This blog post showcases twenty distinct hair clip varieties, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. As I’m based in the UK, my research delved into the diverse range available at prominent retailers like Boots, Superdrug, Claire’s Accessories, and Accessorize. My aim is to help you discover the ideal hair accessory to suit your style. The following post includes images of each clip type, accompanied by insights on which hair textures they best complement.
A companion video also provides a concise overview of the most popular clip names.
20 Different Hair Clip Types and their Names
Plain Bobby Pins
Best Hair Clip for Fine Hair
Bobby pins, the smallest and most uncomplicated type of hair clip, excel at securing fine strands of hair. Their petite size allows them to effortlessly grasp small amounts of hair, making them an excellent choice for pinning back flyaway hairs or wispy bits near the temples, a concern I’ve personally faced with my thin locks. For those seeking straightforward and no-frills bobby pins, I discovered suitable options at Claire’s and Superdrug, available in both brown and black (as depicted below).
These humble hair accessories are versatile enough to work well with various hairstyles, including the classic French twist.
Useful articles on Bobby Pins
Mastering the art of bobby pin usage requires a combination of technique, creativity, and practice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of securing your hairstyle with bobby pins, covering not only the basics but also showcasing 25 innovative ways to incorporate them into your daily look. From sleek up-dos to effortless everyday styles, discover how these humble hair accessories can elevate your beauty routine and add a touch of elegance to any coiffure.
Sparkly or Metallic Hair Grips
When it comes to small hair clips like bobby pins, you don’t have to stick to plain colours. There’s a vast array of thin hair grips that can add a touch of personality to your look. You might find yourself drawn to sparkly hair grips, metallic ones, or those featuring shapes, patterns, and coloured stones. I discovered a range of bright colors and bobby pins made from various materials, offering plenty of options for those who want to express themselves through their hairstyles.
For instance, you could opt for pastel-hued sparkly hair grips that shimmer in the light or metallic ones with a sleek finish. Some retailers also offer bobby pins adorned with pearls and coloured stones, giving you the opportunity to create a truly one-of-a-kind look. When I was researching, I found that Accessorize had an impressive selection of unique hair clips, featuring designs and materials that set them apart from the rest.
Superdrug’s Studio London range also offers a wide variety of small hair grips with different patterns and stones, while Boots is known for its high-quality options. Overall, there are plenty of options available to help you find the perfect hair clip to suit your style.
Banana Clips
The characteristic feature of banana hair clips is their curved shape, measuring around 5-6 inches in length. The two-pronged design boasts teeth between the sides that efficiently gather and secure hair strands. This ingenious mechanism allows for effortless styling, perfect for thick, textured or curly locks.
Banana clips enjoyed immense popularity during the 1990s and excel at creating sleek side buns or ponytails with ease.
One major advantage is their non-invasive nature; metal hinges are absent, thereby eliminating hair snagging concerns.
During my search for banana clips, I discovered suitable options at Claire’s and Superdrug. Both stores offer alternatives to traditional hair ties, as depicted below.
Useful Articles on Banana Clips
Discover a world of effortless style with these 10 quick and easy banana clip hairstyles. From simple yet chic updos to trendy and playful looks, we’ve got you covered.
Snap Clips
Snap clips, also known as contour clips, offer a versatile solution for all hair types – including thick and long hair. These clips provide a way to keep your hair off your face, and they come in various sizes capable of holding small strands or larger chunks of hair. The array of snap clip sizes ensures that there’s something suitable for everyone. Snap clips often feature vibrant colours and patterns, making them a popular choice among young children.
In fact, Claire’s boasts an impressive selection of snap clips with unique designs and colours. This wide range of options caters to kids’ preferences and makes it easier to find the perfect match. The diversity of snap clip designs doesn’t stop there. You can also find specialized products for children, catering specifically to their tastes. In addition to these fun and playful options, metallic and patterned snap clips are available at Accessorize.
For those who prefer more understated designs, Superdrug and Boots offer simple and discreet snap clips.
Claw Clips
While jaw clips often get confused with claw clips, there are distinct differences between the two. Claw clips, for instance, bring their teeth together, whereas jaw clips typically feature overlapping teeth that extend further apart. Additionally, jaw clips tend to be longer than claw clips.
Despite the similarities, claw clips remain a popular choice among hair accessory enthusiasts.
Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, these practical clips are well-suited for keeping large sections of hair out of your face. Their versatility also makes them a great option for both long and short hair, allowing you to create various hairstyles with ease.
To illustrate the variety of claw clips on offer, I’ve included photographs below showcasing some of my finds from Claire’s, Accessorize, Boots, and Superdrug.
Useful Articles on Claw Clips
Jaw Clips
Jaw clips, characterized by their crossed teeth, are a popular choice for managing thicker or longer hair. Unlike claw clips, which are shorter and more suitable for fine or medium-length locks, jaw clips offer additional hold and grip due to their length and unique design. As such, they’re an ideal option for individuals with coarser or longer hair that requires extra traction to keep it in place.
Alligator Clips
When it comes to keeping fine hair out of your face, alligator hair clips are an excellent choice. Their ability to hold a significant amount of hair with ease makes them a staple in many people’s hair accessories arsenal. Not only do they provide a sleek and polished finish, but they’re also incredibly easy to use. If you’re looking for something simple yet effective, the two options below might be just what you need. The first is available at Claire’s, while the second can be found at Boots.
French Barrette
I have a special fondness for hair barrettes from my teenage years. They’re versatile and can be used to create half-ponytail styles or sleek updos. The designs vary, but they all feature a single piece of metal at the back with a hinge that secures the hair in place. While I relied heavily on these clips when I was younger, I’ve found that as my hair has thinned over time, they no longer hold as well. In fact, I think French barrettes are better suited for longer or thicker locks.
If you have fine or thin hair like mine, you might find these clips don’t do much to keep your strands in place. The four photos below show the various barrettes I came across at Claire’s, Accessorize, and Superdrug.
Butterfly Clips
In the 1990s, butterfly hair clips enjoyed a surge in popularity, becoming a staple accessory for many. While they may not be capable of holding an abundance of hair, their compact design makes them ideal for securing small sections of braided or twisted locks. This allows for the creation of understated, elegant styles using just one clip, or more elaborate looks when multiple butterflies are strategically placed along the length of the hair.
Useful Articles on Butterfly Clips
Unleash your creativity by incorporating butterfly clips into your hairstyle routine! Not only are these versatile accessories easy to use, but they can also add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to any look. With their versatility in mind, we’ll explore some stylish ways to wear butterfly clips.
Comb Hair Pins
When it comes to securing the top portion of your locks, comb hair pins can be a great option. However, in my younger years, I found that they were better suited for thicker hair types. That being said, there are smaller versions available specifically designed for fine or shorter hairstyles. Interestingly, many of these smaller combs feature a tortoiseshell color that could complement darker brunette tones nicely.
Pearl Hair Clips
Pearl-embellished hair accessories have garnered widespread popularity, prompting me to dedicate a section to this stylish trend. These elegant adornments can be found in various forms, including snap clips, hair grips, and French barrettes. Their versatility has made them a favorite among brides, individuals looking to add a touch of sophistication to their daily style, and those seeking the perfect accessory for special occasions.
The following photographs showcase some of the captivating pearl-inspired designs I came across.
Duckbill Clips or Beak Clips
When it comes to styling and colouring, many hairdressers swear by duckbill clips – small, beak-shaped tools that expertly section off fine or thin strands of hair. The pointed tip allows for precise grasping, making them a go-to choice for delicate locks. But their utility doesn’t stop there: these clips are also perfect for securing stray hairs while applying products at home or styling with straighteners.
As someone who’s had the pleasure of using them, I can attest to their practicality – they provide a secure hold and keep pesky strands out of your face, making them an indispensable addition to any beauty routine.
Geometric Shapes
Throughout my experience with various hair clips, I’ve explored several geometrically-shaped options that exude a sense of simplicity and minimalism. These metallic clips often feature straightforward patterns and secure at the back with a simple metal bar. While they may not be particularly effective at holding large amounts of hair, they’re ideal for creating a polished, put-together hairstyle perfect for special occasions.
One of the most impressive aspects of these clips is their versatility – they suit all hair textures and colours, and can be found in an array of shapes to match individual styles. The accompanying photograph showcases one such geometric-shaped clip I discovered at Claire’s, demonstrating its sleek design.
Bow Hair Clip
Bow hair clips, also known as hair ribbon clips, experienced a surge in popularity during the 1990s and have continued to be a favorite among young girls today. For those seeking to add a touch of flair to their hairstyle, bow hair clips are an excellent option. They come in a range of sizes and colors, allowing users to easily incorporate them into their daily look. The image below showcases some stunning sparkly bow clips that can be found at Claire’s.
Flower Hair Clip
Floral hair accessories have gained immense popularity, which is why I’ve dedicated a separate category to them. A blast from the past, floral hairstyles were all the rage in the 1960s. Today, you can discover an array of flower-adorned hair clips, ranging from claw clips to barrettes. Take a look at the image below, showcasing a beautiful flower hair clip I came across at Accessorize.
Square Clips
The trend towards square-shaped hair clips has gained momentum recently, offering hairstylists and individuals alike a versatile styling tool. These clips often feature a claw design, allowing for the creation of multiple looks. The small squares depicted in the accompanying image can be utilized to craft a half ponytail, while larger variants are ideal for achieving a low ponytail.
Heart Clip
While browsing for hair clips, I stumbled upon an array of heart-shaped designs. One particular find caught my attention – beautiful butterfly-inspired heart clips at Accessorize. These charming accessories can be used to keep braids or twists in place, or to neatly pin back bangs for those with fine or thin locks.
Mini Jaw Clip
For those with fine or thin hair, like myself, mini jaw clips can be a game-changer. These small yet mighty accessories are perfect for gently pulling away stray strands from your face or creating a stylishly undone bun. I’ve had the pleasure of discovering various types on the market, including edgy metallic designs and timeless black (as depicted below).
Tortoiseshell Clips
Tortoiseshell designs have taken the world of hair accessories by storm, particularly in the realm of comb clips and barrettes. A stunning example of this trend can be seen in the photograph that follows, showcasing a beautiful tortoiseshell barrette design. While they complement a wide range of hair colors, it’s no surprise that tortoiseshell creations have a special affinity for brunettes, who often find themselves drawn to their rich, earthy tones.
Styling Clips
When it comes to hairstyling, styling clips are an essential tool in a hairdresser’s arsenal. These clips aren’t designed for creating hairstyles themselves, but rather for holding sections of hair in place while applying products or dyes. If you regularly use hair straighteners or separate your hair into sections for product application, these clips can be a huge help.
Boots offers non-slip styling clips that will securely hold your hair in place, making them perfect for thicker or longer locks. However, if you have fine hair like myself, small duckbill clips might be a better option, as they work just as effectively for styling purposes.
Further Reading on Hair Clip Types
This blog post initially showcased the twenty most prevalent types of hair clips available in stores. While this comprehensive list provides an excellent starting point, there are numerous other options to explore depending on your desired look or occasion. For instance, you may be seeking hair accessories specifically designed for a special event like Christmas or a wedding, or perhaps you have curly hair and require clips that complement its natural texture.
The following articles offer curated collections of hair clips tailored to meet the needs of different occasions and hair types.
