Hair clips show their value through tension and weight rather than decoration. Clips should stay put without stretching – it’s physics (spring tension vs angles of the teeth wide enough to not catch onto each other, yet narrow enough to get a grip on your hair). Cheap ones will scream at you by shedding in hour, or leaving a huge crease embedded into your hair. Quality clips (many times tipped with horn, acetate or a stronger metal) will maintain their shape and support your hair style all day long without you having to readjust in front of your computer screen. Size/mass ratio is more important than most think – Volume is created by physical length and strong curve when applying claw clips, rather than just sitting on your head. Keep these things in mind and you can’t go wrong. Tip: Strategically place your clips where they will hold your hair, rather than simply throwing them on for aesthetics.
Snaps or smaller clips act as the crown jewel to your whole outfit rather than trying to be center stage. Holding sections of hair at the crown of your head together or containing a wild fringe that just won’t make up it’s mind which side of your face it wants to lay on are exactly what these clips are made for. Long/thick hair?weight is your new best friend – small clips on a giant chunk of hair are never going to stay put till lunch time if your cute for the ‘Gram. When working with placement, you want your clip to look like you intentionally put hair in there, rather than your hair dominating your accessory. Twist claw clips into a messy bun at nape of your neck to look just as trendy with a blazer as you do with a dress. It creates a nice clean shoulder line without the “do I look tired” bouffant bun at the base of your neck. An ornamental clip pinned halfway off centered on an otherwise boring straight style is more noticeable than twenty subtle clips thrown on at random.
Metal clips that reflect light work wonders up against clean sweaters or crisp button ups, acting as that one detail you know someone intentionally placed there. Occasion shall be your guide when clipping away. Matte acrylics, or maybe even a nice horn clip are your best friend for daytime clips and/or when you know you’ll be sitting (and looking down at your computer) all day. Night times are where you should let loose and have some fun. Maybe a sparkly clip or one with a gem in it can be your “nice earrings” when you don’t feel like wearing any. Claw clips shine the most when you’ re at airport layovers and beaches. Not only will they keep your hair off your neck when it’ s sweaty and humid out, but they will make you look put together in the morning. Just remember: Tension, silhouette and embellishment. That’ s what matters.
Top Picks
