittery butterfly clips for an extra girly look. Butterfly clips are the opposite of bobby pins; they don’t have much-holding power.
But they add a fun accessory to any look. They’re great for festivals and parties and bring a pop of color to an otherwise muted outfit. Besides major retailers, you can also find them at trendy stores like Urban Outfitters or American Threads.
6. Claw Clips
Claw clips are yet another hair clip making a resurgence. While they never really went out of style, they are gaining even more traction and have become a fun, classy addition to an outfit.
Claw clips are named as such because they resemble a claw when opened; two toothed clips attach at a hinge in the middle. Claw clips can be as simple as a plain black design, but in recent years claw clips have received a bit of a makeover.
Matte, pastel-colored claw clips are particularly trendy at the moment, but you can find claw clips in all shapes and sizes these days. From glitter claw clips to funky geometric patterns to daisy-shaped round claw clips, there is a design for just about any style.
Claw clips are the perfect balance of function and beauty. They’re incredibly easy to use; just twist your hair to the back of your head and clip it in place with the claw. The result is a chic twist that’s great for the gym, office, or dinner out with friends.
7. Comb Clips
Comb clips are the classiest and most elegant option on this list, with many brides choosing to adorn their hair with comb clips. They are a beautiful choice due to their size and design.
The wide comb bottom allows for gorgeous designs on the top of the clip that will be visible in your hair. Many popular designs for comb clips include pearls, metal flowers, moons, birds, or simple metal twist patterns.
Comb clips are also some of the oldest clips in the world and have been around for centuries. Many women actively seek out vintage comb clips for their charm and beauty.
Because comb clips have intricate designs, they are an expensive option. They are crafted from high-quality metal and are usually quite heavy. Comb clips with precious metals can cost hundreds of dollars.
8. Duckbill Clips
There are two types of duckbill clips. The first is similar to the alligator clip because hairstylists use them to section hair and are relatively simple in their design. They function like alligator clips but have metal instead of plastic. These clips are cheaper than the second type.
The second duckbill clip functions the same as the others but is used more as an accessory. It may include metal flowers or gemstones. This decorative element adds a fun pop to a ponytail, bun, or updo.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some frequently asked questions about hair clips.
What is the use of hair clips?
Hair clips keep hair out of your face, secure a bun, or provide an interesting twist or hairstyle.
What are popular types of hair clips?
While countless hair clips are available, some are more popular than others. Popular hair clips include alligator clips, banana clips, barrettes, bobby pins, butterfly clips, claw clips, comb clips, and duckbill clips.
How do you keep a hair clip from slipping?
You may find certain hair clips falling out if you have fine or shiny hair. A simple solution is to spray your hair clip with hairspray before styling. The hairspray gives just enough traction to keep the hair clip secure.
Do hair clips cause breakage?
If your hair gets stuck in the spring of the clip or you wrap your hair too tightly, clips can damage your hair. Wrap your hair gently and ensure your hair is in the center of the clip. However, if you avoid getting your hair stuck, hair clips are a gentle option for pulling your hair back.
Is a hair clip better than a hair tie?
Hair clips and hair ties serve different purposes. Hair ties have an advantage over hair clips because they are small and can be tucked in a pocket, purse, or worn around your wrist. But if you’re not limited on space or storage, a hair clip may be a better choice because it creates a full ponytail or hairstyle without leaving a weird dent.
So, What Are Hair Clips?
Hair clips are better for your hair than a classic ponytail holder because they do not tear, tug, or break the hair. They also don’t leave an unsightly dent in your hair like a hair tie. Depending on what kind of hair clip you use, you can also elevate your hairstyle or outfit simply by adding a hair clip.
Finally, hair clips are great for folks who want to keep their hair off of their face but do not want to wear their hair up. Be sure to check out some of the other hair clips for sale. Follow the links on this page to explore a whole new styling world!