Types of Hair Clips & When to Use Each

Claw, flat, alligator, duckbill, snap, bobby pin, barrette or banana — a plain guide to every type of hair clip and exactly when to reach for each.

The main types of hair clips (and when to use each)

Claw clips

Two comb-like halves on a spring that press together to grip a whole section at once. The everyday workhorse — fast twists, buns and half-up styles on most hair types. Bigger, wider claws suit thick or long hair. Worn loosely they're gentle, but a too-small or too-tight claw can pull and crease (more on whether claw clips damage hair).

Flat (creaseless) clips

Low-profile clips with a flat, ribbed grip that lies close to the head and spreads pressure instead of pinching the hair into a fold. The one to use when you're getting ready — holding hair back for makeup, skincare or sectioning, then taking it out with no dent in your style. Also comfortable for travel and sleek half-up looks.

Alligator clips

Long, pinch-style clips with interlocking teeth and a strong single-hinge grip. Built for sectioning thick or textured hair while you blow-dry, straighten, curl or colour. Functional rather than decorative — they hold a big section firmly and release cleanly.

Duckbill (sectioning) clips

Flat, elongated, bill-shaped clips on a spring. A hairdresser's staple for clean sectioning during blow-drying, straightening and pin curls, because the long flat jaw pins a slice of hair flat to the head without bulk.

Snap and mini clips

Small clips with a simple metal snap closure. Best for fine or thin hair, children's styles, holding back a fringe, or as a visible accent. Gentle and light, but they only hold a small amount of hair.

Bobby pins

Thin U-shaped pins with a ridged side. The finishing tool — tucking away loose strands, anchoring an updo, pinning a braid or a flyaway. Push the ridged (wavy) side towards the scalp for the best grip. Not a clip for holding a whole section, but the quiet hero of most updos.

Barrettes

Bar-shaped clips with a clasp, from plain to heavily decorated. They hold a half-up section, bangs or a side sweep, and double as a decorative piece for occasions. Choose by how much hair you need held — a small barrette won't hold a thick half-up.

Banana clips

Long, curved, U-shaped clips that comb the hair together into a volumised ponytail or updo. Suit thick, long, wavy or curly hair and give a fuller, cascading shape. Less suited to fine hair, which can slip straight through.

Hair clips at a glance

Clip	Best for	Hold	Leaves a crease?
Claw clip	Everyday twists, buns, half-up	Medium–strong	Sometimes
Flat / creaseless clip	Makeup, skincare, sectioning while you get ready	Medium	No
Alligator clip	Sectioning thick hair while styling	Strong	Can
Duckbill clip	Salon-style sectioning, blow-dry, pin curls	Strong	Can
Snap / mini clip	Fine hair, fringes, kids, accents	Light	Rarely
Bobby pin	Securing strands, finishing an updo	Light–medium	No
Barrette	Half-up, bangs, decoration	Medium	No
Banana clip	Volumised ponytails on thick hair	Medium	No

How to choose the right clip

Start with the job, then your hair:

• Putting hair up for the day? A claw clip sized to your hair — bigger for thick or long.
• Getting ready — makeup, skincare, styling? A flat creaseless clip, so your hair doesn't come out dented.
• Sectioning to blow-dry or straighten? Alligator or duckbill clips for a firm, clean hold.
• Fine hair or a fringe? Snap or mini clips, which grip gently without slipping.
• Finishing an updo or taming flyaways? Bobby pins.
• Want it to look decorative? A barrette or an open/embellished claw.

A quick note on hair health

Any clip can pull or crease if it's the wrong size, worn too tight, used on wet hair, or clipped in the same spot every day. Whichever type you pick, size it to hold the hair comfortably, keep the teeth smooth, and take it out before bed. Match the clip to the job and you get a cleaner hold with far less stress on your hair.

More get-ready guides

• Do claw clips damage your hair? — when they're fine and when they're not.
• No-crease hair clips for makeup & skincare — why flat clips don't leave a dent.
• South Asian wedding emergency kit — the full get-ready checklist.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of hair clips?

Claw clips, flat (creaseless) clips, alligator clips, duckbill sectioning clips, snap and mini clips, bobby pins, barrettes and banana clips. Each suits a different job — everyday updos, getting ready, sectioning, fine hair, finishing or decoration.

Which hair clip is best for thick hair?

A large claw clip for an everyday updo, or alligator and duckbill clips for sectioning while you style. Banana clips also suit thick, long hair. Avoid forcing thick hair into a small clip, which pulls and creases.

Which hair clip doesn't leave a dent?

A flat creaseless clip. Its flat, ribbed grip spreads pressure across a wider area instead of folding the hair sharply, so it comes out without a crease, which is why it's the clip to use while getting ready.

What is the difference between alligator and duckbill clips?

Both section hair, but an alligator clip has a shorter, deeper pinch grip for holding thick sections, while a duckbill clip has a long, flat jaw that pins a slice of hair flat to the head — favoured by stylists for clean blow-dry sectioning.

What hair clip is best for fine or thin hair?

Snap or mini clips. They grip gently without the weight or tension of a large claw, so fine hair is less likely to slip out or get pulled.

What's the gentlest type of hair clip?

A flat creaseless clip or a snap clip used loosely. Any clip is gentle when it's the right size and not worn too tight or on wet hair; it's tension and sharp teeth that cause damage, not the clip itself.

How do I use a bobby pin so it actually holds?

Open it, slide it in with the ridged (wavy) side facing the scalp, and cross a second pin over the first for a firmer anchor. The ridges grip the hair better than the flat side.