Hair health
Claw clip size guide
One brand's large is another's medium, so we go by length. Five sizes, in inches. Answer two questions to get yours.
Find your size in two questions
1 · How much hair do you have?
2 · How long is it?
Your starting size
XL 4.7 to 5.4 in
For a full updo. Half-up? Go one size down: Large.
Shop XL claw clipsThe short answer
- Fine or thin hair
- Small or Medium · 1.75–3.8 in
- Medium hair
- Medium or Large · 3–4.6 in
- Thick hair
- Large or XL · 3.9–5.4 in
- Very thick or curly
- XL or two clips
Claw clip sizes in inches
We sort every clip by its length, then give it one of five names.
Length = the longest side of the closed clip.
| Size | Length | In cm | Best for | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MiniBangs, half-up | Under 1.75 in< 1.75 in< 4.5 cm | Under 4.5 cm | Bangs, small sections, half-up on fine hair | Shop Mini | |
| SmallHalf-up, short or fine | 1.75 to 2.9 in1.75–2.9 in4.5–7.4 cm | 4.5 to 7.4 cm | Half-up styles, short or fine hair | Shop Small | |
| MediumFine to medium hair | 3 to 3.8 in3–3.8 in7.5–9.9 cm | 7.5 to 9.9 cm | Fine to medium hair, shoulder length | Shop Medium | |
| LargeMedium to thick | 3.9 to 4.6 in3.9–4.6 in10–11.9 cm | 10 to 11.9 cm | Medium to thick hair | Shop Large | |
| XLThick or long hair | 4.7 to 5.4 in4.7–5.4 in12–13.9 cm | 12 to 13.9 cm | Thick or long hair | Shop XL |
Sizes are set in centimeters and the inches are rounded. The length of each clip is given on its product page.
Claw clip size by hair type
For a full updo, with all of your hair in one clip. Find how much hair you have, then how long it is.
| Your hairHair | Above the shouldersAbove shoulders | Shoulder lengthShoulder | LongLong | Very longVery long |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine or thin | Small1.75–2.9 inS | Medium3–3.8 inM | Medium3–3.8 inM | Large3.9–4.6 inL |
| Medium | Small1.75–2.9 inS | Medium3–3.8 inM | Large3.9–4.6 inL | Large3.9–4.6 inL |
| Thick | Medium3–3.8 inM | Large3.9–4.6 inL | XL4.7–5.4 inXL | XL4.7–5.4 inXL |
| Very thick or curly | Large3.9–4.6 inL | XL4.7–5.4 inXL | XL4.7–5.4 inXL | XLor two clipsXL or 2 |
S Small 1.75–2.9 in · M Medium 3–3.8 in · L Large 3.9–4.6 in · XL 4.7–5.4 in
Above the shoulders, the size given is for a small twist or a half-up style. This grid is our own starting point, built from the size advice brands publish and from what buyers report in marketplace reviews. It is not an industry standard: there is none.
For half-up styles, go smaller
A half-up style holds only the top section of your hair. A clip sized for a full updo has too little to grip there.
- Fine or thin hairMini or Small · 2 to 3 in
- Medium hairSmall or Medium · 2 to 3.5 in
- Thick hairMedium · 3 to 3.5 in
Signs of the wrong size
Too small
The clip only closes if you squeeze it, it pops open, or hair escapes at the sides. Go one size up.
Too big
The clip closes easily, then slides down or drags under its own weight. Go one size down, or twist a little tighter.
Between two sizes
With fine or thin hair, take the smaller one. With thick, long or curly hair, take the larger one.
Good to know
Why a length, and not just a name
Claw clip sizes are not standardized. In October 2026 we compared the sizes published by 15 brands and by more than 100 marketplace listings. A 4-inch clip is sold as a medium by some and as a large by others. Clips sold as large run from about 3 in to 6 in. Extra large and jumbo are very often the same 5-inch clip.
So a name tells you little by itself. Every size on this site comes with a length, and that length is what you can compare with a clip you already own.
Claw clip measurements: length, opening, depth
1 · Length. The longest side of the closed clip, from one end to the other. It is the number behind each size name.
2 · Opening. How far apart the teeth go when you squeeze the clip. It tells you how much hair fits in.
3 · Depth. How far the closed clip stands off your head. It is what changes most on a flat clip.
Sellers do not all measure the same way: some call the long side the width. When you compare, compare the longest side.
Types of claw clips
-
Classic claw clip
A curved body with two rows of teeth. The everyday clip, from mini to XL.Two rows of teeth. Mini to XL.
Shop claw clips -
Flat claw clip
A flat back that lies against your head. It usually holds a little less hair than a classic claw of the same length. Good for half-up styles and for leaning back.Lies flat. Good for leaning back.
-
Mini claw clip
Under 1.75 in. For bangs, small sections and half-up styles, often worn two or more at a time.Under 1.75 in. Bangs and small sections.
Shop mini clips -
Metal claw clip
A slim metal body with a polished or matte finish. Heavier than acetate or plastic at the same size.Slim, heavier at the same size.
Shop metal clips -
Shaped claw clip
Flowers and other shapes. Decorative, and mostly in the smaller sizes.Flowers and other shapes. Mostly small.
Shop flower clips -
Octopus clip
A round clip with long curved teeth that wrap around a bun.Long curved teeth wrap around a bun.
Swipe: classic, flat, mini, metal, shaped, octopus
Claw clip size questions
What size claw clip do I need for thick hair?
For a full updo, start with a Large on shoulder-length hair and an XL on long hair, which means 3.9 to 5.4 in. Very thick, curly or very long hair usually needs an XL or two clips.
What size claw clip is best for thin or fine hair?
Smaller than you might think. A Medium, 3 to 3.8 in, holds a full updo on most fine hair, and a Mini or a Small holds a half-up style. A clip that is too big has little to grip and slides down.
What is the difference between XL and jumbo?
On many sites, nothing: both words are used for clips of about 5 in. Here, XL means 4.7 to 5.4 in, our largest size.
How big is a large claw clip?
Here, 3.9 to 4.6 in long, or 10 to 11.9 cm. Elsewhere, clips sold as large run from about 3 in to 6 in, so check the length before you buy.
Is my hair too thick or too long for one clip?
It can be. Very thick, very long hair sometimes needs two clips, or one clip for a half-up style with the rest left down.
What if the size is wrong?
You have 14 days from delivery to return it. The steps are in our help center.
Still not sure? Ask us.
Tell us how thick and how long your hair is, and we will point you to a size.