Have you ever rolled your hair hastily into a bun, grabbed a clip from the bottom of the bag… and realized in the mirror that the result looked more like “trash out” than “top model backstage”? The 2026 version hair clips have been designed to transform this hurried gesture into a real fashion look.
From the streets of New York to TikTok tutorials, claw clips slip into the hair of Hailey Bieber or Sofia Richie Grainge and promise a casual updo that looks straight out of a runway show. It remains to know which clips to choose to obtain this podium effect without spending hours on it.
Why hair clips are a hit for easy updos
The strength of the crab clip lies in its versatility: less traction than a tight elastic band, no marked creases, and an infinite number of shapes for all lengths. Acetate models like those from Emi Jay or RPZL offer solid hold without breaking the fiber, while jumbo versions like The Hair Edit secure the thickest hair in a single gesture.
And then these accessories have real “fashion” power. Between the Lelet NY metal jewelry clips, the flat Teleties formats designed for comfort against a headrest, or the cloud and fruit patterns by Chunks and Adina Eden, a simple bun is transformed into an assertive style detail, even with jeans and a sweatshirt.
The Best Hair Clips for Catwalk-Ready Updos
In terms of selection, the Emi Jay Big Effing Clip ($38, approx. $35) remains the safe bet for most medium to long buns, while The Hair Edit’s Epic Clip ($15, approx. $14) targets thick masses with its extra-large format. About the latter, an editor confides: , explains Emma Aerin Becker in ELLE. For a jewel effect, the Glossy Shell Claw Clip from Lelet NY ($178, approx. $165) uses 14-carat metal; a customer summarizes: , notes a review on the Lelet NY site.
For playful accents, the Adina Eden Fruit Hair Clip Set ($48, approx. $45) allows you to accessorize a fuzzy bun or a half-bun: , says Emma Aerin Becker. The Teleties flat pliers ($13, approx. $12) appeal to those who want to be able to lean back without pain: says a customer on the Teleties website. And for a statement bun, the Large Nimbus by Chunks ($24, approx. $22) focuses on cloud shapes and bright prints: says a user on Sephora.
Achieve a casual bun with a hair clip
For a high bun in the “model off duty” style, gather the hair like a ponytail, twist it upwards into a column then fold the length back on itself before pinching it with large rectangular clips like The Hair Edit. On mid-length hair, a flat low bun is created by smoothing the hair towards the nape of the neck, rolling the tail into a snail shape, then securing the base with medium clips like the Emi Jay.
On fine or bobbed hair, a mini Machete clip or an Adina Eden fruit is enough for a half bun: isolate the upper part, twist it slightly and clip just above the occiput to maintain volume. To prevent the bun from slipping, texturize lightly (salt spray, dry shampoo), choose a size of pliers adapted to the thickness, and check that the spring is firm: the pliers must bite both the twist and the mass of hair pressed against the skull.
Do hair clips damage hair less than elastics?
Yes, a well-positioned clip distributes the pressure and pulls less on the fiber than a tight elastic band, while leaving fewer marks.
Which hair clip to choose for a bun on thick hair?
You need jumbo pliers with long teeth, like The Hair Edit Epic Clip, capable of encompassing the entire mass without forcing.
How to keep a casual bun in place all day with a clip?
Working on lightly textured hair, twist the length firmly, then position the clip to catch the twist and the base.
Sources
- Closer
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