Oh, the humble claw clip! I remember first really noticing them back when my mom had her salon. Clients would pop one in just to keep hair out of their face while waiting, but then they’d leave with it still in because it looked so chic without trying too hard. It always struck how something so simple could be so versatile. That’s why I’m so excited to share these 23+ effortless messy claw clip hairstyles with you today. These looks are all about being quick and easy, perfect for when you don’t have a lot of time but still want to look put together. Trust me, after years of playing with hair, from sweeping floors in the salon to styling for shoots, I know a thing or two about getting great results without a fuss. Claw clips are a total game changer for achieving those perfectly imperfect looks.
24 Easy Messy Claw Clip Hairstyles
Okay, let’s dive into the fun part! I’ve pulled together 24 of my favorite easy messy claw clip hairstyles for you. These are all looks I’ve tried myself or seen work wonders in the salon. We’ll start with a super simple one that’s always a winner and work our way up to some slightly different twists. Trust me, there’s a look here for every hair type and length.
24. The Quick Half-Up Twist
This is my go-to when I need something fast. Just grab the top half of your hair, give it a quick twist, and secure it with a medium-sized claw clip at the back of your head. It works best for medium length hair that isn’t super thick. To make it look intentionally messy, pull out a few small pieces around your face and loosen the twist slightly before clipping.
23. Low Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
For a relaxed vibe, gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist it loosely into a bun, and secure it with a claw clip. Let some pieces fall around your face for that soft, messy look. This works great for both fine and thick hair. If you have stubborn loose strands, a tiny bit of hairspray on your fingertips can help coax them into place.
22. Messy High Ponytail
Who says you need an elastic for a high ponytail? Sweep your hair up high, twist it once or twice, and clip it with a strong claw clip. It gives a cool, effortless look that’s perfect for a casual day out. This style looks amazing on younger folks or anyone wanting a playful vibe. To add volume, backcomb the ponytail section lightly before clipping.
21. Side-Swept Pin
Sometimes, all you need is a little something to keep hair out of your eyes. Take a small section from one side, sweep it back across your temple, and secure it with a cute, small claw clip. This is perfect for brunch or a quick coffee run. A little texturizing spray on the section before clipping can help it hold better.
20. Braided Accent with Clip
Adding a little braid makes a simple clip look special. Braid a small section of hair near your temple or part, pull it back, and secure it with a small claw clip alongside the rest of your hair. It adds a touch of detail without being complicated. To make the braid look fuller, gently pull apart the loops before securing.
19. The Double Twist
This one is a bit more playful. Divide the top section of your hair into two smaller sections. Twist each section away from your face, then bring them together at the back and secure with a claw clip. It works well for shoulder-length hair or longer. If your twists tend to unravel, a light mist of hairspray before twisting helps.
18. Loose Waves with Clip
If you have natural waves or curls, let them shine! Just gather the top half of your loose, wavy hair and secure it with a claw clip. It keeps hair off your face while showing off your texture. This look enhances all hair textures. To maintain the wave pattern, avoid brushing your hair too much before clipping.
17. Textured Low Ponytail
Give a basic low ponytail some life. Gather your hair loosely at the nape of your neck. Before clipping, spray some texturizing spray throughout the length. Twist the hair once and secure with a claw clip. This works great for adding body to fine hair. When securing the clip, make sure you’re not pulling too tightly on your scalp.
16. The Crown Twist
Want a little height? Take sections of hair from the crown of your head, twist them loosely toward the back, and secure them with a claw clip. This adds a nice lift and looks elegant yet effortless. It works particularly well with hair that has some natural body. For extra height at the crown, gently tease the roots before twisting.
15. Half-Up Bun
Combine two classics! Gather the top half of your hair as if for a half-up ponytail. Twist it into a messy little bun and secure it with a claw clip. This is great for medium to long hair. To make the bun look full, don’t twist it too tightly; keep it loose and airy.
14. The French Twist Alternative
Get the look of a French twist without the fuss. Sweep your hair to one side, twist it upward loosely, and secure the twist vertically along the back of your head with a long claw clip. The messier, the better for this look! This style is perfect for a slightly more dressed-up casual event. Don’t worry about tucking every single strand in; let some fall out for that undone feel.
13. Pulled-Back Bangs
Growing out bangs can be awkward, right? Use a small claw clip to simply pull them back off your face. It’s a quick fix that looks cute too. This is ideal for anyone with bangs or short layers around the face. To keep the clip secure, make sure you grab enough hair but not so much that it pulls.
12. The Stacked Clip Look
This is a fun way to use smaller clips. Gather a section of hair at the back of your head, perhaps a half-up section. Instead of one large clip, use two smaller ones stacked one above the other to secure it. This works well for thicker hair that might need extra hold. Try to place the clips evenly for a balanced look.
11. Asymmetrical Pin-Back
Add a little edge to your look. Take a larger section of hair from one side of your head and sweep it back, securing it with a claw clip off-center. This can really highlight your jawline or cheekbones. It complements many face shapes. For a touch of glamour, add a slight curl to the ends of the hair left down.
10. The Low Knot
Think of this as a super relaxed bun. Gather your hair into a low ponytail position. Tie your hair into a loose knot or two, then secure the knot with a claw clip right over it. This works best for medium to long hair. Let some ends stick out from the knot to enhance the messy look.
9. Half-Up Braided Crown
This adds a bohemian touch. Create two small braids, one on each side near your temples. Pull them back and secure them together at the back of your head with a claw clip. It’s lovely for hair with a bit of natural wave or texture. Keep the braids loose and slightly undone for the best effect.
8. The Messy Loop
This is similar to a bun but even easier. Gather your hair as if for a ponytail. Instead of pulling it all the way through, create a loop with the ends sticking out, and secure the loop against your head with a claw clip. Hair that isn’t too slippery holds this style well. Don’t try to make the loop perfect; the messier it is, the more effortless it looks.
7. Twisted Side Ponytail
Sweep all your hair to one side. Twist the hair loosely from the nape up towards your ear, then secure it with a claw clip placed vertically along the twist. It gives the effect of a side ponytail without an elastic. This style is great for a date night or evening out. A little strategic bobby pin can help keep the side-swept hair in place.
6. The High Knot Alternative
For a higher messy look, gather your hair on top of your head. Tie it into a loose knot and secure it with a claw clip underneath or around the knot. This works best for medium to long hair. Gently pull on sections around the knot to add volume and make it look more undone.
5. Pulled-Through Bun
Here’s a trick for a fuller messy bun. Put your hair in a low elastic ponytail, but on the last pull-through, only pull the hair halfway, creating a loop. Secure this loop against your head with a claw clip. This technique adds instant volume, especially for finer hair. Let the ends sticking out of the elastic loop stay messy.
4. The Half-Up Pull-Through
Use the same pulled-through technique for a half-up style. Gather the top section of your hair into an elastic, pull it halfway through on the last wrap, creating a loop. Secure this loop with a claw clip just below the elastic. This is perfect for medium to long hair. Add some texture spray to the ends left down for extra style.
3. Twisted Low Bun
Instead of just knotting, try twisting. Gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist it tightly or loosely depending on your preference, and then coil the twist into a bun. Secure the bun with a claw clip. This works well for hair that holds a twist easily. Make sure the clip is snug enough to prevent the bun from coming loose.
2. The High Twisted Bun
Take the twisted bun idea higher up on your head. Gather your hair into a high ponytail position, twist it, and coil it into a bun. Secure it with a claw clip. This looks great on younger individuals or for a sporty, casual look. Delicately loosen sections of the bun after clipping for that perfect messy finish.
1. The Effortless Claw Clip Bun
This is the queen of quick messy styles, and my absolute favorite. Gather your hair as if for a low ponytail. Twist the entire length of your hair loosely. Bring the twisted hair up against the back of your head and secure it vertically with a large claw clip, letting the ends fan out over the top. It’s incredibly quick, works for most hair lengths (especially medium to long), and gives that perfect undone look with minimal effort. It’s my number one for a reason!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a claw clip if I have short hair?
Absolutely! You might not be able to do a full bun, but smaller claw clips are great for pulling back sections. Try using a small clip to pin back just your bangs or front pieces. You can also use tiny clips to secure mini twists or braids on the sides. It’s all about finding the right size clip for your hair length and density.
How do I make my messy claw clip bun stay in place all day?
Finding the right size claw clip is key. If your hair is thick, you’ll need a larger, sturdier clip. If it’s fine, a medium one might work better. Adding some texture spray or dry shampoo before you twist and clip gives the hair something to grip onto. Also, make sure you’re catching enough hair in the clip when you secure it.
Will using claw clips damage my hair?
Used correctly, claw clips shouldn’t damage your hair. The main thing is to avoid pulling too hard when you’re putting the clip in or taking it out. Don’t yank on it! Make sure the clip isn’t too tight on your scalp. If your hair is getting caught or snagged, try a different style or a clip with smoother edges.
Conclusion
See? Claw clips are amazing for creating so many different messy looks without a lot of fuss. Don’t be afraid to play around with these styles and find what works best for your hair. Whether you love a quick twist, a messy bun, or something in between, there’s an effortless messy claw clip hairstyle waiting for you. Go ahead, grab a clip and experiment!
