How to Use a Claw Clip: 5 Effortless Hairstyles for Every Hair Type
Toni Power
October 10th, 2025
The claw clip is back — but if you’ve ever tried to use one and ended up with tangled hair, a broken clip, or a style that fell apart before you even left the house, you’re not alone.
Most claw clips on the market aren’t designed for real life. They’re too rigid, too small, or too fragile to actually hold your hair comfortably for more than an hour.
At Mello, we set out to change that. Our goal wasn’t just to make another cute accessory; it was to design a comfortable, durable claw clip that could handle every texture, every hair type, and every day. And the best part? Once you understand the right way to use a claw clip — and you’re using one that’s engineered to perform — it becomes one of the easiest, most effortless tools in your routine.
The Secret to Making a Claw Clip Work for You
Most people think claw clips are one-size-fits-all, but the truth is, how you use them depends on two key things:
Your hair type (fine, thick, curly, or straight)
The clip's design and material
A well-designed claw clip should feel secure without digging into your scalp. If it pinches, pulls, or slips, that’s not user error — that’s bad engineering.
The right clip (like the Mello Cloud Clip) bends and flexes with you, distributing pressure evenly while maintaining grip. That’s the difference between a clip that holds your hair and one that holds up through your whole day.
How to Use a Claw Clip: The Basics
Before we jump into styling, start with these essentials:
Prep your hair. Clean, slippery hair can slide right out of a clip. Add a bit of dry shampoo or texture spray for grip.
Position matters. Always start gathering your hair from the nape of your neck — this gives the clip a stable base to hold.
Twist, don't cram. Gently twist or fold your hair into the clip rather than forcing it inside. A good clip will adapt to your movement.
Comfort check. You should be able to lean back, lie down, or drive comfortably. If not, your clip is too rigid.
5 Easy Hairstyles Using a Claw Clip
1. The Classic Twist (Your Everyday Go-To)
If you only learn one claw clip hairstyle, make it this one. It’s quick, timeless, and perfect for work, errands, or post-gym hair.
How to do it:
Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck.
Twist it upward until it coils against your head.
Fold the remaining hair down and secure with your clip.
Adjust the top for volume and balance.
Why it works:
The twist uses your hair’s natural tension for structure, while the clip holds without pulling. Mello’s ergonomic design flattens comfortably against your head — no pressure points, no poking, just hold.
2. The Half-Up Clip (Effortless & Polished)
This one’s perfect when you want a little volume without pulling all your hair back.
How to do it:
Separate the top half of your hair — roughly from temples to crown.
Twist lightly and secure just below the crown with your clip.
Let the rest of your hair fall free.
Why it works:
It gives your face a lift and looks intentional, even when it took less than 30 seconds. Mello’s micro-textured finish grips fine hair without sliding, which is key for this softer style.
3. The Low French Twist (For Thick or Long Hair)
If you’ve ever had a clip pop open halfway through your day, this one’s for you.
How to do it:
Gather hair at the nape of your neck.
Twist upward tightly until the ends fold back down.
Clip vertically to secure the twist.
Adjust for comfort and symmetry.
Why it works:
This twist distributes weight evenly along your scalp. The CloudFlex™ material in Mello’s clip flexes gently with pressure — so even dense or heavy hair stays secure without giving you a tension headache.
4. The Messy Bun Clip (Perfectly Undone)
When you want a “didn’t try, but totally did” kind of look.
How to do it:
Gather your hair into a loose ponytail.
Twist and coil into a soft bun.
Clip across the bun’s center, leaving the ends loose or tucked.
Why it works:
The Cloud Clip’s curved teeth grip even loose texture, creating that effortless “off-duty” look. It’s ideal for casual days, cozy fits, or Sunday hair that still looks chic.
5. The Clipped Pony (Clean and Simple)
This one’s underrated but so good for everyday wear.
How to do it:
Pull your hair back like a low ponytail.
Twist once or twice at the base.
Clip horizontally where the twist meets the nape.
Why it works:
It’s minimal, elegant, and holds like a dream. This one’s great if you’re working from home, heading out for coffee, or need a comfortable look for long drives.
Why Your Claw Clip Choice Matters
The difference between a style that falls flat and one that holds all day isn’t your technique — it’s the clip. Most claw clips are made with rigid, injection-molded plastic that cracks under pressure.
Mello’s Cloud Clip is engineered differently:
CloudFlex™ material: compressible and unsnappable, designed to move with you.
Balanced spring tension: holds firmly for 8+ hours without pulling or pain.
Ergonomic body: flexes under pressure to eliminate scalp digging.
Anti-slip micro texture: keeps hair secure without damage or tugging.
Rust-proof spring: built for durability, not disposability.
That’s why people who switch to Mello often say they can’t go back. It’s not just a better claw clip — it’s a better experience.
Everyday Hair, Elevated
Once you master the basics, you’ll find yourself using your claw clip for everything — morning routines, workouts, Zoom calls, date nights, travel days. It’s one of those accessories that quietly makes your life easier (and your hair look better).
The beauty of the claw clip lies in its simplicity. When it’s done right — with thoughtful engineering, premium materials, and attention to comfort — it becomes a true everyday essential.
That’s exactly what Mello was designed for: effortless beauty that feels as good as it looks.
Meet the Mello Cloud Clip
If you’ve ever taken your hair down mid-day because your clip hurt or couldn’t hold, it’s time to experience what comfort-first design feels like.
