Best Metal Claw Clips

A 2011 Goody Products patent for a resilient claw hair clip describes metal stamping as one possible way to manufacture the designs. That is a useful place to start when I think about a metal claw clip: the material is one detail, and the shape does the holding.

I like a metal claw clip beside fall clothes because it gives a low bun or half-up style a clean finish against wool coats, knits, and leather jackets. If the rest of the outfit has texture, a simple hair shape keeps the hardware from becoming a whole production.

My practical test is to gather your hair as you would for a normal day, secure it with the clip, and put on the coat you plan to wear. If the clip catches on the collar or disappears under it, shift the placement before adding anything else.

Roger Vivier's Broche Vivier crystal-embellished grosgrain hair clip is black, a useful contrast to Saint Laurent's Gold-tone hair clip in gold. LELET NY's Vega Clip Set Of 3 is mother of pearl gold, so this group moves between a dark ribbonlike note and brighter details. If a metal claw clip feels too assertive for a low bun, I would start with one of these hair clips at the side and leave the rest of the hair plain. A wool coat gives the black piece a clear backdrop; a close knit lets the gold read without another shine nearby. What I would skip is piling all three together; one accent is enough.

Jennifer Behr's Gold-tone hairclip brings the gold color, Gucci's Interlocking GG crystal-embellished silver-tone hair clip is listed in silver, and Lovers and Friends' Clark Barrette comes in rhinestone. I would let the barrette take the lead with a ponytail, then keep the silver-tone clip for a french twist when the day calls for a tidier line. A metal claw clip has more visual weight than a small barrette, so this is a nice reminder that the same fall outfit can use different hair shapes. Try the gold-tone detail with a leather jacket and leave the knit plain.

Lié Studio's The Molly gold-plated hair clip gives this grid its gold detail, while Jennifer Behr's Alaris Barrette crystal-embellished silver-tone metal hairclip is listed in silver. Casa Clara's Seaside Clip Set brings a silver shell color to the mix. The small hair pieces invite a half-up style, but I would choose just one for a french twist so the effect stays calm. For a metal claw clip mood without adding another large shape, place a single clip against a wool coat and let the hair itself stay simple. This is the quietest grouping for a day in a soft knit.

Bottega Veneta's Gold-tone hair clip is listed in gold, and Jennifer Behr's Czarina Barrette crystal-embellished silver-tone metal hairclip brings the contrasting silver detail. Ettika's Keep It Simple Claw Clip is the claw shape in this group, with a gold color. I would use the claw clip for a relaxed half-up style, then reserve the barrette for a low bun when I want a smaller accent. A metal claw clip can feel graphic against a leather jacket, so I would skip adding another shiny hair piece. The three shapes give you options without requiring a complicated hairstyle.

Bottega Veneta's Gold-tone hair clip gives the grid a gold detail, Lié Studio's The Molly silver-plated hair clip is listed in silver, and LELET NY's Frankie Stone Claw Clip is turquoise. The contrast is enough on its own, so I would pair just one with a low bun or half-up style. For small hair clips like these, I like a plain knit or wool coat that gives the color room to show. If you are reaching for a metal claw clip, try the turquoise claw shape on an easy ponytail day and leave the second clip for another outfit.

My rule of thumb is to choose the hair shape before the hardware. A claw clip suits a relaxed half-up section, while a barrette or hair clip can make a ponytail or low bun feel more finished. With a wool coat, knit, or leather jacket, one visible detail is usually enough. If a metal claw clip catches on your collar, move it higher or choose a smaller piece; the accessory should work with the outfit, not ask you to keep adjusting it.