They’re simple accessories that we take for granted, but where would we be without hair clips? Women and girls all over the world use them every day to tame their tresses and hold their hairstyles in place. Unfortunately, this high demand means that there are a lot of low-quality hair clips out there that look dull and break after only a few uses.
Our buying guide will show you what to look for when shopping, then we’ll count down our favourite hair clips available to buy online at Amazon and John Lewis. Whether you're after a cute hairband for fine hair or a large decorative pin for thick hair, we've got something for everyone on our list! Moreover, we have partnered with Makeup Artist Claire Higgins for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Hair Clips
Whaline
Six Practical Claw Clips Strong Enough to Keep Thick Hair in Place
A qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist. I provide professional makeup services for all occasions, whether it be for a bride on their wedding day or backstage at a photo shoot. I also enjoy teaching through hosting live talks on my social media, masterclass events, and 1-1 training. My favourite style of makeup is most definitely vibrant. I love a colourful eyeshadow palette... or 10!
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Claire is a qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist; she provides professional makeup services for all occasions from bridal to backstage at photo shoots. Claire also teaches masterclass events as well as 1-1 training, and when she gets the chance, enjoys sharing her expertise hosting live talks on her social media. She's a big fan of the vibrant style and loves a colourful palette... or 10!
Keep up-to-date with Claire through her Facebook and Instagram page where you can learn the latest tips and tricks when it comes to makeup application and also get inspired to try new looks!
Whether you're trying to create a specific style or you simply want to keep your mane out of your eyes, the first thing you need to think about when shopping for a clip is your hair type. For fine hair, a smaller pin such as a bobby pin or clasp, which simply slides into the hair, may suffice. A fork-style clip should also make light work of holding your hair up, although it may need readjusting from time to time.
In contrast, hair that's thick, heavy, curly, or just generally more difficult to tame may require something stronger. A claw clip, which can hold a large amount of hair between its teeth, is always a good option. Barrettes and alligator clips are also a firm favourite of those with thicker hair, as they tend not to move once clipped into place.
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Of course, this is just a rough guideline - someone with thicker hair may only require a bobby pin whereas someone with fine hair may need something more substantial, depending on the occasion. Only you know what will work best for your hair!
The most important thing to consider when buying a hair clip is how you intend to wear your tresses. Not only should you think about how much hair your clip needs to hold, but also where it'll be positioned on your head. If you're simply looking to pin as much hair as possible out of the way, you'll need something large and strong like a claw clip to hold your locks on the top or at the back of your head.
For more specific styles, however, you may require something smaller so that you can manipulate different parts of your hair. Here, a series of smaller pins will work perfectly, as they'll enable you to sweep smaller amounts of hair in certain directions and generally allow for much more creativity than one big clip.
If you have oily hair but want to go longer in between hair washes, try out a dry shampoo for oily hair.
While they can be quite small in size and you may think they aren't noticeable when perched on your head, we think it's always worth considering how your hair clip will fit in with the rest of your outfit. In fact, a hair clip in a complementary colour can really tie an outfit together, forming a complete "head to toe" look that's sure to receive compliments.
Finding a hair clip that matches your outfit may be particularly important if you’re attending a formal event such as a wedding. If you can't find one that's the same shade as your dress though, you could also match it to any jewellery that you might be wearing - there are plenty of hair clips available in gold or silver, which will ensure that you look dazzling on the day!
The primary objective of your search for a hair clip should be to find one that holds your hair in your desired position, but you'll likely also be on the lookout for one that’ll stand the test of time. Far too many hair clips break after only a few weeks of usage!
Naturally, sturdier materials such as metal and wood will endure more knocks than less resilient materials like plastic. The latter is not particularly eco-friendly either, so you may want to avoid it for ethical reasons as well as practical ones.
A hair clip’s vulnerability to breakage is also linked to the clasp style, with some clips being more prone to damage than others. For example, claw clips may break at the hinge or lose teeth if made from inferior materials or handled too roughly. Similarly, bobby pins will bend if they're not used carefully. As long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer and handle with care though, your hair clip should last for many years.
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Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | VinBee 3 Pack Large Metal Claw Clips | ![]() | Strong and Stylish Hair Clips That Are Built to Last | |
2 | Kingspikg 20Pcs Pearl Hair Clips | ![]() | Stay on Trend With This Dazzling Collection of Bobby Pins | |
3 | Eyegla Tortoiseshell Celluloid Hair Clips | ![]() | Duo of Tortoiseshell Barrettes for Fine Hair | |
4 | Whaline Strong Hold Matte Butterfly Clips | ![]() | Six Practical Claw Clips Strong Enough to Keep Thick Hair in Place | |
5 | Ivory & Co. Flora Sliver Plated Austrian Crystals Bridal Hair Slide | ![]() | An Elegant Silver-Plated Clip That’s Perfect for Special Occasions | |
6 | Pesonlook Rhinestone Moon and Star Hairclips | ![]() | Diamante Moon and Star Hair Clasp and Bobby Pin Set | |
7 | Lurrose 3- Prong Vintage Style Hair Fork | ![]() | Handcrafted, Wooden Hair Fork | |
8 | TEGEN Medium Hair Claw | ![]() | Steel Made Medium Hair Claw For All Hair Types | |
9 | RC Roche Ornament Curved Hair Clips | ![]() | Colourful and Functional Claw Clips for Daily Wear | |
10 | Lurrose 10 Pieces of Letter Hair Pins | ![]() | Rhinestone Hair Pins for Every Occassion |
We all know how irritating fragile hair clips can be, whether it's a broken tooth or the hinges snapping. Switching to these magnificent metal clips means you avoid this issue, plus they're a sustainable option!
Furthermore, the understated design of these hollow metal clips is totally chic and with a choice of three colours, you'll have a clip to match every outfit. It's not hard to see why these clips have received swathes of glowing reviews on Amazon as they're pretty much flawless - that's why they're our top pick!
Sometimes one hair clip just isn't enough - and with this huge selection of glamorous pins, it doesn't have to be! Stacking hair clips is currently a major fashion craze and pearls are very on-trend for 2022, so you have everything you need here to free your inner fashionista.
With an assortment of pretty muted colours and styles to suit all occasions, there's a hair clip here for every day of the year. It's probably the only collection you'll ever need on your dressing table!
These rectangular clips feature a timeless tortoiseshell design that will add a bit of pizzazz to any outfit. The colour scheme is still subtle though, meaning your hairstyle will remain centre stage.
The barrette design is incredibly simple to use so you'll be able to pin your hair up tidily in seconds. Sadly they're not very wide, meaning they won't be strong enough to support thicker hair. For fine tresses or partial updos, though, they're just the ticket!
The ultimate when it comes to practicality, these large claw clips are strong enough to hold even the thickest of locks out of your face when you're hitting the gym or applying make-up in the morning.
The selection of six colours will allow you to match your hair clip with virtually any outfit, while the non-slip matte material ensures that they're easy to clip in and remove. The only downside is the fact that they're made from plastic, which may break over time.
Looking for the crème de la crème when it comes to hairstyling? Silver-plated and encrusted with crystals, this clip from luxury designers Ivory & Co. is a sure-fire way to bring some elegance to your look.
In fact, it would work wonderfully as a bridal accessory and the gorgeous presentation box means it'd make a lovely gift. It's perhaps a little too expensive to be worn day-to-day, but if you have a special event coming up then this is the perfect purchase!
For some people, hair clips are as much an opportunity to get creative as they are a way of generally jazzing up your look - these magnificent moon and star pins allow you to do both at the same time.
They're not the most practical hair clips, as they won't be able to hold up all of your hair, but it's all about the artistic potential with these pins. Keep it simple with a few clips or add lots and create your own constellation - the possibilities are as endless as the galaxy itself!
The fashion industry has a large part to play in the reduction of plastics and the use of more sustainable materials is essential when it comes to preserving the environment. This handmade wooden hair clip shows us that you don't have to sacrifice style in order to be ethical!
It's super strong and with 3 prongs, it is capable of taming even the thickest locks, while the sleek finish means that it glides smoothly through your hair, preventing breakage. Plus, the vintage design complements the rustic material perfectly. The single downside is that you only get one clip for the price!
The medium hair claw is lovingly handmade in France under a family-run business. The clasp is made from steel to provide years of use and is accompanied by a cotton dust bag to prevent scuff marks.
Size medium is stated for all hair types but is also stocked in sizes large, small and mini in a variety of colours to suit your outfit of choice. In addition, a video hair tutorial is accessible directly on their website.
Functionality doesn't always equal mundanity - with this assortment of pastel-coloured hair clips, you get a selection of accessories that perform well while ensuring that you stand out from the crowd too!
We've chosen the medium size here, but a range of sizes are available to suit every individual. The hinged tooth lock mechanism is secure and guaranteed to hold your hair in place all day. It's just a shame that the fine plastic teeth are prone to breaking.
Those who love to use clothing and accessories to express themselves will snap up these hair clips which spell out fourteen fun words using rhinestones. There's an expression suitable for most days here, and you could even combine words to create your own unique message.
The simple slide mechanism makes these bobby pins easy to use especially for thinner, finer hair, and there's no doubt that they make a bold statement! Unfortunately though, it's one that some may find a little garish.
Written and researched by Ben Willimett
No. 1: VinBee|3 Pack Large Metal Claw Clips
No. 2: Kingspikg|20Pcs Pearl Hair Clips
No. 3: Eyegla|Tortoiseshell Celluloid Hair Clips
No. 4: Whaline|Strong Hold Matte Butterfly Clips
No. 5: Ivory & Co.|Flora Sliver Plated Austrian Crystals Bridal Hair Slide
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